In an era defined by the fastest rate of technological innovation the world has ever seen, the healthcare industry has been adopting technology in ways that are not only meaningful, but also familiar to patients.
An EHR is a digital version of what has traditionally been a paper record, but it’s not limited to data typically held in paper records. It can hold as much data as doctors can create, and it can be updated in real time.
Other than the natural cost reduction associated with using less paper, any authorized physician can access a patient’s EHR, no matter where the patient has received treatment in the past.
In addition to EHRs, there is an immense industry in medical devices used to make patient care and diagnosis more streamlined than ever before. One of the most groundbreaking areas of medical technology lies in 3D printing, a continually evolving field. 3D printing opens the doors to a plethora of cheaply made, high quality medical products.
Sensor arrays for the human heart are being printed in thin silicon. Small pieces can be efficiently manufactured for prosthetics, which are then connected by electrodes to remaining nerves, allowing control with the mind. Even common medical equipment like umbilical cord clamps can be 3D printed.
As medical technology advances and finds new applications in the healthcare industry, administrators are expected to ensure their facilities incorporate timesaving, cost-cutting, and ultimately, life-saving technology.