Ever since the dot com boom of the 2000s, Information Technology has penetrated every aspect of our lives. Although initially, the adoption was slow due to the stringent standards and the sensitivity of the field, the medical fraternity is now strongly adopting digital measures to better serve patients worldwide. Information Technology has greatly improved the accuracy of the diagnosis, reduced the cost of complex surgeries, and removed the barriers to access quality medical care.
India itself has more than 700 million internet users as of 2021. So, now is the right time to look into how information technology can improve healthcare services
Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
EHRs are real-time, patient-centred records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users. These records contain a patient’s medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, laboratory and test results. This information will be stored in the cloud and can be accessed by any authorised healthcare centre to help medical staff better assess the patient and provide the right care needed for the patient. By simplifying and streamlining the process of diagnosis and treatment, it helps doctors save valuable time in treating the patient.
Telemedicine / Telehealth
Telemedicine, also referred to as telehealth or e-medicine, is the remote delivery of healthcare services, including exams and consultations, over the telecommunications infrastructure. Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients without the need for an in-person visit. Patients can communicate with physicians from their homes by using their own personal technology or by visiting a dedicated telehealth kiosk. This is where Amazing Care Clinic has made a huge difference. With their robust online consultation platform, you can consult with doctors of various specialities seamlessly and with ease. Just book an appointment on their website www.amazingcareclinic.com
Remote Monitoring of Health
The invention and development of home health monitoring systems and wearable technology mean that doctors can keep track of their patients’ basic vitals without having to visit the clinic every now and then. From smartwatches to pacemakers, digitalised tools help capture and transmit accur©©ate information, so that doctors can remotely validate the patient’s progress from the comfort of their home. These wearables even encourage people to take an active interest in improving their fitness. With the AmazingCareAssist© app, doctors can monitor a patient’s symptomatic progress and communicate effectively if they want to update instructions to help patients manage their conditions better.
Increased connectivity among physicians
Digital platforms have redefined the social sphere, and new technology has made it easier than ever for physicians to connect with one another in order to share information. New apps have reached the market that allows physicians to post recent findings and initiate conversations on their mobile devices, which reduces the amount of time needed for a new technique or technology to reach different parts of the world. This has helped reduce the inequality in care between developing and developed countries.
Assisting Doctors in Diagnosis & Treatment
With the advent of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computers can now offer input on X-rays and similar diagnostics to help physicians make more timely and informed decisions. Augmented & Virtual Reality help doctors practice and perfect the surgical operation before performing it on the patient, reducing errors and increasing success rates. The same is true even when it comes to developing new drugs and determining the best route for treating patients. Machines gather and analyze data in real-time, making it easy for the health care professionals.
These are just some of the improvements in healthcare through information technology. The digital revolution is here and aims to revamp healthcare services to make the world a better place.