Published on: 15-Apr-2022
Technology is still advancing. New solutions and capabilities are introduced on an almost yearly basis. It has transformed how countless businesses, from virtually every sector, operate.
Companies have been able to improve their customer service. Businesses can ensure that customers receive an exceptional level of care when they require it. The services and products they offer are at higher standards due to the extensive capabilities technology provides. Business leaders can deliver more innovative solutions to satisfy their customers.
Advancements in technology have also impacted the healthcare industry. It is one industry that has had one of the most noticeable changes due to technology’s advancing capabilities. Here are a few ways technology has impacted the healthcare industry.
Ways Technology Has Impacted Healthcare
Technology has been influential in the development and transformation of most industries. In healthcare, it has played an integral role in the advancements of countless medical discoveries and breakthroughs.
Medical treatments for certain diseases and illnesses are proving more effective. Treatment options are increasing, meaning patients have a wider choice about which one will be the most effective for them.
Technology has had a tremendous impact on the healthcare industry. The list of how it has had a positive result is endless, but these are some of the top ways.
Ability to Alter Genes
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats or CRISPR is a powerful tool that researchers use to modify gene function and DNA sequencers. It is a tool that is becoming more widespread due to its advanced capabilities. The innovative method has been a subsequent result in the advancements of technology. CRISPR’s main advantage is that it is simple and efficient. It reduces the time needed to modify the targeted genes compared to other gene targeting technologies.
Those that want to learn more can take a CRISPR course from Harvard Online. It offers an introduction to CRISPR and gene editing applications. This innovative application allows medical professionals to identify specific parts of a gene, and then alter them if needed. As such, this technique is revolutionizing the world of medicine. The Harvard gene editing applications online short course is ideal for those that operate within the biotechnology field. It will enable them to improve their communication ability with those working within their area. The course will also highlight the advantages of CRISPR application and revolutionize the medical field and beyond.
Access To Education
The Harvard gene editing applications course is one of the many common ways people can gain access to recent medical information, news, and updates about the healthcare industry.
It is increasingly common for universities and educational providers to offer courses online. They allow participants to complete the course independently and at a suitable pace.
People also have easier access to medical journals, textbooks, and healthcare articles. It allows healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge about the subject further. Many of these medical materials are easily accessible and predominantly free to the public. Those interested in the medical field can consume the content available.
Integrated Medical Records
Before the rise in technology, medical information was kept separately depending on where it was collected. For example, dentist’s, health professional’s, medical specialist’s and doctor’s records would have been stored and held in separate locations. They would have been saved at the various hospitals and health facilities.
The advancement in technology has allowed for medical records to be integrated. The advantage is that healthcare professionals can access all patients’ medical records. Electronic medical records cover almost every aspect of a person’s health from their medical history, diagnoses, test results, and relevant information.
The information is stored centrally in an online location, making it easily accessible upon request by those who require it. It also reduces the waiting times of physical records being sent between locations.
An alternative benefit of electronic medical records is their impact on the environment. Medical records being accessible through online systems reduces paper copies of information. The reduced paper wastage from clinics and hospitals can help reduce their negative impact on the environment.
Types Of Technology In Healthcare
The impact that technology has had on the world is powerful. The opportunities it has provided in healthcare have significantly impacted many people’s lives. Increased access to knowledge and improved communication have made daily tasks more efficient and made a noticeable difference.
These are some of the most common types of technology used in healthcare, transforming how the industry operates.
- Ultrasounds – Ultrasounds were initially created back in 1956. It allowed nurses to access an image of the unborn child for the mother-to-be. It offered them information about their unborn child and the expecting mother’s health. This technology also allowed nurses to convert the image to video, providing mothers-to-be with a more dynamic view of their developing babies. Throughout the years, ultrasounds have significantly advanced. Nurses can provide expecting mothers the size, age, gender, position of their child and identify any abnormalities the baby has. Access to this information is crucial in helping to ensure that both the mother and baby are safe and well.
- Health Tracker Apps – The vast majority of individuals will likely have access to a smartphone in today’s digital era. Featured on many of these devices are countless apps. Some are used for entertainment; others have apps to learn about the news. There are also many apps focused on health. These apps allow users to access their health statistics. For example, they can check their heart rate, how many hours they slept, and the number of steps taken. Fitness tracking apps are a popular way many keep updated about their health.
- Online Systems For Appointments – Scheduling an appointment to see a healthcare professional can now be done online. Before the advancements in technology, healthcare appointments were scheduled either through a phone call or in person. Today, scheduling appointments can be made on phones, tablets, computers, or laptops. It saves both medical practices and patients time in booking and arranging meetings. Instead, it allows patients to visit their doctor sooner.
- Additional Ways To Speak With Professionals – Due to recent events, many healthcare appointments are conducted via phone or video calls. Aside from keeping people safe, it has also helped people who cannot visit a clinic in person. Speaking through a video call allows individuals to show and express their concerns to medical professionals. From there, their doctor could advise what their next steps should be.
In Summary
Technology is helping the healthcare industry to change for the better. It is not replacing the need for professionals within their respective field; it is doing the opposite. The use of technology is designed to support healthcare professionals in their work. It is being altered to find new and effective ways for treatments to be performed. Technology is helping to find more effective treatments. Early health problems could be detected through scans, such as spotting cancerous cells. Additionally, technology is helping to develop ways to gain more positive results.
The primary goal for technology in healthcare is to help improve the quality of life. To date, it has been able to achieve that. In the future, advancements in technology will more than likely transform the healthcare industry even more.
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