The world has been changing dramatically since the advent of technology. The internet has exploded with information, and the world is more connected than ever. With all of this technology, it’s hard to imagine a time when you couldn’t access the needed care. And yet new tools have not come without drawbacks for society. Here are some ways in which technology makes healthcare accessible.
Expanded Knowledge
The internet has created a vast resource of information connected by the World Wide Web. This data connection means that you can access far more knowledge than ever. The internet has made it possible to share knowledge, and with the recent surge of healthcare forums and blogs, you can find all sorts of information.
Personal Health Apps
As smartphones become more common, personal health apps are becoming more popular. From apps that track your sleep patterns to apps that remind you to take your medication, technology is making it easier to track and improve your health. Patients can even learn how a doctor can assist them in creating a plan for their healthcare needs.
Remote Monitoring
While this technology may seem like a recent addition to the care we can receive, it’s been around for centuries. Remote patient monitoring systems have helped them receive better care by allowing experts to monitor their condition from afar. In some cases, these systems have been used for years for blood pressure tracking, but recently newer healthcare devices have provided information on heart rate and blood oxygen levels. This technology has expanded the options of care patients receive and allows them access to more opportunities and better outcomes.
Personal Health Records
The development of electronic medical records has created a world where personal health information is controlled from one source. This allows for better expert care, more efficient delivery of care, and better adherence to treatment plans. According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, more than 80 percent of patients who used electronic medical records had better access to care.
Electronic Consultation for Doctors
Using teleconferencing technology, experts can share their knowledge with patients, improving healthcare quality. Since these consultants can be on hand to answer questions and offer advice to patients in need of care, they allow doctors to focus on more severe ailments. This will enable them to provide better care while also giving them a chance to take time off without suffering consequences.
While technology has made it possible to receive better care, it has also created challenges that may not seem daunting. From monitoring systems to electronic charts, this technology has expanded the options available to patients and allowed them access to more information than ever before.