Technology In Healthcare: How It Can Revolutionise And Reshape The Sector

Innovations such as electronic health records, tech-enabled infrastructure, and app-based consultations have enhanced diagnosis accuracy, improved patient outcomes, and streamlined administrative procedures.

By Ayush Sharma

With a growing population, we require a robust healthcare system that can cater to the bulging needs of patients. It was seen during the coronavirus pandemic that when the world slowed down, healthcare services were instrumental in bringing lives back on track. This happened due to the major role of technology, which decentralised healthcare, ensured access to remote areas and helped track the spread of viruses across the nation. Therefore, the efficiency of technology integration cannot be undermined in today’s digital era.

With rapid technological advancements, the medical sector has experienced a myriad of transformations within the past few years, and as a result, patient care, medical records management, equipment, and more have been revolutionised. In addition, innovations such as electronic health records, tech-enabled infrastructure, and application-based consultations have enhanced diagnosis accuracy, improved patient outcomes, and streamlined administrative procedures.

Digitalisation Of Medical Records

In a country where we have a vast and diverse population, managing and streamlining medical records is the need of the hour. In this regard, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are a viable solution. In comparison to paper-based medical records, an EHR eases managing, storing, and accessing of patient data and information for medical experts and leads to improved care coordination. With the digitalization of health records, medical professionals are able to make well-informed decisions, which results in better diagnosis and treatment plans. It also significantly contributes to in-depth medical research by providing invaluable medical data to policymakers. As a result, it can be used as an efficient tool to bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare facilities by expanding the reach of information to doctors operating in different parts of India. As the nation seeks to negate its healthcare challenges, EHRs can be a viable method to share information and enhance overall patient care.

Tech-Driven Infrastructure

Technology today is responsible for changing traditional medical practices and infrastructure. Unlike traditional medical facilities that required huge upfront costs, trained staff, and equipment, new-age co-working spaces have emerged for doctors that serve the same purpose but with much less cost. India today requires a robust infrastructure system, and these tech-enabled spaces are a viable solution for doctors who want to start their medical practices. These new-age medical clinics can have shared resources, which can include medical equipment, trained staff, and medical records, which optimises resource allocation. The infrastructure is enabled with cutting-edge technologies such as telemedicine, EHRs, and digital appointment systems that can streamline patient care, improve record management, and enhance medical care efficiency. What it does for patients is that they get all the medical experts under one roof, which enables access to a comprehensive range of medical facilities.

Application-Based Consultation

It is evident that the co-working spaces are enabling doctors to seamlessly conduct their medical practises in a cost-efficient manner. Apart from a well-maintained infrastructure, these co-working spaces are also providing specialised applications to medical experts, who can leverage them to establish a better connection with their patients. With features such as scheduling patient visits and setting clinic timings, the application allows doctors to streamline their day-to-day operations and makes consultations for patients easier. They also get all the necessary information, such as patient records, billings, prescriptions, and more, at their fingertips, making their clinical operations seamless. Moreover, application-based consultations have also been possible through a "PHYGITAL" model that has enabled patients to reach doctors from the comfort of their homes. This has not only reduced the waiting time for the patients but also allowed for early detection of diseases, resulting in better treatments. Patients can use applications to track their medical appointments, receive reminders, and get access to their tests easily. Consecutively, doctors can efficiently communicate using these applications while recording their patient’s vital signs, maintaining logs on consultations, and achieving better procedural efficiency.

In a country where we have a vast and diverse population, managing and streamlining medical records is the need of the hour. In this regard, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are a viable solution. In comparison to paper-based medical records, an EHR eases the managing, storing, and accessing of patient data and information for medical experts and leads to improved care coordination. With the digitalisation of health records, medical professionals are able to make well-informed decisions, which results in better diagnosis and treatment plans. It also significantly contributes to in-depth medical research by providing valuable medical data to policymakers. As a result, it can be used as an efficient tool to bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare facilities by expanding the reach of information to doctors operating in different parts of India. As the nation seeks to negate its healthcare challenges, EHRs can be a viable method to share information and enhance overall patient care.

Healthcare Of Tomorrow

Healthcare is currently undergoing a change thanks to innovations like electronic health records (EHRs), application-based consultations, and tech-driven infrastructures. These changes give healthcare professionals the resources they need to improve the quality of their care and operate more nimbly. As a result, it is clear that modern healthcare technology trends are having a significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare spending.

Looking forward, the healthcare sector will reap significant benefits from a number of current and emerging technologies. The infrastructure will be strengthened as the healthcare sector develops with the help of a number of modern co-working spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology, trained medical staff, and shared resources that will help doctors reach more patients in a cost-efficient manner. As a result, we will have access to a healthcare system that operates parallel to the one we currently have, collectively enhancing the whole landscape.

(The author is the co-founder of Aartas Clinishare, a medical co-working space company that aims to change clinics for doctors.)

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