Digital healthcare is the use of advanced technologies both hardware and software such as telemedicine programs, health information solutions, wearable systems, mobile applications that are leveraged to improve the efficacy of health programs for the people. They have enabled the delivery of quality and personalized health services.
The impact of digital health technologies
The digital healthcare systems have facilitated the interconnection of healthcare providers with the patients with that later being able to share their data which ensures more quality patient care. As a result, the technology innovation is helping the patients make informed decisions and focus on prevention measures, early diagnosis, and better management of highly chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These centralized systems have made it possible for health care professionals to diagnose, share the results, and promote quick access to health services. It is even easy to track health records and share with the other medical professionals and provide a recommendation hence increasing patient care.
Moreover, even when big data is required, clinicians can gather and combine it at a less period through medical health information technology. For instance, epidemiological studies, research, and other clinical trials can be conducted instantly from a very large population and thereafter analysis and conclusions can be drawn for further action and immediate interventions.
The use of webinars, text messaging, through smartphones, emails, and other gadgets is helping in the delivery of cost-effective services by making appointments through teleconferencing.
Besides, digital healthcare has been improved by the electronic sharing of records, unlike the old days when physical files had to be moved from one department to another risking damage by bad weather, getting lost on the way, not to mention the tedious process of transportation. It was hindering the delivery of emergency services in which a lot of time was consumed.
Telemedicine has also enhanced digital healthcare, especially in places with inadequate numbers of health workers. Today, physicians can determine the patients who need emergency services and they accord them the requisite priority to save lives. Moreover, some services such as counseling and therapy are provided online for patients who cannot visit the clinic physically on time. By the use of electronic health portals, patients and health care providers can schedule virtual appointments and plan for the diagnostic procedure depending on the nature and condition of the illness.
Telecommunication is also being used by medical professionals to exchange ideas and notes enabling those in remote areas to acquire education which has promoted corporate partnerships and acquisitions among different nations and stakeholders. It is also possible to study online and acquire a certificate in the discipline of digital healthcare.
Telecommunication is also being used to provide education and training to healthcare workers residing in remote areas. Additionally, the proliferation of health applications has resulted in thousands of health apps with some helping to monitor, evaluate, and report sensitive information about diseases. Most importantly, health mobile applications are providing a platform for patients to seek for a check-up and receive immediate attention from health workers who later treat them and offer the necessary recommendations for a speedy recovery. All these tools have empowered doctors and physicians to practice more efficiently and deliver better services as they synthesize information and assess patient’s response to drugs.
The development of technologies in the health sector has transformed access to healthcare programs all over the world. The use of robots, artificial intelligence, deep learning, mobile apple wearables, and other related technologies have contributed to quality health and these advancements will continue to grow in the near future. It is the duty of every person to collaborate with the health departments and adopt the latest digital healthcare technology and fight diseases as well as the provision of essential services.
