The healthcare industry is currently experiencing a period of rapid digital transformation. The adoption of innovative technologies is becoming an integral part of its DNA, which is radically overhauling the way medical facilities operate. 

This significant disruption is driven by the widespread availability of high-speed wireless and fibre internet networks, growing demand for enhanced quality of care, and the acceleration of remote doctor-patient interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this blog, we highlight five technology developments in healthcare and the opportunities they offer for minimising inefficiencies and elevating the patient experience.

Cloud computing

Considering how long healthcare providers have been relying on legacy systems, it is understandable why cloud computing has grown to benefit them with greater convenience. Healthcare providers deal with lots of medical records and patient data, and with advances in diagnostics and analytics, it has become an information explosion. 

Cloud computing makes it easier to store and manage patient records while granting some of the highest levels of protection. What’s more, the implementation of cloud computing provides the ability for doctors, departments, and even institutions to collaborate and share data between each other.

Big data

Digital technology is a critical tool for data capture and analysis. The collection of patient information is used by medical professionals for a variety of purposes, including learning more about patients, making informed decisions in terms of treatment, and conducting clinical studies. With the proliferation of wearables and health trackers, it has become easier to gather data from a range of demographics in the shortest time possible. 

Virtual consultations

Consultations via video conferencing are changing the way doctors and patients interact. The switch from in-person appointments to a virtual format has shown significant growth over the last couple of years, owing to the cost savings, convenience, and ability to provide care to patients with mobility issues or those who don’t have access to local healthcare. 

Online patient portals

The goal of online patient portals is to make the provision of healthcare more convenient and patient friendly. Instead of waiting in long queues and being physically present, or dealing with a host of paperwork, patients can use the online portal as a gateway to communicate with a healthcare professional, request prescription refills, view test results, and schedule appointments.

Health apps

Today, medical institutions can offer a bouquet of services through their app. Patients now have a means to access anything anywhere at any time from their mobile phones. And with these apps’ usage increasing everyday — from allowing patients to monitor their health to providing them with medical information and notifying them when it’s time to come in for a checkup — they have grown to be an essential tool in managing patient healthcare.

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Final word

In their quest for innovation and keeping up with the changing times, digital transformation is a necessary prospect for the healthcare industry. The adoption of digital technology brings amazing opportunities to optimise and streamline operations while delivering value to patients. 

As with any industry, a high-quality broadband connectivity is at the foundation of a full transformation. Only by leveraging internet solutions that can support both back-office and patient-facing processes, will healthcare providers be able to leverage the true capabilities of digital transformation.