Various technologies and the internet continue to progress at an unprecedented rate today as it increases convenience and ease of use. This trend is revolutionizing the way we connect, especially with the aging population who require specialized medical attention. As baby boomers step onto the senior citizen mantle, technology can be used as a helpful tool to gather pertinent information and significantly improve their overall health and lifestyle. Senior care communities are turning to modern technologies to enhance the quality of care they provide. The onset of the Covid pandemic further propelled this growth, spiking the demand for seamless connectivity in the early 2020s. 

Offering a Plethora of Benefits

With telemedicine solutions and wearable technology, various emerging technologies are transforming the assisted living domain and helping seniors gracefully age. Implementing advancing technologies positively impacts elderly care delivery as it encourages improved communication between the resident and their family and friends along with accessibility to better healthcare services. It also provides improved monitoring and supervision of residents and staff, increased efficiency due to the utilization of interactive tools, and easy access to medical records and necessary treatments, all while on the path to becoming completely paperless.

The Challenges Encountered and Addressed

While deploying technology-enabled solutions and services extends a host of benefits, most assisted living institutions deal with a complex range of systems and networks that support several types of technologies and disparate systems. As the caregivers consult a broad range of electronic systems and devices to access certain patient information, efficiency and a holistic view of data take a back seat. Interoperability is key. Senior care facilities should be on the lookout for consolidated solutions with a single access point. These systems also demand maintenance as and when the need arises. 

When onboarding a solution provider, senior care facilities need to ensure the solution implemented will deliver the best resident care. Another important aspect is security. Senior care facilities must maintain the security of their systems, devices, and networks. Furthermore, scalability is yet another key aspect crucial to the successful functioning of the solution. 

These facilities must make certain that their systems are on par with the growing demand, are equipped for the possibility of upgrades, and permits users to access critical data securely and quickly. The workforce needs to be equipped and trained with system and network security best practices to avoid any unauthorized access and data loss.

Successfully Merging Human Connection with Technology

Traditionally, technology was perceived to replace the emotional support and human touch that seniors require the most as they age. However, it is essential to balance technology with human connection to improve the quality of care. From virtual appointments to monitoring vital signs, accessing pertinent patient data, and setting reminders, embracing technology is sure to positively change the dynamics of senior care delivery. Newer technology solutions are continually being developed and improved for better senior care delivery. Assisted living facilities can make technology-driven care delivery solutions a part of their offerings thus ensuring individualized attention, better and quicker medical attention if required, a more informed decision-making process, and easy patient follow-ups. All in all, with more thoughtfully designed solutions and meticulous solution implementation, technology can play a key role in providing superior-quality senior care.

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Digital transformation is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. Implementation of various emerging technologies within the healthcare institution can significantly improve patient care, enhance workforce experience and permit quicker and better diagnosis. The onset of the pandemic further accelerated this transformation with almost every industry being forced to automate their processes to maintain market relevance.

Several digital transformation initiatives are increasingly being implemented to attain better insights into this booming industry. Translating these copious amounts of data into valuable information has enabled the healthcare industry to take a more patient-centric approach toward delivering better healthcare and customer experience. One such initiative is the adoption of data-driven patient management solutions, that are meant to serve the healthcare provider like specialty pharmacies and pharmacos, and the patient as well. These solutions have been designed and developed to help leverage the extensive amounts of data collected to improve healthcare outcomes and make the digital transformation transition easier.

While clinical diagnosis assists in deducing these outcomes, the social determinants of health (SDOH) majorly affect the health and quality-of-life outcomes. A comprehensive view of this consolidated data helps aid healthcare providers in delivering better healthcare results. To achieve this success, the caregiver needs to implement the right solution. This solution should be equipped with the ability to govern and connect relevant data in real time, optimize its usability, and swiftly act on the predicted insights. In conjunction with this, the power of various advancing technologies like AI, ML, and IoT in this domain can be harnessed to attain additional insights. These insights can be utilized as a recommendation on the next best course of action for the patient.

With the right solution in place that meets the caregiver and patient’s requirements, irregular patient contact, lack of visibility, information storage across disparate siloed systems, and high-cost disease management gradually comes to a halt. The caregiver can now seamlessly manage treatment plans, upgrade their workflows and processes, reduce medication wastage, conduct effective and consistent patient interactions, minimize acute episodes, and so on.

