The Future of Healthcare Goes High Tech

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There is no industry unaffected in some ways by technology. Marketing, public relations, manufacturing—have all seen major changes. Some of the more “high-touch” industries like delivering personal healthcare assistance, diagnosis and treatment have lagged behind. Well, get ready for 2013! An article in Fast Company’s co.Design, “20 Tech Trends That Will Define 2013,” predicts that technology will help redefine healthcare services and delivery in the New Year.

 

Digital devices and the Internet have already revolutionized business and the way we interact with each other. Eight-five percent of net surfers shop online. Smartphones are replacing land lines, cameras, calculators, books, radios, CDs, and any number of other mediums for communication and commerce. It makes sense that healthcare take advantage of digital technology to serve healthcare users already doing business and looking for information online. The article calls it behavior evolution, “…behavior change at scale and over time.” It’s not just a change in a service or process, but a whole new way of acting and defining expectations.

 

The ability to connect 24/7, real-time remote monitoring of data and information, and social networking are three factors revolutionizing healthcare. The ability to connect to healthcare sources or providers at any time, collect and send health data in real-time, and interacting with the a global social networking community has taken healthcare out of the doctor’s office and health clinic. Online healthcare is becoming a semi-self-service information and delivery service that is faster, accessible from mobile devices with the data and input of the global community.

 

The article highlights some companies that are providing high-tech healthcare services:

 

Patients Like Me.com – This social networking site provides a forum for individuals with health issues to connect with each other. The site says that members can get information about their health conditions from others with the same health issues and “… resources and support to improve their conditions.”  

 

Cure Together – Cure Together was initially launched in 2008 to help people with chronic pain connect with others in the same situation. It was acquired by 23and Me, and is basically a data-gathering and information-sharing service for over 500 medical conditions.

 

Asthmapolis.com – According to the site, health experts recommend people with asthma track and monitor their symptoms, triggers and the use of medications. Asthmapolis is a digital tracking system with an inhaler and mobile application that helps patients do just that. It also helps healthcare providers who use the system to monitor patient data to determine who might need additional care or medications. 

 

These high-tech heathcare systems help individuals take more control and responsibility for their health and well-being. Healthcare delivery systems are going to be changing in the next years due to the Affordable Care Act. Healthcare providers, insurance companies and employers are already changing their participation in reaction to the ACA. The ability to monitor health conditions and information can alert patients and doctors before a patient needs to go to the emergency room or hospital. Proactive participation can reduce costs for medications, testing and hospitalization.

 

Technology skills and experience are going to be as necessary for a career in healthcare as a medical license or certification. Healthcare providers and administrators need to jump on the high-tech, high-speed train with both feet and hang on. It’s going to be a fast, exciting ride. Don’t be left standing on the platform while the train speeds by. 

 

Photo Source:  Freedigitalphotos.net 
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  • Mary Nestor-Harper
    Mary Nestor-Harper •
    Good question, Vivienne.  To be long-term in any career will mean a willingness to learn and apply new technology and methodologies.  Things change so fast, that you can't be married to "the way we used to do things" anymore.  Look how many versions of the IPhone have come along in a few years.  New software, apps and processes come online every day.  You have to be flexible, eager to learn and apply what you've learned to stick around for the long haul.  Thanks for the great question.
  • L. Vivienne L
    L. Vivienne L •
    Some level of privacy for this new Medical High Tech has to be in place. Individuals as myself who has a BS & MBA in Community Health etc and is seeking employment, how can I find a company which is on the cutting edge of this technology which will allow a long-term profession. I know that anything which is new takes a while to clear the kinks.  I think this is great, since patients are already utilizing the Internet for solutions.
  • Mary Nestor-Harper
    Mary Nestor-Harper •
    Such interesting comments.  Technology is sure to eliminate some jobs, but should create others as well.  Electronic data is at risk, with hackers and security issues.  With technology comes a whole new set of safeguards for the healthcare professionals and patients as well.  There will have to be new regulations and agencies to protect the public, just like the FDA protects the public from unsafe prescription drugs.  It will be exciting to see the future of healthcare...it's closer than you think.
  • Tim Allen R
    Tim Allen R •
    As a registered nurse, I worked with sales teams, IT direcrors and docs to introduce the docs to robotic surgery and medical robotic devices.  It was very interesting getting to know some of the great minds who saw into the future and championed this stuff.   High tech is going to be a word of the past, although I can't imagine what will replace it.
  • Harris P
    Harris P •
    Wont all this technology cut out many jobs?  This is what "John Henry" was protesting but it didn't work.
  • Anna M
    Anna M •
    By JUMPING on that high-speed train, realize laws that are in place for a reason....HIPPA.  With the high tech industry, also comes with that the abuse of rights.  Many feel, that their information being placed "out there" may get into the hands of people which that information is not inteded for. Licensing Boards, per State Laws have been given a freedom to have certain information that to most, is private.  Reason?  Because the Laws say they can.  Now, Federal Laws paint a different story, especially when it comes to Civil Rights.  So, before jumping on that "Speeding Train" think!  Most people do like having information at their finger tips,  but watch the process allowing certain medical, private, professional, financial information as it's released.  Sometimes the damage doesn't outway the good.  LIMITS!
  • Verna H
    Verna H •
    Thanks for this.  I have been inquiring in the field of health care adm/coding and billing and fraud just what is the "new Normal".  I want to be on top and keep up and  to help others do it as well as a trainer and instructor and business owner for this.ThanksVH
  • Sheila M
    Sheila M •
    Wow! This article is right on and couldn't come at a better time for me - as I'm writing a series of eBooks on this very topic! Take It Upon Yourself is a website, blog, and series of eBooks where I outline and provide details on assuming responsibility for your personal health and wellness and provide resources to keep yourself well, let's say preventive measures even, BEFORE you need to visit your medical professional. I promote wellness tips from the standpoint of food, "thought" strategies to reduce stress, and more. Thank you for providing a timely and accurate article!
  • P. Himes
    P. Himes •
    I think it all stinks.  Nothing will replace people and interaction of people one on one.  We are all turning into a bunch of robots run by machines, thanks to progress.
  • Fredrick I
    Fredrick I •
    The revolutionized processes of the healthcare industry to high-tech are a welcoming achievement the professionals and individual will received with some optimism. I believe that while this is good data collection for the professionals and individuals health diagnosis, the fear will be the ethical repercussion from having this information readily available to individuals that does not have your best interest at hand, and also having it compromise by hackers and employers that will use this information to eliminate you from employment and create a world of hysteria.  

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