Let’s face it; technology has become the new norm in many areas of our daily lives. Whether you’re shopping, communicating with friends and family, or conducting a conference with international clients modern technology has certainly transformed the way we behave and live. One area in particular that has seen many technological breakthroughs is in the medical industry. Advancements in medical equipment, software, and other technological platforms have improved the lives of patients across the country.
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The Internet Leads to More Informed Patients
In 2013, approximately one in three Americans reported utilizing the internet as a means for learning more about medical conditions. Researching anything from various symptoms and causes to treatment options, reliable medical resources have allowed patients to have a more clear understanding of their health and conditions. While it is certainly still important to reach out to doctors to learn firsthand information and receive a clear diagnosis, the very fact that people are doing more to learn about their health is outstanding.
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Social Media Leads to Better Doctor Patient Relationships
Social media has also changed the face of healthcare today. Medical facilities are taking advantage of the opportunity to reach millions of users online each and every day. From utilizing social media as a tool to communicate with current patients, to using their company social media page as a platform to provide awareness, many medical facilities find this technological tool to be very beneficial. Having a platform that allows medical professionals to interact with their patients and concerned individuals on a more instantaneous level has helped to improve the quality of lives everywhere.
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Medical Devices for Improved Self-Care
As the general population looks to improve their health through preventative measures, monitoring, and education, medical devices have helped to improve their ability to care for themselves. For instance, devices such as continuous blood glucose monitors allow patients living with diabetes to careful record and track their sugar levels. For those looking to improve their health by eating better and getting regular exercise, digital applications help to make tracking a lot easier to comprehend and record. Health and fitness applications for instance can do things that include tracking calories and exercise attempts generating reports that allow users to learn more about their progress and how their daily activity can affect their health.
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The Cloud Produces Improved Patient Care
Cloud based software such as AdvancedMD All-in-one Medical Software, creates a more efficient and improved means for caring for patients. Medical facilities have started to move away from the old paper filing method and moved into the cloud. Such software allows for doctors, nurses, and patients (when necessary) to interact instantaneously as it pertains to healthcare. Internet capable devices allow for medical professionals to keep track of patient medical history, lab results, and even medications to provide more accurate and effective treatment to the patient. Patients are then able to easily access their own medical information which leads to improved patient education.
Not only has this form of software changed the way that patients are cared for, but it also helps medical research. Keeping a digital record of patient history allows medical professionals and scientists to get a better study of trends which can lead to medical breakthroughs in the future. Online databases and cloud software gives medical researchers an easy platform to research, sort, and gather more accurate information which can be used to detect or even treat certain ailments.
The impact of technology on the medical industry continues to broaden as technological advancements are made. Through various platforms and resources that were not previously made available, medical professionals and patients now have the ability to improve the quality of life. From more efficient check-in procedures at the doctor’s office to enhanced solutions for self care, technology is not only convenient, but doing its part to change the lives of everyone on the daily basis.
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