Individuals and organizations within the pharmaceutical sector are also increasingly recognizing the benefits that remote patient monitoring devices have to offer. In fact, research conducted by Reports and Insights predicts that the remote patient monitoring market is predicted to reach 93.8 billion dollars by 2030.

This lucrative market will continue to expand while the healthcare industry continues to evolve. And it is only smart to hop onto the digital bandwagon for healthcare providers to maintain relevancy and for patients to avail a hassle-free experience. Previously, manual processes were in place which only enabled the patient to verbally or physically transmit the required information to the caregiver. The clinical team would then have to review all of the information provided. They would then assist the provider team with dose titrations and help meet patient goals while simultaneously monitoring for any side effects. While this is a tried and tested method, it can be time-consuming with the possibility of the data gathered being unreliable. It’s no surprise that healthcare providers and patients are going digital.

However, choosing the solution provider for the organization and workforce to work with can prove to be an arduous task. A team with industry-rich experience, secure yet easy-to-use solutions, higher ROI, and post-implementation support are some of the key factors to consider when selecting a solution provider to work with. The team will commence by first trying to identify any pain points the customer might be facing. The solution can then be put in place to address these challenges and achieve high levels of customer satisfaction while transforming the healthcare sector. Alternatively, patients expect their personal information to be stored efficiently and securely. They also need the application to have a seamless UX and meet their set health goals. If you find a solution that meets and exceeds your requirements, it is time to get on board with the solution.

The Metaverse has been inundating the news recently as a way to usher in a new era of virtual reality for teenagers, digital connectivity for adults, and e-commerce for businesses. However, can it do more? If you are one to believe that the Metaverse is just another online distraction, think again. Research believes there are abundant healthcare opportunities in this intricate and virtual universe. To understand its real impact on the world of medicine, it’s essential to know what makes Metaverse so diverse. 

So, What Exactly is the Metaverse?

The Metaverse is a one-stop destination for all virtual communication needs. It aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) onto a single platform. This means you can basically access everything and interact with anything here. That said, it is a universe that is continuously growing – designed to incorporate networks and present a more immersive reality. A space like that could bring great value and efficiency to healthcare. Here’s how:

Enhanced Telemedicine

Online medical consultations, an integrated system for monitoring patients remotely, and seamless home delivery of medication revolutionized post-pandemic healthcare. These systems have helped patients connect with their healthcare practitioners even when the world was under lockdown. Moreover, they created a scope for patients in remote villages to access better quality healthcare. Virtual reality headsets can further enhance this technology by creating a more realistic interactive experience. As opposed to websites, video calls, or apps, virtual reality in the Metaverse can take the patient-doctor relationship a step further.

Access to the Best of Healthcare

The Metaverse enables not just access to healthcare, but will also allow you to get your hands on the cream of the crop. This means you can sit in a clinic in the USA, even though physically you are in India. The doctor doesn’t have to rely on your explanation of the symptoms, they can examine you to a certain extent. This can also be beneficial to people seeking therapy, especially in the field of hypnotherapy or aversion therapy. These require the medical practitioner to be present with you and virtual reality does that.

Creating a Dummy Patient

The Digital Twin technology has been able to tap into creating digital replicas of objects. In the Metaverse, this can be taken a notch higher by creating digital dummies of the patients themselves. This can help healthcare professionals test the best options for offering care from reactions to medications to consequences of surgery and so on. This will reduce post-surgery mortality rates by a significant number and prevent other accidents in healthcare.

Decentralization of Data

Blockchain technology continues to make a name for itself for offering the safe distribution of decentralized data. This means all your information will be transferred as code and no one can tamper with it apart from you. Experts believe that blockchains can have a massive impact on the healthcare system in the Metaverse owing to their many benefits. Highly classified, sensitive healthcare data that is currently extremely vulnerable to exposure can be stored and exchanged securely in the blockchain. It can save hospitals and other healthcare organizations the financial loss of millions and protect the privacy of patients too.

The Metaverse is an ever-growing universe where the possibilities of convergence and creation are endless. It has a long way to go in order to be fully incorporated into a system that continues to prefer traditional methods, however, Its many possibilities make it perfect for creating a more streamlined healthcare system that is accessible to everyone.

