Technology plays a substantial role in the world of medicine. As technological advancements improve, doctors and medical staff can provide well-rounded, intricate care to patients and their medical needs. Whereas before, patients may have had to wait months, if not years, to get an appointment with their doctor, technology is delivering solutions for more efficient care. In addition to improved access to medical treatment, the treatments themselves improve with the help of technology. Here are just a few ways new technology is changing the world of modern medicine.
Diagnostic capabilities
The diagnostic process is complex but enhanced through technological advancement. Technological advancement of MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds improves diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, genetic testing has advanced, allowing doctors to identify diseases patients have increased risk. For example, essential tremors or familial tremors can be detected through genetic patterns, assessing the chances of patients developing the disease. Laboratory testing’s speed and accuracy rates are improved through technology, allowing automated systems to process large amounts of samples, in turn, speeding up the diagnostic process.
Lastly, due to the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, these systems can analyze large portions of medical data to detect disease patterns that otherwise might be missed by a pair of human eyes. With improved diagnostic speed, doctors and medical staff can treat patients sooner and improve their chances of recovery through more effective treatments.
Better patient care
Advancements in technology have improved patient care in various ways. In addition to improved diagnostic accuracy, electronic health records (EHRs) allow for more efficient sharing of patient information between doctors. By improving communication between a patient’s healthcare team and improving care coordination, healthcare teams better collaborate on a treatment plan.
Electronic health records and automated systems, such as RPA systems, help reduce medical errors and ensure drug safety. Healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring drugs and dosage of medications won’t negatively interact with the patient’s health or other drugs they’re taking. By storing patient records in a singular system, doctors and pharmacists can get a complete view of the patient’s records while minimizing the chance of miscommunication between doctors, pharmacies, and patients.
Additionally, communication lines between medical staff and patients have also improved. As more hospitals and clinics offer online portals for patients to log into, patients can be more informed regarding their health. Patients can keep up with necessary appointments, lab, and blood samples, and directly communicate with doctors online about any questions or health concerns. By offering a robust platform for information and communication, synergy within a patient’s healthcare team is improved.
Telemedicine
The telemedicine industry continues to grow with no end in sight. Telemedicine makes receiving medical services more accessible to patients in remote or underserved locations, reducing the need for medical tourism in some cases. Telemedicine also allows for improved communication between medical staff and patients, allowing them to reach one another remotely through an app or their healthcare provider’s website. Telemedicine allows for increased patient monitoring by allowing for more appointments because of reduced travel time and remote communication. Through more efficient communication and care coordination, there’s a reduced need for in-person visits or hospitalizations.
In addition to improvements in accessibility in the medical field, telemedicine is also improving the mental health industry. Before telemedicine, patients seeking mental health and psychological services may have had to wait months before receiving care, if even available in their area. Through telemedicine, there is an increased pool of mental health professionals available to patients. Whereas before, patients may have had to travel for appointments with a psychiatrist or therapist, now patients can see doctors through video conferencing. This reduces the burden on healthcare systems to accommodate the overflow of patients in need of care while lowering costs for both patients and providers.
Robotic surgery
Also known as robot-assisted surgery, robots have revolutionized how doctors perform surgeries. One of the most significant ways robots have improved the world of medicine is through improved precision and accuracy. Robotic surgical systems come equipped with high-definition cameras and tiny instruments that enable surgeons to improve the success of procedures more than traditional surgical methods.
Because of improved precision, doctors can perform surgeries otherwise too difficult or risky to perform without robotic systems. Complex surgeries such as cardiac or brain surgery are made less complicated with the help of a robot. As the visualization of organs improves, the safety of procedures also improves. With increased precision, patients may have reduced recovery time, less scarring, and improved overall quality of life due to more successfully performed surgeries.
3D printing in medicine
3D printing or additive manufacturing has allowed the development of custom medical devices and implants. Complex structures within the body, such as prosthetic limbs, dental implants, and spinal implants are better catered to the patient’s unique needs. Through these custom artificial structures, limbs and devices needed by patients are better fitted and have higher functioning than ever before, improving outcomes for the patient.
This multi-dimensional modelling also allows for improved surgical planning and training for doctors. The 3D models provide healthcare professionals with a better view of the anatomy and help in identifying possible surgery complications before the patient goes under the knife. By allowing doctors a complete view of the patient’s organs and anatomy during surgery planning, there is an increase in the safety and success of certain procedures.
3D printing has also been used to create tissue and organ scaffolds to advance the field of regenerative medicine. These tissue and cell structures can be used in repairing or replacing damaged tissue. 3D printing also allows for lower-cost solutions for people who need prosthetic limbs but otherwise may not be able to afford them. 3D printing advancement has significantly improved the field of medicine for those in developing countries because of the increased accessibility and reduced cost.
Technology and modern medicine
It’s clear that as technology improves, so will the medical care we receive. From 3D-printed limbs and tissue to improved data collection and reduced error, there are many ways technology helps us get the care we need. Gone are the days of primitive medicine, and in comes the world of more advanced technology. As technology continues to grow, we can expect more areas of improvement within the field of medicine.
Ashley Nielsen earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration Marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is a freelance writer who loves to share knowledge about general business, marketing, lifestyle, wellness, and financial tips. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, staying active, reading a book, or diving deep into her favorite music.
