Technology is one of the key tools shaping the global healthcare sector. Innovations have made healthcare more accurate, accessible and efficient.
Advanced healthcare systems driven by technology and artificial intelligence (AI) include digital record keeping, wearable devices and telehealth services.
Read on as we assess some ofthe ways technology is improving healthcare systems in three different regions, starting with the United States.
Smart Technology in the US
Although the US healthcare system is complicated,the government commits a large amount of funding into technology to ensure people receive the best possible care.
One of the tech innovations that is now making inroads is the concept of smart hospitals. This includes devices that help to create a fully connected healthcare ecosystem, which involves medical facilities andhouseholds.
Remote monitoring technology, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches and smart rings, allow individuals to track their medical status on a daily basis. This is particularly handy for people managing serious health conditions.
Rather than going in for routine check-ups, these devices allow medical professionals to access patient data on heart rate, oxygen levels, irregular rhythms and other vital signs.Biosensors also provide real-time updates on temperature, respiration and other key indicators.
Technology has also impacted how emergency care is delivered. In many cities across the US, ambulances are equipped with digital communication systems that link directly to hospitals.
Aside from life-saving tools, paramedics can communicate with fellow medical professionals en route through video calls and share patient data in real-time.
This helps to make sure the hospital is already prepared to receive a patient and start treatment immediately. It could easily be the difference between life and death during an emergency.
Making Healthcare Accessible in Australia Through Telehealth
Australia provides a different perspective on how healthcare is delivered. The size of the country has traditionally made healthcare delivery more complicated than it needs to be.
As one of the largest countries in the world, people living in remote communities often struggle to access high-quality healthcare.However, telehealth has helped to bridge the gap.
One of the standout providers in Australia is Qoctor, an online general practice service that has been on an upward trajectory since it was launched in 2016.
Qoctor was built by a team of general practitioners (GPs) looking to make medical care faster, more affordable and more accessible. This impartial Qoctor review highlights just how comprehensive and patient-focused its services have become.
Qoctor offers a wide range of services that cater to different patients, bringing quality care directly to their doorstep.Patients can acquire prescriptions, specialist referrals, pathology test requests andmedical certificates through a secure online platform.
Unlike some telehealth providers, Qoctor provides solutions to health issues such as child asthma and allergies.They also provide bulk-billed mental health care plans, which isuseful for patients who struggle with the stigma usually associated with meeting a medical professional in person.
Qoctor is also incredibly affordable. Many of its services are priced well below those of its competitors, and bulk-billed mental health plans are free.
It is perfect for Australians who are looking for a budget-friendly health plan, making sure that cost doesnot become a barrier to essential care.
Digital Records and AI Powering the UK Healthcare Sector
Technology has had a similar impact on the healthcare system in the United Kingdom (UK), although the focus is mostly on systems that make it more precise and effective.
The UK has a publicly funded National Health Service (NHS) that serves millions of people daily. But tools that reduce errors, speed up diagnoses and empower patients have become the focal point.
One of the most fundamental changes in the UK healthcare system is the introduction of Electronic Patient Records (EPRs). This is a digital record that collates a patient’s medical history into a single system.
These records lift a huge burden off the shoulders of medical professionals, allowing them to make decisions with a full understanding of the patient’s background.
EPRs are being incorporated into healthcare systems across the UK. Not only does this ensure continuity of care, but it also reduces mistakes and unnecessary delays.
AI is also making waves in the UK healthcare sector. In areas such as radiology, AI algorithms are used to analyse scans with incredible speed and accuracy. That allows medical teams to diagnose patients faster and get them on the necessary treatment early. AI also reduces mistakes by providing a second pair of eyes that helps clinicians make difficult decisions.
