- Telemedicine has allowed doctors to consult with and treat patients virtually, relieving the busy healthcare industry during the pandemic.
- Several health apps have emerged, including Apple Health and Google Fit, MyFitnessPal, WebMD, and PillPack. These applications make it easier to track health data and offer a range of services.
- Big data analytics have proven invaluable in tracking infection trends, improving internal processes, and developing predictive models to prepare for potential health crises.
- 3D printing has been used to quickly produce medical supplies, prosthetics, and custom medical devices, reducing the waiting time for those in need.
The pandemic has been a wake-up call for healthcare providers worldwide. They found their resources and abilities tested and their resilience put to the test. This challenging situation ultimately led to a surge in new medical technologies designed to deal with the public health crisis sweeping the globe. Health innovations have played a critical role in treating patients, diagnosing, and limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These advancements promise to redefine not just the medical world alone but society as a whole.
1. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is one of the most vital innovations developed during the pandemic era. Virtual healthcare consultations have allowed doctors to consult with and treat patients, mainly those at high risk of virus exposure. The virtual appointment system has made things easier for patients and healthcare workers, providing much-needed relief to the overwhelmed healthcare industry. Healthcare professionals no longer need to worry about the perils of a packed waiting room or the risk of low patient volumes.
Telemedicine is on track to become a permanent fixture in the healthcare sector. Various areas of the medical world have adopted virtual consultations, especially psychiatry. Isolation due to the pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health, and telemedicine can provide quick and convenient relief for those suffering from mental health issues. Psychiatrists are taking advantage of the trend to reduce the burden of stigma surrounding mental health issues significantly.
2. Health Apps
The pandemic catalyzed the development of numerous health apps that proved pivotal in the fight against the pandemic. These mobile apps allowed doctors to conduct contact tracing, monitor patients remotely, communicate with other medical professionals, and offer telehealth services. Here are some of the most popular health apps in use today:
a. Apple Health and Google Fit
These two competing platforms allow users to track various activities such as sleep, diet, and exercise. The apps provide detailed information on the user’s health status and suggest ways to improve it. They also allow users to set health-related goals.
b. MyFitnessPal
MyFitnessPal is an app that helps people keep track of their fitness and diet goals. It includes a calorie counter, which makes it easier to monitor dietary habits, as well as a food database that provides information about various types of food.
c. WebMD
WebMD is an app developed by the popular medical website. It provides users with comprehensive health information and guidance on managing various medical conditions. The app also allows users to track symptoms, view test results, and search for doctors in their area.
d. PillPack
PillPack is a digital pharmacy that helps users manage their medications. It sends the user’s medications regularly and reminds them when to take them. The app also offers various services, such as refills, prescription transfers, and medication reminders.
3. Big Data Analytics
The rise of big data analytics has also transformed healthcare, making instant and accurate data sharing possible. The ability to track infection trends and how they spread has been crucial in developing mitigation strategies and action plans that have guided governments worldwide. It has also been used for public education and awareness campaigns to promote community safety.
Many hospitals have used big data analytics to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. It has proven especially beneficial in streamlining internal processes, such as managing inventory and recording patient records. Big data analytics has also been used to develop predictive models that help healthcare providers anticipate and prepare for potential health crises.
4. 3D Printing
3D printing is another technology that has seen a surge in popularity during the pandemic. Researchers have used 3D printing to produce medical supplies, such as ventilators, protective gear, and even artificial organs. It has allowed healthcare organizations to respond to shortages in medical supplies quickly.
3D printing has also created prosthetics for amputees and custom medical devices, such as hearing aids and orthopedic implants. These medical devices are tailored for each patient and can be produced quickly, significantly reducing the waiting time for those in need. When combined with big data analytics, 3D printing can create personalized medical treatments based on a patient’s unique needs.
The pandemic has shown that technology and healthcare are two sides of the same coin. The health crisis has highlighted the significance of a digitally enabled healthcare system in helping people fight unprecedented healthcare crises. Health innovations continue to evolve at an incredible pace, providing a glimpse into the vast possibilities of healthcare technology. The future of healthcare involves harnessing the power of technology. The global health crisis may have shown how vulnerable society is, but innovations in healthcare technology show that the world is also incredibly adaptable.
