Technology is constantly evolving and bringing with it improvements to the way that people around the world live, work, and communicate with one another. From business to medical care and everything in between, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the last few years alone, and it is pretty amazing to look back and see just how far humans have come and just how many comforts we now enjoy as a result of the technology that has been made possible by the best minds on the planet.
But how will technology improve healthcare, in particular, in 2016? Continue reading to learn more about this exciting field.
Technology That Patients Can Wear
About a quarter of Americans already own a type of wearable medical device, and this trend is expected to increase throughout the healthcare industry in the coming year.
Some advancements, such as artificial pancreas software, is already available and hugely effective, allowing patients to quickly and easily detect if their glucose levels are too low so they can receive a necessary insulin dose prescribed by their doctors whenever necessary.
Other wearable medical devices include those that can monitor exercise routines, eating habits, and sleeping patterns. All of these are designed to monitor short-term health for better long-term solutions.
Wearable technology is not going anywhere, and it is an industry that will continue to expand throughout 2016 and beyond so that patients can gain greater control over their own health, and so that doctors can monitor their patients more effectively as well.
Better Patient Databases and Medical Billing Systems
Another way that technology will improve healthcare in 2016 is by making it a lot easier for doctors in practices of all sizes to manage their patients’ vital information.
This will allow medical professionals to not only keep track of a patient’s health, but also deliver better therapies in a more timely fashion whenever necessary. Plus, it will also ensure that all medical records will be kept confidential and that all medical bills can be paid on time.
A doctor could introduce this new technology gradually with free trials of EMR software, which is designed to increase efficiency and accuracy in medical establishments.
3D Printed Medical Devices
In addition to the wearable devices discussed above, the field of medicine is also beginning to greatly benefit from 3D printing technology, which assists in the rapid creation of customized medical devices for a variety of patients.
While 3D printing has already been used in the healthcare industry in the past, it is only getting better and expanding its reach. Doctors can now make everything from hearing aids and prosthetic limbs, to dental implants and much more with a 3D printer. Experts are also working on creating replacement tissues and organs using this technology.
Surgeons, in particular, can greatly benefit from this technology, which will assist with visualizing and practicing complex procedures, thereby decreasing errors and even reducing traditional operating time.
Artificial Limbs That Act Like Real Limbs
Implanted sensors will make it possible for artificial limbs to act like real limbs in patients who require prosthetics. They will basically be able to control their movements using their minds, so they will truly feel as though the artificial limbs are a part of their body.
Right now, this technology is quite expensive, so it is not yet available to all patients. However, as the technology continues to improve in 2016 and beyond, it will become more affordable and accessible.
Virtual Meetings with Your Doctor
Imagine being able to talk to your doctor from home and receive a full consultation, rather than having to go into the office and have a full exam. With the latest technology, it will be easier than ever to access your doctor’s expertise and get your questions answered quickly.
New technology is allowing patients to not only track their health online, but also interact with their doctors from remote. Doctors can provide their patients with virtual house calls and consultations, saving both medical professionals and their patients money and time while expanding affordable access to healthcare. This type of technology will also help urgent care facilities and hospitals, which are often overburdened with patients who come in with concerns that are not actual emergencies.
Advancements in technology have already transformed myriad industries, including the healthcare field. It will be really exciting to see technology continue to evolve throughout 2016 and beyond. There are going to be many new tools and procedures available that will help medical professionals give patients even better care.
Written by Guest Submitter
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I didn’t realize that new technology, such as being able to talk with a doctor while still being at home, had such a powerful impact on the medical field. I can see why being able to talk with your doctor and not leave the house would be appealing to those are immobile or unable to leave the house. I imagine that being able to look up and research things on the internet also would have a strong impact on those who home bound. http://www.urobriz.com.au/Prostate/RoboticNerveSparingRadicalProstatectomy