Outcomes led by health technologies are inspiring hope

Health data has proven itself an invaluable tool in delivering quality care delivery, enhanced patience experiences, and valuable insights towards developing more effective treatment protocols. In critical health situations that affect varying groups of a population, like a global pandemic, the foundation for fighting the crisis and correcting its trajectory is built on data.

Global healthcare systems have responded to COVID-19 with a united approach to expedite recovery and establish prevention methods for public health safety. Specialized health technologies are charging this mission. These are the leading five that are producing real-life applications and results.

1. Remote Patient Monitoring

Varying companies have emerged with innovative technologies and apps that help manage the spread of COVID-19 and monitor patients who have suspected or confirmed symptoms using several vehicles, like patches or wristbands, to deliver effective monitoring techniques. These apps and devices allow physicians the opportunity to especially help patients suffering from chronic conditions and provide recommendations on when an emergency visit is necessary. Real-time data reported through these apps is supporting active care while simultaneously minimizing the spread.

2. Telehealth Care

To help comply with public health expert recommendations of consulting with a physician before visiting an emergency room for patients who may show signs of COVID-19, telehealth has taken its spot as front-running health technology. Telehealth is most useful for patients with compromised immunity or those more vulnerable to the virus. For them, and many other patients, telehealth is proving an effective tool for having questions answered, proper diagnosis and treatment decisions, and accelerated responses for healthcare systems experiencing a surge of patients.

3. Increased Biospecimen Testing

Healthcare professionals within each facet of the field are working nonstop to uncover more information every hour about COVID-19. Biospecimen samples, like urine, blood, or tissue, from individuals who have recovered from the virus and those currently undergoing treatment is offering real-time results in a matter of hours. An early discovery of using plasma donations from recovered, immune patients as an antibody for those at most risk is one example of the data extracted from biospecimen technology.

4. 3D Printing

Healthcare systems and hospitals continue to battle demand for health supplies against increasing shortages. 3D printing has allowed for unconventional manufacturing as a solution for highly needed supplies like ventilators, face shields, and oxygen valves.

5. Massive Data

Like many other viruses and diseases, big data is supporting healthcare professionals’ tracking of medical risks, treatments, and symptoms that add deeper insight without requiring delays or limitless variables to consider. When handling and managing a novel virus like COVID-19, all information is vital for improved outcomes. It allows health experts to advise the public on better measures for safety as well as added symptoms otherwise unknown, and connects this information to each point along the care continuum. The real-time analysis focuses on the areas of most concern and contributes to swifter responses.

To learn more about these technologies, visit Health IT Outcomes.

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