In today’s fast paced world, chronic condition management can feel like a daunting task. Chronic conditions are currently one of the largest causes of mortality and recurring healthcare expenses and, according to the CDC, six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic condition. In most cases, a consistent effort towards recovery on the patient’s part can help alleviate the symptoms of several chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and asthma.  However, due to several reasons, patients tend to not adhere to prescriptions and reverse any recovery that may have been done. This increases the number of hospital readmissions, puts the patient’s life at risk, and can put a larger financial burden on them as well. Apart from enabling accessibility from remote locations, remote patient monitoring has also helped offer chronic care to patients.  

Remote patient monitoring enforces a patient’s recovery by offering constant reminders and tracking of vitals (blood pressure, blood glucose level etc.) which encourages accountability on the patient’s part and keeps the healthcare provider in the loop as well. This way, not only is the patient expected to keep track of their own condition and recovery,  but the physician is also constantly available to offer input wherever necessary. This has in turn led to a drastic reduction in the number of hospital readmissions, prevention of medical complications and drug errors. 

Here are some chronic conditions whose management using RPM services is being studied and has shown some positive results:

Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic chronic condition that affects the blood’s normal clotting process. Home therapy, which can include injecting plasma (clotting factor present in the blood), has so far encouraged independent management of this condition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a study was conducted on patients in a European Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre (EHCCC). Despite the ongoing pandemic, results showed that remote patient monitoring improved access (79%), reduced inconvenience (82%), was easy to use (94%) and facilitated good communication with the HCP (97%). The technology helps patients monitor their bleeding and infusions, receive feedback in real-time, and encourage compliance with medication. They also help patients stay connected with their friends and families, and people who have been diagnosed with the same condition as well.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic condition wherein the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are affected. This leads to a loss in vision, pain, impaired muscle coordination and fatigue. It can be managed with physiotherapy and Immuno-suppressants depending on its severity. A study was conducted in 2017 to evaluate web-based patient-reported outcomes (wbPRO) in patients diagnosed with MS. Results showed that around 52% of patients reported a better understanding of their condition and around 16% wanted to continue with wbPRO content. They also got a better insight into certain mental symptoms such as depression. According to another research published in 2020, remote patient monitoring and telemedicine proved cost-effective and satisfactory for patients.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is chronic condition characterized by frequent seizures, loss of awareness, and unusual behavior in patients. While the frequency of seizures can often be reduced via medication and lifestyle changes, epilepsy still requires lifelong care. Remote patient monitoring can help create a steady and constant care system for individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. Research showed that remote patient monitoring has also helped patients with epilepsy get therapy despite the limitations imposed during the COVID pandemic. Another study published in 2021, showed the promise of implementation of a remote electroencephalogram (EEG) test for epilepsy patients. The EEG test measures the electrical activity in the brain and with the use of a medical device and specially designed software, this data could reach the healthcare provider virtually. This helps not just patients who live in remote locations but also reduces the burden on neurologists through automated interpretation.      

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires constant monitoring of a patient’s blood sugar levels and intake of insulin injections. Remote patient monitoring can help with efficient management of diabetes through periodic reminders, constant updates and regular monitoring of blood sugar. A study published in 2019 showed that patients who participated in remote monitoring managed to keep their blood sugars at an average level. Moreover, these systems come equipped with glucose monitors that help patients stay aware of their hemoglobin A1C levels. Similar tools can also be utilized to offer better care to children with diabetes.

Hypertension

Hypertension is a chronic condition caused by constant high levels of blood pressure. There is plenty of research that has supported the benefits of remote patient monitoring in the management of hypertension. Some of the hurdles that patients with hypertension face are inconsistent blood pressure measurement techniques, their own lack of self-management, masked BP and incompetency of healthcare providers. A study published in 2021 showed a drastic reduction in the systolic BP of the urban-dwelling population with hypertension. More thorough research into the specific aspects of remote blood pressure monitoring can really help build on this. Another research published in January 2022 indicated a drastic 64% (343 of 552) response rate for clinicians to electronic health records (EHR). RPM prevents this condition from escalating by monitoring blood levels which were seen in 81% of the test subjects in a study in 2018.

