The healthcare system is a critical element of any country's economy as it provides essential services necessary for maintaining the health and well-being of its population. Technology has revolutionised the healthcare industry, making it more efficient, productive, and accessible to more people. With technology, service providers can reach more patients, improve the quality of care, and enhance economic development through reduced sick days.
Telemedicine, for instance, is beneficial when engaged in rural areas where patients may not have access to a healthcare provider or have mobility challenges. This allows them to access medical care remotely, reducing the need for expensive in-person visits. Patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, can receive timely and effective care from their homes and be monitored remotely from the medical centre.
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) can be accessed by healthcare providers from different locations, allowing for more seamless care coordination. EMRs can also reduce errors caused by miscommunication between healthcare providers. This technology can help healthcare providers access patient information more easily and quickly, reducing the time it takes to diagnose and treat patients. This technique leads to shorter hospital stays and fewer readmissions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses computer algorithms to perform tasks that could typically require human intelligence. Additionally, it can analyse large amounts of data and medical images, making it easier for healthcare providers to identify patterns and make accurate diagnoses. This technology can result in earlier interventions and better outcomes for patients on treatment, reducing the need for expensive treatments or hospitalisations. The right to use 3D printing technology can also help create customised implants and prosthetics that fit patients' unique needs.
Robotic technology can provide more personalised care, perform surgeries, assist with physical therapy, and help patients with mobility issues. Robotic surgery can be more precise than traditional surgery, leading to better patient outcomes. Remote monitoring devices allow healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely. These devices can track vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, granting healthcare providers room to intervene on time if there are any issues. Remote monitoring can reduce health costs associated with hospital admissions and readmissions, improving the quality of care and contributing to economic growth.
Mobile app technologies can track medications, monitor symptoms, and communicate with healthcare providers. These apps can improve patient engagement, help track their progress, and reduce the need for in-person appointments that permit patients to take a more active role in their healthcare. Mobile apps can also improve communication between patients and healthcare providers, thus reducing costs associated with duplicate testing and unnecessary hospital visits.
In addition to improving healthcare services, the use of technology can also create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. For example, the development and implementation of EMRs require trained professionals such as software developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity experts. This creates new job opportunities and drives economic growth in the technology sector.
There is an opportunity for investment in technology for the healthcare system, and the demand will continue to increase as the demand for services increases. The focus of engaging technology should be to reduce healthcare costs, increase patient coverage, and improve patient outcomes.
Finally, technology has the potential to revolutionise the healthcare industry and improve the quality of care for patients, which in turn can lead to increased economic growth and development since a healthy population is more productive.
Karen Kandie