The medical industry is evolving at such a rapid pace that it’s very hard to keep up. Cutting edge technologies, surgical treatments and revolutionary treatment methods has meant that Healthcare is becoming more accurate, efficient and patient friendly.
One of the biggest changes that is helping to streamline care is the hiring of a medical virtual assistant. These wonderful additions to healthcare teams are supporting professionals and patients alike by improving communication, reducing admin burden, and enhancing overall care delivery.
Beyond virtual assistance, the field is experiencing huge advancements in a range of areas, and we’re going to explore some of the amazing ways that the medical industry is advancing below.
Remote care and telemedicine.
Telemedicine has become a game changer, especially since the pandemic. Patients can now consult with doctors from the comfort of their homes, which means that they are saving time, cutting their transportation costs and helping those in remote or underserved areas to receive better care. With the ability to connect to high quality video calls and secure communication platforms, doctors are able to monitor, diagnose and follow up with patients just as effectively as in person visit. On top of this, wearable technology like smartwatches are remote monitoring devices that allow healthcare providers to track patients vital signs in real time. Of course, these can’t be relied on in terms of replacing a medical diagnosis, but they are super handy for support. This means that chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease can be managed more proactively, reducing emergency visits and hospital stays.
Artificial intelligence across diagnostics.
Artificial intelligence seems to be permeating every industry right now and Healthcare is no different with the help of AI algorithms. Healthcare facilities can analyze vast amounts of medical data, including imaging, lab results and patient histories. This is all done much faster than a human can do it and reduces human error at the same time. In radiology, for example, artificial intelligence can help to detect any abnormalities and X-rays and MRIs with remarkable precision. They often catch early signs of diseases that could be missed
Robotic Surgery.
Surgeries that used to involve cutting a patient from stem to stem are no longer the norm. In fact, surgeries have largely become minimally invasive because of the fact that we now have robotic systems to help. Instead of doing a vertical cut down the abdomen, these surgeries can now be completed by simply piercing the skin and using instruments inside the body. These robots are controlled by skilled surgeons and allow for incredibly accurate movements. The benefits to patients are huge, with smaller incisions, less pain and shorter recovery times on the table.
Personalized Medicine.
No two patients are exactly alike and personalized medicine is addressing this fact more and more. By studying a patient’s genetic makeup, lifestyle and environment, doctors are now able to customize treatments to work better for that specific individual. This is important especially in the prevention of cancers and in cancer treatments. Instead of a one size fits all method doctors can now use therapies to target specific genetic mutations that drive a tumor’s growth.
3D printing.
Another advancement in health care is in 3D printing. We can now 3D print prosthetics and organs in their early stages to put them inside the body, rather than having to take them from people. While organ donation is still important in the healthcare world, we now have the capability to print these organs to make them specific and unique to the patient themselves. Some people wait on the list for an organ for many years, but this can cut down those wait times. Beyond the physical parts, researchers are also experimenting with 3D printing of blood vessels and tissues, which could eventually lead to printed organs suitable for transplantation. We may still be in the early stages of this, but the possibilities are endless.
Data-driven results.
Electronic health records and data analytics are helping providers to make smarter decisions. With the collection and analytics of patient data, doctors can identify patterns, predict any risks, and tailor their care to prevent illness before it starts. Hospitals are also using data to improve their operations, like reducing waiting times and preventing readmissions where possible. This leads to better outcomes for patients and more efficient use of resources.
The medical world may be advancing at a rapid pace, but health care providers across the world are keeping up. These changes are all for the good of the patients and to make things easier with the resources that we’ve got.
