Today, numerous IT-based health care trends prevail in the world. The innovations have a significant impact on the delivery of healthcare across the globe. Nonetheless, they are expected to be surpassed by a robust avenue of new upcoming trends which exceed the older ones in efficiency, functionality and market transformation. The trends have augmented the quality of healthcare which has remarkably increased the quality of life in the global society.
The first trend is robotics in hospitals. The trend involves the use of robots in medical institutes to handle time-consuming tasks, prevent errors, and reduce labor to improve efficiency, sustain some critical operations, and minimize human error. Robots are increasingly being used in robotic surgery, clinical applications, and supply chain functions. The robotic surgery entails surgical procedures using machines developed with innovative technology.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Robotics have impacted the health care section in more of a positive way. Robotic surgery helps to reduce the pain and the risk of suffering complications during surgery since it is more precise. The operation leaves fewer scars visible, and the risk of infection lessens, as is the that of blood loss. According to Davies (2015), t he primary concerns of most surgery patients is the recovery time. The type of surgery under scrutiny significantly reduces this time, making it an excellent choice for patients. Doctors who have embraced the technology obtain more accurate results. The technology demands the physician’s complete attention since he/she has to exercise total control during the operation. Their visual ability is enhanced by this system, an ability which is crucial for the achievement of the best health outcomes. Robots also do not experience fatigue or tremor and can work continuously.
Nonetheless, despite the process being characterized by a very high level of precision and a lower level of invasion, it is not a hundred percent safe. Notably, the systems used in the procedures are able to withhold large doses of radiation. Studies suggest that radiation may cause further harm to patients in certain circumstances. they are used in a circumstance that can be harmful to humans ( Davies, 2015 ). Similarly, great costs are incurred in purchasing equipment and their maintenance, which forces the financial managers to increase the costs of medical treatments to cover the losses. As a result, most individuals prefer traditional methods which are less costly.
Furthermore, operating the device requires highly skilled staff which necessitates training. The final concern appears in the programming of the systems and equipment that requires information, that is geometrical, to be expressed scientifically, which is very difficult. The trend has impacted the health care sector in a very positive way. State governments should fund hospitals and other medical institutions so that they can acquire and maintain these systems. Undeniably, such actions would decrease medical costs, enabling patients to access cost-effective healthcare.
The second trend is the patient-generated health data. Health information is created, recorded, or gathered by patients, relatives, or caregivers to help address a health concern. Shapiro, Johnston, Wald, and Mon (2012) argues that t he rise of recent innovations, digital tracking technologies, improved data analysis tools, and passive biometrics has transformed patient-generated data into a high-value resource. Wearable sensors enable smart devices to track and monitor several parameters, such as movement, temperature, speed, blood pressure, and muscle activity. The characteristics foster a personalized relationship between patients and physicians, for continuous treatment.
The healthcare trend has several positive impacts. One of its main benefits is its’ effect on informed decision-making. The continuous and systematic capture of a patient’s condition can highlight the symptoms related to a health condition or treatment. The information helps in assessing the health or monitoring treatment effects. After the diagnosis, the patient-reported outcome measures can enable both the patient and the doctor to monitor the results of a treatment care encounter. From the assessment, the medical team may adjust the treatment plan, taking into account the actual effects experienced by the patient ( Shapiro, Johnston, Wald, & Mon, 2012) . The positive impacts of the patient-generated health data are not limited to connecting patients and providers during a care program. Healthcare professionals also use the data to monitor the overall well-being and health, promoting the early detection of potential health conditions. The system has allowed patients to keep track of their health using apps, data which they later share with their physicians.
Despite the numerous benefits of patient-generated health data, there are several challenges the industry has yet to overcome. One of them is the patients’ inability to contribute their data via the patient portal since it is read-only ( Shapiro, Johnston, Wald, & Mon, 2012 ). Electronic health records have limited the capacity for direct patient input. To curb these challenges, healthcare experts should conduct more research on how to seamlessly integrate patient-generated health data into clinical records. The implementation of user-centered design processes to support the meaningful use of the data should also be a key priority.
The final trend is telehealth services and systems. Telehealth is the use of technology-based virtual platforms to deliver health information, prevention, monitoring, and medical care. Telemedicine is the largest segment of telehealth, as well as the fastest growing sector in the medical field ( Vogenberg & Santilli, 2018) . It is the practice of medicine via a remote electronic interface. One of its aims is to eliminate transportation costs which are often a burden for poverty-stricken patients. The system also heightens health literacy by providing patient education.
Telehealth has several benefits. The main advantage is that it gives individuals access to specialists and information which cannot be obtained in other circumstances. Its’ related consultations usually allow the doctor and the patient to interact directly. The telehealth set up is better than trying to relay information to nurses and having them transmit it to the doctor. According to Serper and Volk (2018), patients acquire firsthand information about their diagnosis and treatment options. The technology also provides greater flexibility to both the patients and doctors appointments, leading to less disruption of their usual routines. Furthermore, it offers local healthcare professionals such as nurses or general practitioners a chance to be involved. The trend is undoubtedly beneficial to human beings.
Telehealth has opened up many treatment doors, but it also has negative impacts. For individuals who prefer face-to-face or a more personal relationship, telemedicine is not an option for them. Certain types of illnesses and problems require a direct physical assessment and cannot be diagnosed via this approach. With the growing cost of healthcare, plus the fact that it is nonexistent in some places, the need for telemedicine continues to grow ( Vogenberg & Santilli, 2018). The healthcare programs should ensure that all remote areas have access to telemedicine. Parity laws vary significantly by state, affecting reimbursement for telehealth services for a privately insured patient. For example, some hospitals require the patient and the provider to have a relationship, while others have limits on patient locations and provider types. Medical organizations should come up with a similar stipulation on the parity laws. Few special telemedicine licenses which allow practitioners to cater for patients across different countries exist. Permits that enable the practice of telemedicine for patients in other countries should be issued.
Numerous healthcare trends with IT impact exist in the healthcare sector. The positive impact of technology in healthcare is evident. Medical institutions can make a digital transition, which promises a higher caliber of medical care across the world. Embracing the shift will result in improved operational efficiency, integrated and automated approaches to patient care, enhanced capacity for innovation, better patient outcomes, and reduced costs for both patients and medical institutions. The trends will undeniably revolutionize the health sector.
References
Davies, B. (2015). Robotic surgery–a personal view of the past, present and future. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems , 12 (5), 54.
Serper, M., & Volk, M. L. (2018). Current and Future Applications of Telemedicine to Optimize the Delivery of Care in Chronic Liver Disease. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology , 16 (2), 157-161.
Shapiro, M., Johnston, D., Wald, J., & Mon, D. (2012). Patient-generated health data. RTI International, April .
Vogenberg, F. R., & Santilli, J. (2018). Healthcare Trends for 2018. American health & drug benefits , 11 (1), 48.
