Thanks to technological breakthroughs, the days of detailed reporting and laborious documentation in the healthcare business are over. Today, the healthcare industry has embraced electronic medical history recording, patient care technology, health monitoring gadgets, and other game-changing technological tools. The main reason for such acceptance is the ease of accessibility, decreased human error, and saving time.
Besides, some inventions are beneficial in integrating patients’ mental and physical health care, which is an urgent necessity. This is because physical and mental health is intertwined. Just addressing physical disorders does not address mental ailments and vice versa. Treating both of them is the key to long-term wellness. Let’s see how modern technology has altered nursing practices and improved general well-being.
1. Telehealth
Telehealth is highly beneficial for individuals who cannot visit a clinic or hospital for several reasons. Telehealth applications allow patients to seek treatment from doctors and nurses from the comfort of their own homes via video calls. Doctors virtually analyze the patient’s condition, inspect visual symptoms, and prescribe medicine and other treatment. If the doctor feels the necessity to treat the patient in person, he suggests the patient visit the facility; otherwise, the hospital trip is avoided.
2. Smart beds
Smart beds provide patients with much-needed care, comfort, safety, and security. They keep the nurses up to speed on the patient’s behaviors and assists them in keeping track of vital signs, BMI, and patient activity. They also aid in finding new behavioral patterns for illness diagnosis. Smart beds save nurses time by allowing them to regulate everything with a few clicks.
3. Electronic health records
Electronic health records have replaced the age-old practice of filing patient data. The digitalized recording and maintenance of delivered patient care allows health care providers and even patients to access the information anytime, anywhere.
This improves accuracy and saves time, resulting in better patient care services. The only bothering thing is the privacy problem, which is, once again, trivial. This is because the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 mandates healthcare institutions to preserve the privacy and security of electronic healthcare.
4. Portable monitors
Portable monitors allow nurses to monitor patients while they are on the go. They enable patients to check vital indicators such as ECG, blood sugar level, pulse rate, etc. All the data is then saved on a primary monitor, which notifies nurses of an emergency.
This makes it easier to keep examining and tracking the patient’s status frequently, boosting general effectiveness. Additionally, these devices also notify medical personnel when vital signs are alarming, potentially saving a life. When nurses are liable for many patients at the same time, digital monitors are pretty handy.
5. Wearable devices
These days, smartwatches are more than simply a fashion statement or a sign of royalty. In fact, these, along with other wearable health gadgets, have been shown to save lives. Smartwatches enable users to track their health metrics, such as oxygen saturation, sleep, respiration, heart rate, etc.
Additionally, because there is no miscommunication, smartwatches eliminate the risk of human mistakes. These devices keep patients informed about their health and motivate them to make lifestyle changes. Also, when they notice even slight changes in health measures, they seek medical attention immediately. This type of early diagnosis reduces unpleasant health problems and saves lives.
6. Automated IV pumps
Automated IV pumps help make quick changes, such as increasing or decreasing medication dosage and drip volumes. It enables the patient to adjust pain medications as needed. It also provides proper nourishment to the patient at the correct time. Because drugs, drips, meals, and pain medications are all regulated automatically, the likelihood of human mistakes is minimized.
7. Centralized command centers
This is an incredible idea concept that has increased the operational efficiency of health care institutions. This, in turn, has resulted in enhanced patient care outcomes. It essentially assists physicians and nurses in managing supply and capacity. This informs the doctor and nurses about room availability, patient needs, OR schedules, etc. The quick access to information further aids in making quick decisions and avoiding delays. Centralized command centers operate using software tools that provide real-time updates.
Technology can be a problem in specific disciplines, but it is unquestionably beneficial in the healthcare industry. It makes boring and repetitive tasks easier and faster, allowing healthcare workers to focus on crucial duties. Patient recovery rates have risen due to error-free treatment and modern comforts.
Additionally, continual health monitoring has motivated individuals to exercise and eat properly, preventing illnesses such as obesity and diabetes. Finally, it saves lives by recognizing dangerous diseases beforehand. There will be many more technological advancements that will benefit the health sector.
