Technology has affected everyone on this planet and it has changed the way we live in more ways than we can count. It has evolved in every field and has made us more developed. The use of technology in communication has made us closer and faster; its use in electronics has made our lives easier and its use in aviation has helped us reach the sky. Healthcare is also a field of science that has been completely evolved with technology. The medical benefits we gain from the use of technology in healthcare are immeasurable.
Technology has helped many chronically ill and disabled people live a normal life again. With the use of technology, people are able to live a more independent, healthy and productive life. Technology has given hope to people and continues to strive to help save more lives and make life worth living.
Diabetes is considered a disease that is considered a huge burden on all the other body systems. It is essential to monitor the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients in order to help them maintain and manage their health. With the help of technological advancements, there has been a huge development in devices that accurately and efficiently monitor the blood glucose levels. This has helped reduce the risks associated with the problems of diabetes. Technology has helped diabetic patients lead a normal life without any complications. Similarly, technology has helped doctors in handling and treating all other diseases in a more advanced manner.
Another area where patients have hugely benefitted is from the way diagnostics and lab testing has advanced. It has become very fast and accurate to detect and diagnose a problem in any patient. A single simple blood test can be analyzed to reveal a complete picture of what the body is undergoing. Lab tests not only help the doctors diagnose the illness but also help them detect the level of severity of the illness. This is a gain a huge life saving advancement in healthcare as patients can be treated accordingly in an efficient manner.
The development and research focused on vaccines and medicines have enabled us as humans to get rid of some very dangerous viruses like polio. It is due to technology advancements that we can now save our future generations from being permanently crippled. Similarly, every other day there is a breakthrough revelation of a drug or vaccine that can further help patients in finding relief.
Like all the other medical categories, orthopedic patients have a lot to be thankful for to technology. There were times when people had their bone fractured and legs broken which caused them to lead a life like a vegetable. Now, there are advance techniques and equipment that can save a person’s leg from becoming permanently disabled. And even if a person loses his feet, advanced prosthetic technology allows them to lead a completely independent life. There is a lower risk of infections in internal screws and rods that may be used for the joining of bones.
Only a few decades ago, the rate of abortions and miscarriages were very high. This was because of the fact that there wasn’t enough technology to detect any abnormality that the fetus might have. Each pregnancy was handled in an assembly-line type way. With the advent of safe ultrasonic machines, doctors and sonologists have a clear picture of the fetus development at each stage. Any abnormality is detected at its initial stage. Doctors now also have a huge range of options to try to save the fetus as well as maintain the health of the mother.
Childbirth is also a much safer experience with the help of technology. The several monitoring systems keep track of the blood pressures and vital signs to ensure that the mother and child are safe and have enough oxygen throughout the process. The use of specialized drugs has made the whole experience more worthwhile. Also, technology has helped doctors better cope with any complication that may arise during birth. Today, caesarean births have an equal chance of survival and this procedure is now completely safe and risk free for both the mother and the child.
Nowadays, hospitals and clinics have started the use of electronic records. This has proven to be very efficient for physicians and staff. Instead of waiting for a nurse to go and get a patient’s record file from a folder in the next room, a doctor can instantly check the complete history of a patient on his computer. This saves those few minutes that are crucial in saving a person’s life. The doctor has instant access to the information about the tests and its results that the patient has undergone. He does not need to wait for the results of the tests as they are automatically uploaded to the online database.
Combination of technology in communication and healthcare has also enabled the concept of remote consulting. Now even if your doctor is not in town or you need a second opinion of another qualified doctor overseas, online communication has made this possible. It is now common practice even for doctors to consult other doctors on some procedure during an operation. Doctors can guide their junior doctors to perform an operation while they monitor virtually through the internet.
The internet is also loaded with a huge amount of information. Although a lot of it cannot be trusted, but there are still many websites and organizations that are known to provide the most latest and correct information about diseases, its symptoms, preventions and treatments. This has made today’s patient very educated. They are aware of the course of action to follow. This also helps doctors and physicians better explain the problem to the patient and the family.
Technology has overall helped patients in not only giving them better options but it helps them save time, offer painless and risk free procedures, and reduced recovery time.
Health is the first priority of scientists and doctors. This is why there is immense focus in providing patients with the best care and options. The patient of the 21st century has a far better chance of survival and leading a normal life than anyone could have imagined a in the previous century. There are tremendous technology benefits to healthcare that help not only patients but the whole society to grow and prosper.
References
GESciencePrize. (2012, December 31). Healthcare Technology: Benefit or Danger? Retrieved November 17, 2013, from GEScienceProze: http://www.gescienceprize.org/healthcare-technology-benefit-or-danger/
McClellan, D. M. (2001, September). Is Technological Change In Medicine Worth It? Retrieved November 18, 2013, from Health Affairs: http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/20/5/11.full
Medtech Europe. (2009). How does medical technology benefit people? Retrieved November 18, 2013, from Eucomed Medical Technology: http://www.eucomed.be/medical-technology/value-benefits
