Digital innovations in the health sector have aided consumers in a number of ways. For example, now patients can make use of portable devices to access their personal medical details, carry out tests at home, examine their significant signs, as well as perform various other tasks.

In this case, the term ‘creative destruction’ is of crucial relevance. Popularized by Joseph Schumpeter, the renowned Austrian economist in the mid-20th century, this term denotes the revolution that comes with radical innovation. Eric Topol, a geneticist, researcher, and cardiologist, in his book, titled "The Creative Destruction of Medicine," talks about the advancement of medicine in an age where the power is shifting from doctors, hospitals, and other such caregivers to the patients themselves, thus resulting in a remarkable progress in health care.

The ideal digital storm in the healthcare sector comprises of many new technologies, including remarkable biosensors, imaging capabilities, genome sequencing, and health information systems. With these, we can continuously and remotely examine every heartbeat, the depth and rate of breathing, blood pressure readings, body temperature, glucose, brain waves, oxygen concentration, mood, activity, and what not. Furthermore, a few medical systems allow patients to directly download their medical records, laboratory reports, which was not permitted before.

Patient satisfaction and technology

That being said, no matter what the new technology device comes in the healthcare sector, patient satisfaction is of utmost importance. Patients should be satisfied with the services of the medical industry. In fact, government legislation is aiding patients with new programs introduced in the past few years, including the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey, which pays medical organizations, if they have high scores for patient satisfaction.

This shows the value of patient satisfaction, which can drive the healthcare industry forward, just like other profit-oriented industries. Some of the ways through which it can be achieved are by providing all-inclusive details, helping patients utilize the technology systems, and understanding their situation. In terms of technology, it includes helping patients with their electronic health records, Smartphone applications related to health care, and telemedicine platforms.

Focus on baby boomers

Just like other patients, technology can also assist the aging baby boomers, the last of whom are stated to reach their retirement age by 2029. Although baby boomers bring challenges to the healthcare sector, these can be solved when they are made familiar with the altering medical technology, in addition to taking other vital measures.

The aging baby boomers should be aided to use the various health and wellness monitoring apps and trackers. Reports indicate the positive results of using such tools. 96% of people who use health apps believe that these can enhance their quality of life. Moreover, 86% of healthcare professionals deem health apps increase their knowledge of their patients and their condition.

In addition, telemedicine platforms can be used in rural areas in order to get access to medical benefits. The most recent technologies can enhance care results, facilitate more collaboration between health care professionals and patients, and minimize admissions and readmissions of patients. Healthcare professionals and institutions, that comprehend the challenges posed by baby boomers and take the right remedial measures, can offer better assistance to the aging baby boomers.

Quality health information is crucial

Electronic Health Records or EHR further strengthens the association between clinicians and patients, thus advancing the progress of medical industry. With the right data, which is available anytime and on time, professionals can make better decisions and thus provide better care to patients.

EHR plays an important role in keeping quality patient health information that further is used in medical research and quality management. With the aid of EHR, medical errors can be reduced by enhancing the clarity and accuracy of medical records. Moreover, it helps to make the health details easily accessible, while reducing treatment delays, test duplications, and keeps the patients informed so that they can take better decisions.

Thus, data-powered tools can provide better care to patients and help health care facilities and professionals to get the latest details of their patients. When clinicians and hospitals around the world adopt technology in their procedures, then they can aim to provide care to patients in a better and more advanced way.