Every individual deserves the best of healthcare – from quick and accurate diagnoses to continued health monitoring and timely health insights. Remote patient monitoring has facilitated this, along with enhanced healthcare, that includes steadfast assessment features and remote access to most healthcare services. It has enabled a quick diagnosis of chronic conditions, definitive preventive measures to tackle them, and a reduced cost in overall long-term healthcare expenses. However, there is still plenty of scope to explore the entire potential of remote monitoring. For instance, a large area around whether remote patient monitoring can improve post-surgical care and recovery is still untapped.

A patient’s surgery can be daunting and post-surgery recovery can be overwhelming. As a patient, you will need to remember the long list of post-discharge medications and your medical practitioner’s verbal instructions to ensure effective aftercare. An improper post-discharge recovery can lead to severe post-surgical complications and even readmissions. Remote patient monitoring has proven to alleviate the patient’s stress around post-surgery recovery care by offering reliable features. Some of them include increased communication between the medical practitioner and patient, automated reminders, cautionary alerts based on constant monitoring, and effective at-home care without additional readmissions. Studies have proven the efficiency of remote patient monitoring in post-surgical care and the technology will continue to show steady growth.

What research indicates…

Post-operative remote care is still under scrutiny and a subject of scholastic research. However, most of the fact-finding has shown positive results. 

• A study was conducted by a group of healthcare professionals to test the efficiency of post-discharge after surgery virtual care with Remote Automated Monitoring (RAM). The results were promising with a higher detection rate for drug errors.
• Research published in the National Library of Medicine showed a reduction in the number of emergency department visits and readmissions in post-surgery patients, along with an improved quality of life.
• The National Library of Medicine also published a study on post-operative care in cardiac patients who underwent monitoring using remote devices. The primary benefit of the remote monitoring system was that many hospital readmissions were avoided, saving patients additional costs. This was only possible due to the accurate measurements of vital parameters and quick responses to the hospital application requests. Moreover, about 6.1% of serious medical complications were averted due to an early diagnosis by remote devices.

Benefits of remote patient monitoring for post-surgical care and recovery

These studies offer concrete proof of the reliability of remote monitoring systems and wearable devices in efficiently managing post-operative care. Patients can now avoid the excess hospital charges by remaining at home and avoiding readmissions. The telemedicine system promises to deliver the following post-operative care features to every individual patient:

• Constant communication with their medical practitioner
  The pandemic proved how crucial alternate means of communication were, especially in the healthcare sector. The ability to stay in touch with your doctor or nurse, as and when the need arises, can be a life-saver. It saves crucial time that can be lost in transportation and is accessible to patients even in the more remote areas. Instead of piling the patient with post-surgery instruction booklets, the doctors can guide them remotely in a planned manner. Moreover, they can be easily notified of any unforeseen changes or side effects during recovery.
• Constant monitoring
  The remote patient monitoring system comes equipped with wearable devices and other tools to measure vitals that can enable constant monitoring. The devices can track patient compliance, symptoms, and recovery progress by assessing temperature, pain levels, incision photos, etc. They can then transmit this data to the healthcare practitioner to encourage quick interventions in case of an emergency. This can save time that would be wasted on transportation and in the waiting rooms of clinics and hospitals.

• Self-care alerts for patients
  The remote devices can also be programmed to offer self-care guidance and automated workflows that rely on AI. For instance, the device can offer periodic reminders to take medications, change the dressing, or provide first-aid solutions to minor emergencies. 

Post-operative remote monitoring has grown exponentially during the pandemic, due to the incessant demand for no-contact care. At UCLA, patients who have undergone heart surgery can benefit from their Cardiac Telehealth Program. The program offers constant monitoring and instant relaying of crucial health data to the medical staff. Apart from that, the patient can electronically send daily recovery updates, pictures of the incision site, and other important data such as weight, height, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels using the tools provided with the program kit.

According to statistics, 88% of patients from a US target group did opt for remote healthcare in 2021 and around 4% were even willing to switch doctors for this. Patients want the best care that they can receive and remote patient monitoring offers this at a reduced cost in the long term. Being connected to your healthcare service providers and digitally tracking your vitals can really help mitigate post-surgery distress, especially for patients who live by themselves. hiltonbet güncel

Read more about the top healthcare technology trends in 2022.