How is hi-tech transforming the healthcare industry?

The healthcare industry is undergoing a radical change, that too at lightning speed, with technology leading the change. While there are other factors also contributing to this change, technology stands out as the top one, making care more efficient, faster, and accessible.

This blog talks about how hi-tech and digital transformation is helping the healthcare industry improve patient outcomes, simplify operations, and expand accessibility. If this sounds like your interest, go on reading. Maybe it'll change how you view the future of healthcare to be.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

AI has taken a significant place in healthcare, supporting doctors and providers to make accurate diagnoses and predict patient outcomes beforehand, and also reducing the likelihood of errors (which can otherwise cost you an arm and a leg in the medical industry). Diagnostics is not the only field where AI is making a difference, though. Today, AI systems can process huge reams of data fast and efficiently, spotting patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed by the human eye. For example, in diagnostics, AI-based systems can help identify abnormalities in medical images such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.

A 2020 study by the JAMA Network found AI showed tremendous promise in diagnosing certain conditions; for example, it detected lung cancer in CT scans more precisely than radiologists. The speed and accuracy with which AI makes diagnoses mean doctors are able to diagnose conditions sooner, leading to quicker treatments and better patient outcomes. It's almost like having a second set of highly trained eyes looking over the shoulder of a doctor to catch problems before they start.

It's the digital age, and Salesforce consulting services are helping healthcare providers bring in the power of AI to bring predictive analytics and automated processes into the daily operations of healthcare. Combining AI-driven insights with CRM systems helps health organizations increase patient engagement, simplify operations, and optimize care delivery at every touchpoint.

Wearable Health Devices: Putting Health in Your Hands

Now, you might already be aware of fitness trackers like Fitbit or smartwatches that are used to count steps and track heart rate. But, these wearables are becoming more than that, they are evolving as a tool that can be used to manage your long-term health. 

Devices like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are there for managing your diabetes. How? Using, their monitoring system to track your glucose levels in real time, providing both patients and doctors with continuous insights into their health. This regular monitoring enables doctors to adjust the patient’s treatment accordingly before any big problem arises, which can prevent emergency situations that might otherwise go unnoticed. A study by The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that CGMs significantly improved blood sugar control in patients with diabetes, reducing hospital rounds, admissions, and complications.

Wearables also help people to check vital signs, which include pulse rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, hence providing both doctors and patients with a synopsis of the overall health of an individual. Continual monitoring of the body helps identify problems early on before they begin to flare up. A device like that acts as an early warning system in most spectrums, alerting users and health practitioners of possible risks to their health.

Telemedicine: Bringing Healthcare to Your Doorstep

Telemedicine, or remote healthcare, has seen tremendous growth, especially in the last few years. With telemedicine, patients no longer need to travel long distances to receive care. Instead, they can connect with healthcare professionals through video calls or digital platforms.

This technology has been a game-changer, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare providers can be limited. A study by Health Affairs in 2021 highlighted that telemedicine has expanded access to care, particularly in underserved regions, making healthcare more accessible to millions who might have otherwise faced barriers.

But it’s not just about convenience. Telemedicine has proven to be effective in managing chronic diseases. Patients with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension can check in with their healthcare providers remotely, receiving advice, adjustments to treatment plans, and regular follow-ups. This reduces the need for in-person visits, making healthcare more accessible and less stressful.

The Impact on Healthcare Efficiency and Costs

Integration of technology into health care makes the systems more effective, hence better patient care. Automation of admin tasks, such as scheduling, billing, and data entry, saves time spent on non-medical tasks and diverts them from what they should be originally doing—providing efficient health care. This improves the overall efficiency of hospitals and clinics.

This is because, in the long run, such technological advancement reduces the expenses of healthcare by a great deal. Preventive care tools—like wearables that track vital signs—make it possible for problems to be caught early on and therefore avoid costly emergency treatments. McKinsey & Company, in a 2021 report, alluded to the fact that telemedicine and digital health tools can save the US healthcare system up to $250 billion annually by cutting out unnecessary hospital visits and bettering care management. 

When health care is more efficient, better use of resources results; treatments become affordable, and it really is a great experience for both the patients and the providers.