The healthcare industry is continually evolving, especially with the increasing use of technology to meet the growing demands of doctors, medical centers, and hospitals. Innovations in technology had a significant impact in 2013, introducing advancements that saved time and lives.
### Portable Computing
One major challenge in healthcare is quick access to medical records, lab results, scans, and other essential information for diagnosing and treating patients. Patients often have extensive files, particularly those in urgent situations or with chronic conditions, necessitating instant access to their medical history.
In 2013, portable computing devices significantly improved, largely due to virtual desktop computing and virtual application streaming. These advancements allowed doctors and staff to swiftly locate necessary files and documents from anywhere. This new wave of portable technology was more powerful than its predecessors, and digital records replaced hard-to-read paper charts and notes.
### Online Patient Communications
Many think of online communication as limited to instant messaging, social media, and email, but in 2013, one technology proved exceptionally useful: patient portal sites. These secure online platforms, managed by doctors or medical facilities, provided patients with login credentials to send and receive messages from their healthcare providers for simple inquiries that didn’t require a phone call.
Patient portals even offered features like appointment scheduling or canceling, viewing lab results, and requesting medication refills, enhancing patient experience and convenience.
### Low-Cost Digital Data Storage
In 2013, the price of portable storage devices dropped again, transforming patient care and the healthcare industry. Previously, when patients were referred to specialists, primary care physicians had to rely on staff to ensure all relevant documents were forwarded in a timely manner.
With affordable portable storage options like flash drives, patients could now carry their information easily, ensuring crucial data was hand-delivered to other medical professionals efficiently, reducing the margin for error.
### The Future
Looking ahead, the future appears promising as more technological advancements seep into healthcare. Enhanced computing power speeds up lab results, higher processing capabilities provide clearer and more detailed scans and imaging tests, and electronic medical records continue to gain traction, saving time for all involved.
The technological strides made in 2013 marked the beginning of a new era where doctors can access patient information anytime, anywhere, improving the quality of care regardless of the patient’s location. This progression also means that patients can receive customized and quality care even when they are away from home.