On World Health Day 2024, Dr Sohini Sengupta, Medical Laboratory Director, Redcliffe Labs talks about the ways that are transforming the healthcare industry
With rapidly increasing health issues, an increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and a fast-paced life, there is a need for innovative diagnostic solutions for personalised health management. Advancements in science have revolutionised various fields of life, making it essential to integrate technology and innovations to improve the quality of self-care.
The complex and challenging healthcare system has undergone a metamorphosis to redefine patient care and experience by equipping healthcare providers with advanced tools. Precision and personalisation catering to healthcare needs will transform people into fitter and healthier versions of themselves.
AI is gaining momentum in the healthcare industry, bridging gaps between healthcare providers and care seekers, and is expected to hold a global market of $188 billion by 2030. AI models have been adopted by around a fifth of healthcare organisations and have remarkably reduced 20 per cent of clinicians’ time managing administrative tasks and providing healthcare solutions.
Here are a few ways that are transforming the healthcare industry, and these innovations are expected to set future trends.
Artificial learning in clinical decision making
In this ever-evolving digital landscape, it has become imperative to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning for better clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. There are several tools that help healthcare professionals analyse large volumes of data within the blink of an eye, reducing the turnaround time and suggesting personalised treatment for optimised care and better healthcare outcomes.
These advanced tools help identify risks in time through precision and evidence-based information, allowing real-time interventions by analysing patients’ personalised health and identifying possible risk factors. Such advancements support clinicians in offering tailored treatment plans that significantly improve patient outcomes. However, for the widespread use of the same, it is essential to provide specialised training to medical practitioners and set the regulatory rules to avoid any associated consequences.
Digitalised health records
Digitalised health records are the key to improved accessibility of patient data. By making it available on a digital platform to medical professionals and facilitating multidisciplinary care for NCD patients, smart digitised reports allow for an easier understanding of patient reports. They also help clinicians provide better healthcare through record-keeping, monitoring, and informed decision-making. They reduce costs while simultaneously improving healthcare services.
However, handling all digital health records with integrity and enhanced security is imperative, as digital data is significantly vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Virtual healthcare services
The digital era has blessed us not only with virtual connections on social media but also with its application and integration with healthcare platforms, which have made virtual healthcare services possible, even in the remotest areas, improving access to healthcare and medical facilities.
Healthcare companies are transitioning towards health tech service providers. Diagnostics is one of the best examples of the availability and implementation of virtual healthcare services. Now, you do not have to go to the labs and wait in queues for your health checkups. You can now book a test virtually, use the home sample collection facility, and access your reports digitally. Apart from that, you can consult the reports online. Virtual healthcare services are convenient, reduce costs, and considerably save time.
One would only require a high-speed internet connection and a basic knowledge of using healthcare apps.
Post-COVID-19, the scenario of healthcare services has significantly evolved in India. Digital India is the key to moving towards a Healthier India with improved access to healthcare, reduced costs, better monitoring, and most importantly, uncompromised quality across every corner. Geographical boundaries are no longer a challenge when offering the necessary services. In coming years, with higher inclusion of technology and innovation, it would be possible to improve the healthcare scenario and reduce the burden of NCDs.”
Leveraging innovation is bound to create a revolution in healthcare management, enhancing the quality of treatment provided by healthcare professionals. However, healthcare professionals will have to upgrade themselves with advancing technologies to adapt to the new era of healthcare. It is always possible to learn to use technology, and if it is for the betterment of the human population and saving their lives, there is no harm in aligning with it.