From endless episodes of Black Mirror to The Matrix, we are wired to believe in the dangers a digitally enhanced world could bring. Although these forms of entertainment serve as a warning to what reality may one day look like by clinging onto new technology opportunities rather than fearing the risks, endless possibilities can come to the surface, especially when it comes to taking control of our health.
More than ever, revolutionary technology is arising, sparking innovation that can define the healthcare industry by digitally improving interoperability. Health professionals can make a greater impact on lives by embracing a technological shift through adopting AI and cloud software and moving away from traditional healthcare technology.
The Healthcare Industry is Fighting the Digital Era
While many industries are undergoing a digital transformation, the healthcare industry too is fighting to embrace a digital era. Experts within the healthcare industry are reluctant to incorporate new forms of technology.
Today 43% of healthcare professionals believe that the lack of specialized skills is the major issue in embracing digital transformation. This skills gap is inflicting challenges in locating qualified players to execute and train the industry on advanced healthcare technologies. With the presence of technology, the industry is concerned about the impact automation will have on data privacy, such as protected health information (PHI) of patients.
Additionally, among hospitals and healthcare environments, outdated technology is present with 60% of medical devices at the end of their life stage, inflicting security risks. By emphasizing the importance of high-tech within healthcare, the sector could save $100 billion annually by optimizing an efficient process and identifying unnecessary practices.
Technology Can Reshape the HealthCare Industry for the Better
A technological evolution in the medical industry is crucial in all aspects of healthcare. Vanessa Justice, Director of Account Executives at digital transformation company, Blue Cloud, explains the importance of a digitization with in healthcare, as it “…enables a transition from reactive to proactive care models by integrating third-party data to identify health patterns and prioritize care for high-risk patients, promoting community health and reducing healthcare system time”.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most prominent technologies that will pave the way for a stronger medical future. Through AI, patients’ medical experience can be improved with assistance in medical support and reduced administrative burdens.
AI can enhance treatment and care through telehealth, digital monitors and predictive knowledge from patient data, strengthening services for patients in unique demographics and health facilities. Enhancing patient diagnostics is promising with the help of AI algorithms, decreasing human error and identifying early signs of disease. On the other side of the industry, AI will assist health experts by intensifying scientific research and findings and providing strong decisions based on thorough evidence.
It’s time to Welcome change
Embracing change can be scary, although when it comes to saving and improving an individual’s life, one must cling to new opportunities. As health professionals have the lives of patients in their hands, it is time to accept new models of technology in order to eliminate dangerous barriers. It is up to healthcare experts to take ownership and responsibility of bridging the gaps in the industry, thus unleashing greater change.
