Self-driving cars, next-generation computational strength, artificial intelligence, and whatnot, the list of contemporary innovative advancements is never-ending. Today, technology has transformed the entire world and almost every aspect of human life. The basic fabric of modern-day life knits around technology. From routine personal life to organizational and even national levels, technology is ruling our life. Subtracting technology from our life now means removing its fundamental essence.
Like every other field of life, technology has significantly penetrated healthcare as well. But, the collaboration of technology in healthcare is not new. Technological applications in the field of healthcare date decades back. And now, it behaves as the backbone of this industry. Innumerable healthcare breakthroughs would not be possible if it were not for technology. However, contemporary innovations in technology have become even more disruptive.
Previously, technology was used to complement healthcare processes and assist workers. Now, it is entirely revamping the healthcare structure. A surgeon sitting thousands of miles away in the US can operate in a remote location in Africa using the right technological tools. Now you can check your sugar levels with a mere tap on your smartwatches. The list of disruptive innovations in healthcare is never-ending. So, let’s discuss four of the most disruptive innovations in the healthcare system of today.
Online healthcare education
Online education is not a new phenomenon in today’s world, but it was not prevalent in healthcare previously. People considered healthcare education to be more practical and often wondered how experiential learning would be possible online. However, now the trend is changing. Technological advancement in education is offering a more immersive environment for learners to gain practical exposure. Healthcare workers, whether physicians, administrators, or nurses, are reaping the benefits of eLearning to advance in their careers. For instance, nurses are conveniently enrolling in online DNP programs to secure higher positions in their domain. The rate of enrollment in such programs is increasing every year. People are developing more trust in online healthcare education and are readily opting for it.
According to a Businesswire report, the global healthcare education market is expected to reach a whopping 125 billion dollars by 2025. And it’s growing at a CAGR of 8.4 %. However, it is primarily limited to a handful of people who can afford it. Fortunately, online education provides affordable alternatives to quality education.
And this is indeed a great combination of technology and education to uplift the entire healthcare education standard and make it more accessible. If it weren’t for the developments in eLearning, attaining education would be challenging and time-consuming.
‘OMICS’ Technologies
Omics refers to a series of different technologies collectively working towards better diagnostic and treatment of various diseases. They are primarily targeted for the universal detection of genes. It involves genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Indeed, it is the epitome of technological implementations in healthcare, mainly used to test different gynecological cancers. It has made the diagnosis and treatment of such cancers possible that were previously considered incurable.
Technology combined with data analytics has produced this marvel. It has disrupted the cancer diagnostic process and promises new possibilities and innovative ways of tackling these diseases. Moreover, it has also opened new avenues for studying Exposomics, a field that studies the impact of exposure to the external environment on human beings.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence has unleashed the new potential of computational excellence in the human world. It is narrowing the gap between technology and human intellect. No technology could ever replicate the human brain, but artificial technology is mimicking its functionalities quite well. It has widened its horizon in the field of healthcare as well. AI is helping healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. It can even perform specific tasks better than humans.
AI enables healthcare workers to maintain proper patient records in Electronic Medical Records (EMR). It can also analyze medical images to correlate specific biomarkers from EMRs to characterize certain diseases. Healthcare needs are continuously increasing, but the workforce is not expanding in a comparable ratio. Ultimately, AI-based algorithms provide the necessary process automation removing several tedious tasks from the shoulders of healthcare workers.
This merger of contemporary innovation aided with technology has produced unprecedented disruptions in the field of healthcare. According to a report by NCBI, AI applications in healthcare will save 150 billion dollars of healthcare costs by 2026. All of which is possible due to the continuing collaboration of technological advancements and medical science.
Telehealth
Telehealth is simply the accessibility of healthcare facilities online. It might sound as simple as any other eCommerce facility operating through online platforms. Still, the benefits society reaps from it at large are unmatchable. The concept of telehealth has been providing quality healthcare services through digital communication and information technologies such as computers and smart devices. Telehealth has gained popularity within a significantly less time because of the accessibility it promises.
According to the American Hospital Association, 76% of the total healthcare institutions in the US connect with patients through online platforms. The global telehealth market size currently stands at 145 billion dollars but is expected to reach 650 billion dollars by 2028. The widespread acceptability of this service is making it grow at an unbelievably steady CAGR of 32.1%. It enables people to access top-notch healthcare services from remote areas with the tap of their fingertips.
Patient portals, virtual appointments, remote monitoring, personal health records, personal health apps, etc., are all changing the face of healthcare. Telehealth offers a long list of healthcare services that have disrupted the entire industry. It is an excellent utilization of the internet and online platforms for healthcare service delivery.
Final thoughts
We can never eliminate technology and innovation from our life. Technological developments are transforming every industry and sector, from business to healthcare and whatnot. But innovative technological disruptions also have their pros and cons. Leveraging technology opens doors to multiple avenues while also attracting cybercrime. At large, the benefits surpass the downsides by a clear distinction. From online healthcare education to artificial intelligence and telehealth, the entire healthcare sector is witnessing monumental transformations.
