Technology is transforming the healthcare industry. From robots greeting patients in the hospital’s hall to robots being used for surgery, we see technology everywhere we turn. But technology is present on a smaller scale, too. It doesn’t have to be that obvious. Healthcare workers rely on it every day, so they can achieve full productivity. As a healthcare worker, are you doing your best to benefit from modern tech? Are you doing all you can? There’s always space for improvement. We’ll give you great tips on how to implement technology in healthcare.
10 Technology Tips for Every Healthcare Worker
- Get an E-Reader
Who would’ve assumed that the Kindle would become the most important piece of technology in healthcare? As a medical professional, you have to keep pace with the latest research in your discipline. You need a tool that lets you save resources and access them whenever you need to. You can use PubMed or another source to find relevant content. And then you’ll convert the files in a version for Kindle or any other e-reader.
- Get Comfortable with Telehealth
Patients show growing interest in telehealth. They don’t want to wait in line in the hospital. They don’t want to commute there, and they prefer reaching out to the doctor from the comfort of their home. There’s nothing special about Telehealth technology. You just use an app that connects you with the patients. You’ll get important details in that system, and you’ll use them to recommend treatment or further tests.
- Be Financially Smart with Your Technology
Healthcare technology isn’t all about robots and specialized medical machines. It’s also about the usual apps you use on your phone. You use a calendar, to-do app, meditation app, and many time-management tools that enhance your productivity. If you download the premium versions of all apps from the Apple App Store, you should be ready to spend a lot of money. This might prevent you from exploring new alternatives, so you’ll stay stuck with your old apps. Don’t allow that to happen! You can use Setapp – an alternative app store that works on a monthly subscription. For a minimal amount, you’ll be able to install premium apps with no restrictions.
- Recommend a Communication App to Your Patients
You don’t have to wait for your hospital to introduce telemedicine for you to make your move. Explore new technology and recommend your patients to use it, too. For example, you can recommend them to use Skype to contact you. That gives them direct access to their doctor, so they can schedule appointments, get info from test results, ask questions, and get direct recommendations. Technology gets you closer to your patients. They feel they can reach you whenever they need you, so make an effort to make yourself available.
- Use a Drug Handbook as an App
is a great app for nurses. Yes; healthcare workers already know how to administer and monitor I.V. drugs. But with so many drugs and constant updates in FDA’s guidelines, it’s important to stay informed. This app offers a library of instructions for over 350 I.V. drugs.
- Use an Anatomy App
Healthcare practitioners usually have big posters in their offices, so they can show organs that need to be addressed. For a patient, the visual presentation is important, so they can clearly understand the issue.Thanks to healthcare technology, you have a more effective method to visualize human anatomy. There are multiple anatomy apps that feature HR medical structures. So, you can zoom through the organs and offer clear explanations to your patients.
- How about a Medical Tricorder?
New technology goes way beyond apps in your phone. Did you have an opportunity to try a medical tricorder? This portable scanner takes visible measurements and can diagnose medical conditions in a matter of seconds. Its main purpose is self-diagnosis, but healthcare professionals can benefit from it, too. This type of device can help you diagnose atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, strep throat, and other ailments. You’ll use other tests, but the medical tricorder may give you the first hints.
- Use an App to Diagnose Athletic Injuries
Athletes often suffer injuries that need specialized healthcare. But if they go to any doctor who hasn’t specialized in athletic injuries, they can still get help. Cleveland Clinic developed the Sideline Guidelines App, which is available for download in the App Store. It contains a database of expert knowledge that helps a doctor to diagnose injuries and determine the athlete’s ability to resume their sport activities.
- Use New Technology to Share Experience and Knowledge
As a medical practitioner, it’s important to connect with your professional community. Become part of online forums and even Facebook groups where you can get insight on cases and learn from others. In addition, you’ll share your own expertise and help other clinicians provide proper diagnosis and treatment to their patients.
- Don’t Let New Technology Affect Your Focus
You’ll use various apps and devices to enhance your practices. Thanks to healthcare technology, you can process some of your tasks more effectively, and you have access to information whenever you need it. In addition, you connect with your patients in the most convenient way. But technology can be distracting. Don’t forget: all those tools are just an enhancement of your work as a medical practitioner. You’re not a robot and your personal judgment still matters.
Thanks to Technology in Healthcare, You Become Better at What You Do
All physicians and other caregivers will benefit from the right tech tools in their hands. Whether it’s an app on your phone or a portable device for quick diagnosis, it will make you more effective in providing care. You don’t have to use all apps and tools we suggested. You’ll choose the ones relevant to your position, and you’ll explore them step by step. All in all, the important thing is to start feeling comfortable with technology. That’s the only direction to follow.