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The internet might have revolutionized retail from the time eBay and Amazon were introduced in around 1995 or 1996, but healthcare has been much slower to adapt. Because they are dealing with people’s health and wellbeing, the industry is naturally cautious and tends to be a late adopter of new trends. However, there is no doubt that the internet is gradually changing how healthcare is delivered. The following five examples are the most interesting elements of a much longer list of digital revolutions in the healthcare industry.
Speeding up the Supply Chain
If you own a small gift shop and run out of Christmas cards on 19 December, you might miss out on a peak sales opportunity. But if you work in healthcare and run out of a crucial medication or the right size of bandage, it can have a far more serious impact.
The ability to find a medical equipment supplier online and place an order has fast-tracked the procurement process, and automated stock-taking and ordering systems will make this process even more fool-proof over the next five years or so.
Improving the Patient Booking Experience
In the past, booking to see the doctor has involved ringing at a specific time, sitting on hold for far longer than you have the patience for, and then feeling guilty for asking the harassed and impatient receptionist about different appointment options to try to slot something into your schedule.
With the introduction of online booking systems, you can quickly and easily see the doctor’s availability and book an appointment in two minutes, even in the middle of the night or on a Sunday. Most systems will even add the time slot into your calendar and allow you to cancel or change the appointment if needed.
Data Storage
What about your health data when you get to the appointment? One challenge you might not have considered for healthcare organizations is data storage. We all want our doctor to be able to check an ultrasound from seven years ago or reference what medication it was that worked so well in 1998 when we took it. But storing increasing quantities of patient data, especially when it comes to medical imaging, creates a significant challenge for doctors and hospitals.
Healthcare facilities are increasingly shifting from legacy data stacks in the basement to hybrid storage systems that combine the advantages of on-premise and cloud databases with sophisticated Electronic Health Records. This is making it easier than ever for medical professionals to access vital info when you need it.
Telemedicine and Video Conferencing
Have you been trying to avoid the doctor’s surgery since the outbreak of COVID-19? You are not alone. Around 40% of US adults have been delaying medical care since the pandemic began. This trend has profound health implications, so medical professionals are doing all they can to offer safe and timely care and advice through telemedicine and video conferencing. The number of telehealth appointments has risen dramatically worldwide, and many people predict this trend is here to stay.
Health Consumerism
Do you track your steps or your calories using an app? More and more people are becoming involved in their own healthcare and improving their health through diet and exercise. There is still a gap between consumer-grade and medical-grade apps and tracking devices, but it is likely that soon your doctor will be able to gain insights from the data you track on your smartwatch.
The digital revolution is finally gaining traction in the health industry, and consumers are set to benefit from more convenient access to healthcare.
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