5 Ways Technology Is Changing Healthcare

Raj Shamani
3 min readOct 23, 2022

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Photo by Chokniti Khongchum

Healthtech is undoubtedly the next big industry. With substantial growth in investment in the past few years, we can see how the sector is changing right before our eyes. Even a decade ago, what could be considered a miracle became a regular occurrence with the introduction of technology in the healthcare sector.
So today, let’s talk about 5 ways technology is changing healthcare.

1. Artificial intelligence (AI)

Like most other industries, AI is revolutionizing the healthcare sector as well. From simple tasks such as data tracking to more complex jobs like accurately decoding medical imaging, AI is proving its merit at every step. It personalizes medical care by efficiently sorting through years of data and offering accurate treatment options based on the symptoms.
We are seeing practical results consistently. Google partnered with DeepMind’s health team and came up with a solution to identify breast cancer with the power of AI. Amazon also ventured into the healthcare space using its voice-assistant Alexa to offer virtual care and telemedicine services.

2. Telehealth

Healthcare has become much more modernized and collaborative with the introduction of telehealth. Using the right apps, clinics can schedule appointments and maintain patient records more efficiently. It also allows them to maintain the timetable of their staff more efficiently.
Patients can now connect with the caregivers without any hassle. They do not have to make multiple calls and wait hours at the physician’s chamber for a checkup. And beyond the appointments, you can even go ahead and consult your doctor right from the comfort of your home with mobile apps introducing the facility of online consultation.

3. Virtual reality and augmented reality (VR & AR)

Though the two technologies differ slightly, combining both have seen significant results in the past few years. Virtual reality is helping train doctors to perform surgery with staggering accuracy. It also opens up new avenues in pain management. Virtually teleporting from the daunting hospital bed to their favorite holiday destination helps to take the patient’s mind off the anxiety and fear of an ongoing surgery.
Augmented reality helps surgeons practice their skills by producing a lifelike replica of the human anatomy. During surgery, it can even give access to a patient’s 3D spinal anatomy, which is vastly helpful.

4. Healthcare trackers, wearables, and sensors

With the advancement of technology, patients can easily measure healthcare metrics themselves. They do not have to frequent a clinic for routine checkups such as blood sugar levels, heart rate, sleep cycle, BMI, blood pressure, and similar bodily regimes. Wearables, trackers, and sensors take the guesswork out of your daily health.
The recent onset of COVID proved blood oxygen levels could be a life-saving indicator for your health. And thanks to the wearables, most people got a preliminary idea of when they can treat themselves at home or when it is time to visit the doctor.

5. Electronic Health Record (EHR)

Electronic Health Record keeps track of the patient’s history, making it easier for caregivers to access necessary information quickly and securely. It can record a patient’s problems, test results, treatment plans, medications, allergies, and other relevant information in a digital format.
It also makes migrating data from one place to another more straightforward. With the clinical data preserved in the digital format, doctors can diagnose any issue more efficiently based on evidence. It ensures a streamlined workflow for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

Besides improving quality care and productivity, technology also helps with better operational processes and workspace management, making it compulsory for the health industry. And this is only the beginning. We expect to witness more growth in the upcoming years that will impact the health services further.

What are your thoughts on this revolution? Let me know in the comments.
Listen to my podcast Figuring Out for more such new-age content.

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Raj Shamani
Raj Shamani

Written by Raj Shamani

200+Speeches in 26+Countries on Financial Freedom Investor: Startups, Stocks & Crypto

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