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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