No matter who you are or what you do, you probably know how important it is to adapt. Digitalizing is only natural, and the healthcare industry is no exception. In fact, there are many reasons why introducing and taking advantage of technology can actually be beneficial to the health industry. As both industries face changes and improvements, many are wondering whether it is going to be appropriate or even feasible to introduce such a transformation to healthcare. Sometimes, however, taking a big risk can equate to taking a big step into the future.
Within technology, there has been tremendous growth, which has provided a platform for a number of advances in other fields. In this fast-paced field, there is always a plethora of new technology, and it is only natural that efforts be made to adapt to these constant changes in healthcare. Healthcare is essential to the equilibrium of every community and the world, and it should always be executed at its highest standard. Incorporating technology into the healthcare system and really making a digital transformation is certainly a possibility and a great choice.
Technology can be especially useful when it comes to keeping patients engaged in their care – something that was previously a huge obstacle for the healthcare system – in many ways. Mobile applications make it easy for patients to stay on track with appointments and remind them about necessary vaccinations. They can even deliver test results in a matter of hours – much quicker than that of the traditional mail or telephone delivery. In fact, the simplicity of being able to skip the hassle of being on hold or having to call to reschedule an appointment is so appealing that it has notably increased patient engagement. Because it is so easy to make an appointment, get results and the like, patients are more satisfied, more interactive and more encouraged to take action toward staying healthy and on top of things.
Additionally, patients can become more familiar with reliable, informative bodies of information that focus on health and health studies through technology. Involvement in one of many web pages that encourage patients to care more about their own health, in turn, encourages people to be more aware of the health of their peers, as well. There are plenty of community blogs, social pages and online forums on the more neutral front, but for more informative resources, journals such as Oncotarget, which focuses on a specific topic or range of topics, are often a better choice. Oncotarget and other editorial journals concentrate more on research and hard facts that give patients, students and anyone else the opportunity to see inside the world of the healthcare system and stay up to date on its advancements. Resources such as this are sometimes more beneficial than community-based platforms that may not be as reliant on facts.
It is even helpful to healthcare professionals to take advantage of the technology that has been discovered and refined over time. Technological advances such as radiology have paved the way for both discoveries and breakthroughs in the industry. Through applications and frequently updated websites, healthcare providers are able to keep patients updated on changes within the programs, local health epidemics, personalized suggestions, reminders for annual vaccinations, instructions on how to do at home screenings, emergency tests and plenty more. Computers, tablets and even mobile phones make it easier for nurses, doctors and other practitioners to log and review patient information. Improved software and machinery allow for increased accuracy and faster results, and improved methods of procedure.
Despite its endless possibilities, some may be skeptical about using technology in their everyday lives, especially when it comes to putting their information online. However, you can be assured that it is completely safe to log into these applications and websites, as there are cybersecurity measures and procedures that only grant access to personal information after thorough verification of identity. Being able to fill out your own information and be more in control of your tests, appointments and care in general will allow you to be more confident about the services and providers with whom you entrust your health and your information.
It is more than possible for healthcare to take strides toward digitization, and with the right efforts, it can have tremendously positive results. While change can sometimes be overwhelming, in an industry such as healthcare, it is both beneficial and essential for current generations and those that are still to come.
