Top 9 Healthcare Technologies

What is Healthcare technology?

 

Healthcare technology is the use of different IT tools or software that are designed for the purpose of boosting hospital and administrative productivity, give new and interesting insights into medicines and cures, or improve the overall quality of care that is available.

 

Tech tools are being collaborated into every step of our healthcare experience to improve the quality of treatment provided and efficiency of treatment that is being carried out.

 

There is an insurance technology industry called the "Insurtech", which allows more people to gain access to proper healthcare. Patients do not need to wait any longer and hospitals are more appropriately staffed thanks to the expertise of analysis and artificial intelligence. 

 

Ultra-precise robots have become a regular in assisting in surgery rooms which makes the procedures short and simple and also give more time for the recovery. Improving hospital operations and expanding the scope of healthcare is fantastic, but how exactly are innovations accomplishing this feat? 

 

Healthcare technology companies have supplied efficient experiences to the individuals. These companies realize there needs to be a tailored approach to proper care, so customization for every individual is key.

 

By personalizing everything from sleep cycle to diet plan, healthtech companies are creating an environment which prioritizes human health.

 

Healthtech has the potential to trim the unwanted elements from our conventional healthcare scene. Skyrocketing treatment costs, unbearable wait times for patients, mistakes in development of drugs and limited access to healthcare insurance providers are all being addressed through healthcare technology.

 

(Most related: What is Healthcare Data Analytics?)

 

 

Advantages of Healthcare technologies

 

Certain advantages of Healthcare technologies are:

 

• Electronic Health Records 

 

The most beneficial advantage of technology has been dumping of manual health records for electronic health records (EHR). This has revolutionised patient-doctor relationship as now patients can share their medical health records with new doctors and for doctors who always have updated patient information at their disposal.

 

EHR technology cannot be classified as a sophisticated consumer-oriented technology, still most hospitals now have basic electronic health records– which have come a long way as for a decade, hospitals have relied heavily on paper-based documentation.

 

 

• Telecommunication technology 

 

Communication over the internet acts as a bridge between healthcare professionals and their patients. Emails and VoIP video-based communications make it easier for patients to seek important medical advice and schedule appointments.

 

Despite the enormous growth, the healthcare industry is lagging behind in contrast to other industries which are technically enhanced because of regulatory constraints. This is understandable because rules and regulations are of supreme importance in order to protect a patient’s privacy rights.

 

The Internet has also broadened the horizons for doctors to consult each other for diagnostic purposes and to lend medical intellect to students.

 

 

• Smart devices

 

Smart devices like fitness trackers allow people to keep track of how much workout they do everyday and how much quality sleep they are getting at night.

 

Patients can also take their own readings using the help of various health apps. They can test their own blood sugar levels or heart rates with the help of different tools that are integrated within the application.

 

 

• New innovations 

 

The primary reason the healthcare industry has taken a big leap forward over the past decade is because of innovative technological breakthroughs in the medical field that are surfacing at a fast rate.

 

The healthcare industry has had breakthroughs in how quickly and effectively it treats patients because of how efficiently computers can process information. Some medical devices have transitioned over time to become more comfortable and easy to use like hearing aids that have become less bulky and more effective.

 

The portable defibrillator, drug management technology, MR system, electronic IV monitors are some new technological devices that have helped in improving the healthcare of the patients exponentially.

 

 

Top 9 Healthcare Technologies

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Top Healthcare Technologies

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1. Artificial intelligence

 

There's nothing quite like artificial intelligence right now, and with its exponential development and enticing possibilities, now is the perfect time to take advantage of its marketing potential in healthcare.

 

Via 2021, the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector is projected to rise at a 40 percent annual pace, to $6.6 billion, up from $600 million in 2014.

 

In three main ways, AI engines can minimise and eliminate the likelihood of preventable medical scenarios:

 

• Automated alerts – They are useful for ensuring that patients take their prescription on time.

• Identify high-risk individuals – Identifying those that need medical attention and triggering medical personnel warnings to establish individualised treatment plans. IBM Watson is now putting this to the test for drug abuse.

• Provide customised dose instructions based on each patient's individual body chemistry and environmental conditions.

 

(Most related: AI in Healthcare)

 

 

2. Blockchain

 

The digital record-keeping that establishes a database of transactions that is not only transparent, but also difficult to tamper with is what makes blockchain so thrilling.

 

With a number of analysts, some of which are wary of bitcoin, saying that blockchain could radically transform the way large industries work – like automated healthcare ads – the platform is here to remain.

 

When you gather data with blockchain, the information you enter and all of your personal data stays with you rather than being kept on servers operated by an application.

 

 

3. Voice search

 

So how does voice search apply to Healthcare marketing? Healthcare access is predominantly local.

 

To put it another way, most Indians want healthcare alternatives close to their place of work or residence. Healthcare advertisers must refine their digital channels for local searches as a result of this fact.

 

Since voice searches accounted for 20% of all Google searches in 2018, voice has emerged as one of the most important health innovations for healthcare marketers to invest in by 2021.

