We often take technology for granted due to its consistent existence in our lives. But in healthcare, this is one crucial thing that can make a big difference in saving lives. Thanks to the many health tech solutions made available these days, healthcare delivery outcomes improved. More lives are saved, and people’s quality of life continues to improve each day. Thanks to the availability of many health techs, we can cope well during the pandemic.
Nowadays, health technologies continue to play a huge role in fighting the pandemic. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities use a variety of tech innovations to give remote healthcare access to people needing medical attention. As for those who require hospitalization and in-patient monitoring and evaluation, healthcare facilities are using life-changing tech to accommodate their needs.
The following are but five of the many health technologies changing the way we receive healthcare in the middle of the crisis.
Medical-Grade Compressors
Not all compressors are created equal. In different healthcare settings, a medical compressor is used for a variety of purposes. This depends on the applications that require the air compressor.
For instance, in laboratories, compressed air eliminates contaminants found in the air. This allows researchers to create a suitable environment to support their studies. The same goes in medical systems where patients receive a regular supply of compressed air.
In the operating room, compressed air ensures that the patient stays comfortable at all times. Surgical teams can perform better in an environment where the air is pure. Surgical instruments are also purified in between uses using medical-grade air compressors.
Virtual Healthcare Solutions
The demand for virtual care visits skyrocketed after the Covid-19 crisis hit the globe. People feel uneasy about visiting their doctor’s clinics and hospitals due to fear of getting the virus. As a way to accommodate patients who are sheltering in place, virtual care solutions are offered instead.
Healthcare providers use different communications technology to hold virtual visits. An offsite medical specialist tends to a patient’s healthcare needs online, thus eradicating the need to visit the hospital.
It is important to know that virtual healthcare is a component of telehealth. This helps accommodate patient’s needs without them having to drive all the way to a healthcare facility. This helps them avoid unnecessary expenses and reduce the time needed to experience a professional consult.
Drone and Robot Deliveries
Before the pandemic, drones are meant to give users an excellent aerial view of their desired subjects. Real estate agents use this to capture a bird’ eye view of the properties they are selling. Hobbyists use this to snap jaw-dropping shots of sceneries and people.
During the pandemic, drones are used to deliver medical supplies and equipment in far-flung areas. Novant Health and Zipline teamed up to send Covid supplies to remote areas. They managed to receive FAA emergency clearance to deliver personal protective equipment and other supplies the contactless way.
Their drones can deliver even during a rainy and windy day for up to 80 miles per hour. This reduces the long delivery times while reducing the risk of getting exposed to the virus. We can expect drones to be a part of medical supplies delivery in the future.
Other hospitals are turning to robots as part of their Covid relief deliveries. Moxi is a diligent robot that pivoted the deliveries of Covid tests, lab samples, and PPE in hospitals. This one-armed robot helps limit exposures and in-person interactions of frontliners and patients, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Virtual Reality Technology
Many industries have already embraced virtual reality to provide users with a better experience. Gamers can experience being exposed to the things they fear coming in contact with in real life. This provides them with a safe environment to face their fears.
Now, even doctors make use of VR to continuously learn and improve their skills. Meeting in large groups is no longer safe during the crisis. Thanks to VR, hospitals can provide training to doctors to tackle many tasks.
Some use this to stimulate an environment where healthcare professionals can feel like they are interacting with real patients. The simulation results vary depending on the decisions the professional makes. Other times, VR is used to train staff to respond accordingly in times of different medical situations and emergencies.
These are five smart health technologies used in healthcare settings in the middle of the crisis. Some are meant to train healthcare professionals, while others help reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. Some help create a more suitable environment for patients and frontliners alike. Thanks to these technologies, healthcare providers can continue delivering healthcare to all patients during the crisis.
