The evolution of technology has impacted everything- from how we eat, how we sleep to how we travel; and the healthcare sector is no exception. The advancement in medical technology has been astonishing indeed. Pacemakers, dialysis units, MRI scanners and ventilators are some of the technological marvels that continue to save lives every day. We list 5 of the most pioneering advancements in the fields of health and technology-

Electronic health records 

The use of Electronic Health Records (also known as EHRs) is a massive evolution in the medical field, facilitating countless advances in medical diagnostics and treatment. The information systems used by the hospitals in the past were not very efficient in their ability to store, share and transfer patient records. The process of using paper filing systems to log patient records made it difficult for medical practitioners in different facilities to collaborate when it came to effectively caring for the patient.

With the advent of EHRs, many systems have been interconnected, providing medical professionals with a complete and a holistic picture of a patient’s health history, allowing for faster information transfers and enabling the professionals to make more nuanced decisions regarding the patient’s treatment. This is a technology that highlights the importance of technology in healthcare.

Telemedicine 

Telemedicine refers to virtual healthcare which includes advancing healthcare based on telecommunication technologies. It modernises the experience by enabling access to healthcare services remotely- be it a patient consulting a doctor or multiple clinical practitioners collaborating from different locations. Along with being efficient and convenient, there are several other benefits of telemedicine. Cost-cutting is another reason why it is becoming more popular and successful.

Remote monitoring tools

There are many benefits of patients monitoring their health at home. Along with helping them saving money, it also reduces unnecessary visits to the doctor, thereby saving their time and that of the medical staff. This is where remote monitoring tools come into the picture. For example, Pacemakers for heart patients can automatically send data to remote health centres. These tools are excellent for immobile patients with chronic illnesses, as they allow systems to monitor a patient’s health from a distance. As per the statistics, almost 3 million patients have been using remote monitoring tools worldwide.

Wearable technology

The wearable medical devices collect data, which helps doctors and patients monitor and assess the health of the patients remotely at any time of the day. These wearable devices also alert authorities about serious medical issues. The market for wearable technologies is showing an upward trend. This coming together of health and technology has opened the doors to a wide range of possibilities. Apart from monitoring health, there are wearable devices like wristbands and watches that encourage their users to be more active by calculating the steps taken, calories burnt, the heart rate and even stress. 

Genome sequencing

Genome sequencing refers to the sequencing and analysis of a person’s genome. Sequencing the human genome is considered as one of the most significant advancements in medical technology in the last 40 years. Genome sequencing provides information on genetic variants that can lead to a disease or can increase the chances of development of a disease development even in asymptomatic people. In this way, your doctor can suggest lifestyle changes and medication to reduce the risk of developing a particular disease or disorder.

Though modern-day medicine has come a long way thanks to the many benefits enabled by technology, it is only the beginning. We have finally realised the importance of technology in healthcare. From improving patient care to developing advanced medical capabilities and breakthrough treatment techniques, an exciting range of possibilities are in store for the medical world. Also, read about the best tech fitness gadgets to keep you healthy.