Healthcare’s New Digital Era

Healthcare systems’ and facilities’ response to COVID-19 has uncovered technology applications and remote care capabilities that are steering the industry even faster into a new digital era—while simultaneously reshaping the outcomes of patient care, delivery of disease management, and the pace at which health professionals can extract transformative information from patient data. With the most vulnerable of populations, like elderly residents and those living in densely populated areas, presenting an unprecedented challenge, the healthcare field swiftly responded with remote monitoring technologies and artificial intelligence to help redefine how patients experience care in the future. 

AI & Telehealth Lead the Way

In an effort to minimize exposure and prevent front-line health workers from turning victim to COVID-19, health systems around the world implemented artificially intelligent monitoring systems. Such systems allow continuous, clean data collection and immediate analysis of patient reports that can lead to effective, potentially life-saving interventions for other patients. An added advantage of these systems remains its contact-free element, with data monitoring and culling taking place outside of the isolation rooms—preventing medical staff from putting themselves at risk.

The contact-free benefit also limits the amounts of flawed data that can sometimes be a result of human error. This data is then able to be shared, securely, across a myriad of health systems to better inform care procedures, treatment protocols, and enhanced prevention tactics for more vulnerable groups. In combination with telehealth solutions, physicians and point-of-care team members are more sufficiently equipped to administer medical guidance without assuming increased risks.

“The successful implementation and use of these technologies by healthcare facilities over the past few months has shown the healthcare community that remote patient monitoring and telehealth solutions can and will be the front line of defense…we can effectively care for patients and help prevent medical staff from falling victim to future viruses. Moving forward, we can expect see the increased application of these tried and proven technologies in various types of care facilities and in the home.”

— Greg Meger, VP of Research & Development, EarlySense

As patients and consumers develop stronger dependencies on wireless devices, remote communication, and prompter delivery of health results, the demand for progressive technologies moves faster and faster—with healthcare experiencing the quickest accelerations and the highest expectations. Digital tools and resources developed, created, and improved upon during COVID-19 will only intensify as the pandemic passes. The tech-driven future that not too long ago felt unknown will mature into what patients see as their new routine.

To read the full article about digital health, visit Healthcare IT Today.

Note: These news briefs are meant to be an informative service and do not signify UNE’s endorsement of any organization, product, or service.