 

If 1 in 5 people use voice to research healthcare solutions, it's important that you don't lose out on future clients.

 

The bottom line is to incorporate speech into your marketing efforts and landing pages. Voice offers some of the most amazing prospects for marketing healthcare executives in 2021 and beyond, thanks to the increase in popularity of smart speakers and native voice search in general (Siri, Google Now, Cortana, and so on). 

 

 

4. Chatbots in healthcare

 

We're really enthusiastic about the opportunities that chatbots in healthcare can have. There's a lot that should be achieved in 2021 in terms of healthcare messaging, including better patient pathways, drug monitoring, and assistance in emergency situations or with first aid.

 

When it comes to healthcare, providing a personalised interface is critical, and a ML chatbot provides another touchpoint that users appreciate. With the rapid proliferation of chatbots, it's becoming more and more commonplace, rather than the gimmick it once was.

 

Options are endless for chatbots, from customer service to potential diagnosis of mild conditions – there’s plenty to be excited about within the technology.

 

 

5. Virtual reality in healthcare

 

By 2021, virtual reality is estimated to be worth $4 billion, and there's no reason that healthcare can't get in on the action. There's much to be interested in, whether it's using VR to have an immersive way for patients to remotely visit a health centre or using Virtual Reality to help patients deal with pain.

 

Digital reality is one of the few inventions that generates as much engagement as it does, and using it wisely can be very helpful to any healthcare organisation. Think beyond the box and go with exclusive content and applications – if it's anything viewers haven't seen before, you'll definitely get a lot of attention.

 

Since “customers” in the healthcare sector are always nervous (think white coat syndrome), a simulated tour or example treatment may be very helpful in calming prospective patients' nerves and improving the patient experience. With this technology, the possibilities are limitless.

 

VR is a fantastic platform that provides unrivalled commitment. To get the most out of such a promising technology, be bold and create original content that can calm, excite, or inform your consumers.

 

(Must read: AI applications in Healthcare)

 

 

6. Advanced social media

 

It's no secret that social media is king in healthcare marketing, but businesses should avoid sharing blindly and wishing for the best, particularly now that there's so much data available.

 

Real-time measurements, insights, and customer experience data will all be used to make changes to the company's social plan on each network.

 

Sprout Social, for example, is a fantastic tool for social media management with a data-first mindset, which is essential for forming and deepening meaningful relationships with the people that can help you create your brand.

 

Despite the fact that the cost of social network management could be out of reach for many small businesses, the idea remains the same. Look for trends and take advantage of them wherever possible.

 

 

7. Personalized mobile apps

 

Mobile applications are perfect for engagement, and there are a lot of options when it comes to creating one. The user has access, but you have control over the choices, which gives you a lot of influence.

 

From requesting specialist appointments, logging in, uploading a patient's medical records, and receiving test reports with a smartphone app, health organisations can develop powerful interactive resources for today's patient.

 

Mobile applications often ease some of the strain on hospital personnel, as well as waiting periods and receptionist responsibilities, resulting in considerable cost savings. 

 

Notifications, warnings during main seasonal allergies (e.g., the flu season), and targeted content offers are some of the most promising features health organisations are testing throughout 2018.

 

Mobile applications are a perfect way to connect with your patients and keep in contact with them even after they've left your medical facility.

 

(Recommended blog: Role of Big Data in Healthcare Industry?)

 

 

8. Partnerships with other popular mobile apps

 

Mobile applications can be costly, and if a health system does not want to invest in mobile, there is another option for healthcare marketers to consider in 2021. Partnerships with common app owners in a particular geography should be considered by healthcare marketers.

 

Consider partnering with a number of other companies who can attract interest through their applications, rather than limiting this to other fields of healthcare marketing. There's uncapitalized attention everywhere we look, whether it's a local bakery, delivery service, or taxi/car sharing app.

 

Getting in front of local consumers can stimulate interest and increase awareness, and depending on the offers you may provide, you will be able to provide commission-based rewards/payment to the local companies you work with. 

 

 

9. Video marketing

 

Video is expected to account for 8% of all smartphone traffic by 2021, but ignoring it is a surefire way to lose out on a powerful marketing tool.

 

Video is a great way to put a face to the fitness brand you're endorsing. We get a lot more out of video than we can from a picture, and that human experience is excellent for building confidence and relatability.

 

TikTok, for example, is a peer-to-peer video site where users shoot 10-20 second videos and share them with the rest of the world. With over 500 million users worldwide the app and video in general have a lot of promise.

 

Using video social media sites like TikTok to differentiate healthcare ads could be a huge step in the right direction, and building a fun environment for the industry could be a huge step in the right direction. Remember, as a healthcare marketer, you should still be open to trying out new approaches and concepts.  

 

(Also check: IoT in Healthcare Industry)

 

To conclude, tese technologies prove that the medical attention and the facilities are only going to get better with time. All the technologies help make from diagnosing to treating patients become easier and more user-friendly.