Technology has revolutionized our world in ways that were once unimaginable. We are constantly surrounded by technological developments that radically change our daily lives, from the internet to smartphones.
However, the impact of technology is not limited to our personal and professional spheres. Technological advances have profoundly transformed the health and social care sector and in recent years, we have seen incredible innovations that have changed the way healthcare is delivered.
With the inclusion of innovations and cutting edge technology in health and social care, this industry is moving to new heights and its implications for service providers and users have the potential to change for the better.
This advancement in technological development can also affect education in this industry, such as through health and social care courses and the training of future staff members.
This article will explore how technology is changing the landscape of health and social care, from telemedicine to data management, and how this transformation could affect patients in the future.
The impact of technology on health and social care
1) Improved efficiency and accuracy in healthcare delivery
While initially everything had to be done manually, technology has enabled some processes to be automated, meaning that medical and social care professionals can spend more time looking after their service users.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can also help reduce the amount of human error. For example, clinical trials can use artificial intelligence to make data more accurate, and some forms of artificial intelligence can help identify errors when examining data.
The involvement of technology in the health and social care sectors allows the distribution of time and resources to be more efficient to offer better services to their patients.
2) Enhanced Patient Care
Person-centered care enables the patient to help shape their care plan, which focuses on meeting their needs and allows them to maintain their independence and make decisions.
The service user is at the center of their care and can make informed decisions about it. Care providers can tailor these services to a patient's specific needs.
Providing person-centered care can help support patients as they access needed services. As technology enables medical professionals to share information, stakeholders can communicate more effectively and patient care can be better coordinated.
This sharing of information could take place with relevant social care settings, such as care homes, to ensure that service users receive the best possible care, taking into account their health needs.
3) Telemonitoring and Telemedicine
Telemedicine and remote monitoring have been beneficial during the coronavirus pandemic and have allowed people to continue to access the services they need from the comfort of their own homes. After lockdowns, health and social care are still using these tools.
Remote monitoring and telemedicine enable healthcare professionals to obtain patient data on issues such as treatment without being at the patient's location. This may apply to many situations, including infertility treatment and the use of glucose meters for service users with diabetes.
It can also be used by people who cannot access the services they need, such as people who face geographical barriers and people with chronic conditions or mobility problems.
People can speak to care providers online, such as by phone or Zoom, which benefits those who cannot speak to health and social care professionals face to face. It also means people don't have to worry about childcare and work commitments as they would if they had to physically attend an appointment.
4) Health Data Management
Technological advances don't just help with the immediate delivery of care. It can also contribute to administrative processes, potentially improving the care services users receive even further.
Information can now be stored in electronic health records, which are easier to share with the necessary health and social care providers to support a patient. Patients can also access their medical records, which means they can see any changes to their treatment.
In the context of clinical trials, the technology could also be used to ensure that relevant regulations and protocols are followed, such as protecting data and ensuring confidentiality and privacy for patients.
5) Support of independent living and community care complexes
Some service users may need more support, but allowing them to maintain their independence as long as possible is vital.
Smart home technology has the potential to help people remain as independent as possible in situations where, before this technology existed, they would have been much more demanding.
For example, when used to control other devices such as lights, older people or people with disabilities can have more control over their lives and choices.
Some of this technology is widely available and can support people in their living arrangements rather than requiring so much personal support.
Advances in technology have enabled the health and social care sectors to grow and develop, and its incorporation into these processes has enabled innovation in patient care.
What technology can do in these industries has already advanced and this technological revolution is underway. There is no way of knowing how it will affect health and social care in the future. However, with its endless possibilities, technology has the potential to fundamentally change the way providers look after their service users.