With the implementation of technologies like artificial intelligence, wearables, robotics, and predictive analytics, the healthcare industry has been able to improve the patient experience and focus on putting patients first. This week, we hear from experts at the American College of Physicians, Mt. San Rafael Hospital, and Solv., about how they are leveraging technology to focus on patient needs.
Can Technology Fix These Healthcare Problems?
Recently, Heather Fernandez, Co-Founder and CEO at Solv., answered this interesting question: What are some of the biggest unsolved problems in healthcare today that technology could fix? Fernandez answered that genetic testing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and wearables have all been delivering exciting outcomes, but there are still problems to be fixed.
“Along with the Urgent Care Association, Solv. ran a survey asking consumers what kind of healthcare tech would most meaningfully improve their experience in healthcare. As it turns out, the top technology requested by patients is something that restaurants, airlines, hair salons, and yoga studios have had for over a decade — easy online and mobile booking,” said Fernandez. “67 percent of respondents indicated this as the most important, and despite the narrative that it’s millennials driving all the change in healthcare, it was those age 45 to 60 requesting it the most.”
Read more here.
Predictive analytics and the ability to leverage data helps healthcare organizations put the patient first. Access and security of this data are paramount to organizations and sheds light on the importance of a robust IT infrastructure to keep data and patients safe. Mt. San Rafael Hospital has implemented an infrastructure that supports predictive analytics, putting the patient first.
“Without data, patients cannot be fully engaged in their care. We empower patients with data, because health data can be a matter of life and death,” said Michael Archuleta, Chief Information Officer at Mt. San Rafael Hospital. “Data saves lives!”
Read more here.
Opening the Digital Front Door
Although many healthcare organizations are opening the digital front door with apps, wearables, and video appointments, there is concern that with this open door comes uncertainty in both regulations and access to these technologies. Tabassum Salam, MD, American College of Physicians (ACP) vice president for medical education, believes that despite these challenges, telemedicine isn’t going anywhere.
Recently, Salam explained the benefits that telemedicine does provide, especially to those who have trouble traveling. “It’s a physical or emotional strain to leave the home and go to a doctor’s visit and the likelihood of those patients adhering to those appointments is low,” Salam said. Telemedicine offers patients, even the most at risk, the option to attend the appointment from their own home, greatly increasing the likelihood that they’ll receive the care they need.
Read more here.
