Healthcare technology has made incredible advancements in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. The ultimate goal for those in the industry is better patient care, greater accessibility, and improved outcomes.
One of the most unique aspects of healthcare technology is the intersection with consumer electronics. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for the average person to have medical or healthcare apps on their phones, wearable medical devices, or to participate in telehealth services.
Having accessibility to home health via tech is more than just convenient. It can improve the quality of life for many people, and help others monitor their well-being without constantly having to visit a doctor or hospital in-person.
Let’s take a closer look at the intersection of healthcare and consumer electronics, and how these advancements are changing the world of healthcare as we know it.
The Time of Telehealth
Telehealth isn’t necessarily new, but it saw a surge in popularity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, it was out of necessity. Now, however, many doctors and patients alike have kept up with telehealth services, thanks to benefits like:
- A wider patient base;
- Increased flexibility;
- Lower costs;
- Easy follow-up;
- Improved patient outcomes.
The most common form of telehealth services is meeting virtually with a doctor or specialist. These virtual appointments allow patients to stay in touch, express concerns, and ask questions without having to leave the comfort of home. Connecting with a medical professional via a video conference is a great way to feel like you’re still receiving personal care without having to meet in person.
Not only is telehealth great for patients with physical conditions, but it’s become incredibly influential in the mental health industry, too. Some people with issues like anxiety or depression may have a hard time leaving home, or might not be comfortable opening up in a therapist’s office.
Participating in virtual therapy can be more comfortable and effective. Plus, it can make encourage you to truly take charge of your health, since you can do it from anywhere. If you live in a rural area and don’t typically have the time or resources to visit a doctor, telehealth solves that issue.
Wearable Health Tech
Another advantage of telehealth is that it allows medical professionals to monitor patients more closely. That’s largely due to the growing popularity of wearable health devices. Remote monitoring devices can be used for things like:
- Blood pressure;
- Reproductive challenges;
- Cardiovascular disease;
- Immune system issues.
It’s not uncommon for people to wear an Apple Watch or a FitBit, and most wearable health devices mimic the look and feel of some of those common items. They don’t have to be big, bulky, or invasive in any way to monitor your health and keep your doctor aware of any changes.
It wasn’t long ago that patients had to keep very close track of their own data for these illnesses and health challenges. Remote monitoring takes away that stress, improving quality of life and offering a greater sense of well-being. You don’t have to “check in” throughout the day because data from your device is automatically sent to the right place, and your doctor will be able to reach out to you if they notice anything that needs to be addressed.
Even wearing something like an Apple Watch to keep track of your exercise, fitness, and nutrition habits are considered a piece of health technology. Utilize its features to monitor things like how much exercise you’re getting each day, or even how many times you’re standing up to prevent a sedentary lifestyle. If you’re just dipping your toe into the world of wearable health gear, utilizing something you already wear each day is a great way to get started.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) might not seem like it has much to do with consumer electronics, but chances are you use some form of it every day. AI is used for things like:
- Face recognition on your phone;
- Voice assistance;
- Social media;
- Chatbots;
- Navigation apps.
In the healthcare industry, AI is making incredible advances. While unlocking your phone with facial recognition might seem cool, it doesn’t hold a candle to things like diagnostic support and processed patient information through artificial intelligence. Even some surgeries are leaning on AI when extreme precision is needed. More doctors across the globe are utilizing robots to steady their hands or reduce fatigue during lengthy procedures.
Chances are, you already utilize some form of healthcare technology in your day-to-day life. Maybe you have an app on your phone that’s linked to your doctor’s office, or you participate in teletherapy once a week. Maybe you use a device to monitor your heart that reports back to your doctor.
Whatever the case, it’s important to remember that many aspects of healthcare technology are relatively new. It will be exciting to see how they shift and grow in the coming years as the demand increases for more remote monitoring, faster, clearer data, and improved patient outcomes.
