By Ayush Sharma
With a growing population, we need a robust healthcare system that can meet the growing needs of patients. We have seen during the coronavirus pandemic that when the world has slowed down, health services have been instrumental in getting lives back on track. This has happened due to the major role of technology, which has decentralized healthcare, ensured access to remote areas and helped track the spread of viruses across the country. Therefore, the efficiency of technology integration cannot be compromised in today’s digital age.
With the rapid advancements in technology, the medical sector has seen myriad transformations over the past few years and, as a result, patient care, medical records management, equipment, etc. have been revolutionized. Additionally, innovations such as electronic health records, technology infrastructure, and app-based consultations have improved diagnostic accuracy, improved patient outcomes, and streamlined administrative procedures.
Digitization of medical records
In a country where we have a large and diverse population, managing and streamlining medical records is the need of the hour. In this regard, electronic health records (EHRs) are a viable solution. Compared to paper-based medical records, an EHR makes it easier for medical experts to manage, store, and access patient data and information and leads to better coordination of care. With the digitization of health records, healthcare professionals are able to make informed decisions, resulting in better diagnoses and treatment plans. It also contributes significantly to in-depth medical research by providing invaluable medical data to policy makers. Accordingly, it can be used as an effective tool to bridge the gap between rural and urban health facilities by broadening the reach of information to doctors operating in different parts of India. As the country seeks to deny its health care challenges, EHRs can be a viable method to share information and improve overall patient care.
Technology-driven infrastructure
Today’s technology is responsible for changing traditional medical practices and infrastructure. Unlike traditional medical facilities that required huge upfront costs, trained staff, and equipment, new-age coworking spaces have sprung up for doctors that serve the same purpose but at a much lower cost. India today needs a robust infrastructure system, and these tech spaces are a viable solution for doctors who want to start their medical practices. These new age medical clinics can have shared resources, which can include medical equipment, trained staff, and medical records, which optimizes resource allocation. The infrastructure is enabled with advanced technologies such as telemedicine, EHRs, and digital appointment systems that can streamline patient care, improve records management, and improve medical care efficiency. What it does for the patients is that it brings together all the medical experts under one roof which provides access to a full range of medical facilities.
Consultation on request
It is evident that coworking spaces allow physicians to carry out their medical practices in a cost effective manner. Along with a well-maintained infrastructure, these coworking spaces also provide specialized apps for medical experts, who can leverage them to establish a better connection with their patients. With features such as scheduling patient visits and setting clinic schedules, the app helps doctors streamline their daily operations and makes consultations easier for patients. They also get all the necessary information, such as patient records, bills, prescriptions, etc., at their fingertips, making their clinical operations seamless. Additionally, app-based consultations were also possible through a “PHYGITAL” model that allowed patients to reach doctors from the comfort of their homes. This not only reduced the waiting time for patients, but also enabled early detection of disease, which led to better treatments. Patients can use apps to track medical appointments, receive reminders, and easily access their tests. As a result, physicians can communicate effectively using these apps while recording their patients’ vital signs, maintaining consultation logs, and achieving better procedural efficiency.
In a country where we have a large and diverse population, managing and streamlining medical records is the need of the hour. In this regard, electronic health records (EHRs) are a viable solution. Compared to paper-based medical records, an EHR makes it easier for medical experts to manage, store, and access patient data and information and leads to better coordination of care. With the digitization of health records, healthcare professionals are able to make informed decisions, resulting in better diagnoses and treatment plans. It also contributes significantly to in-depth medical research by providing valuable medical data to policy makers. Accordingly, it can be used as an effective tool to bridge the gap between rural and urban health facilities by broadening the reach of information to doctors operating in different parts of India. As the country seeks to deny its health care challenges, EHRs can be a viable method to share information and improve overall patient care.
tomorrow’s health
Healthcare is currently changing with innovations such as electronic health records (EHRs), app-based consultations, and technology-driven infrastructure. These changes give healthcare professionals the resources they need to improve the quality of their care and operate with greater agility. As a result, it is clear that trends in modern healthcare technologies are having a significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare expenditures.
Going forward, the healthcare industry will reap significant benefits from a number of current and emerging technologies. The infrastructure will be strengthened as the healthcare industry grows with the help of a number of modern co-working spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology, trained medical staff and shared resources that will help doctors reach more patients in a cost-effective way. As a result, we will have access to a healthcare system that works alongside the one we have now, collectively improving the whole landscape.
(The author is the co-founder of Aartas Clinishare, a medical coworking space company that aims to change clinics for doctors.)
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