Technology has revolutionised our world in ways that were once unimaginable. We are constantly surrounded by technological developments that fundamentally alter our daily lives, from the internet to smartphones.
However, the impact of technology is not limited to our personal and professional spheres. Technological advancements have profoundly transformed the health and social care sector, and in recent years, we have seen incredible innovations that have changed how healthcare is delivered.
With the inclusion of cutting-edge innovations and technology within the health and social care sectors, this industry is progressing to new heights, and its implications for providers and service users have the potential to alter for the better.
This progression in technological evolution also can affect education within 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 going forward.
The Impact of Technology on Health and Social Care
1) Improved Efficiency and Accuracy in Healthcare Delivery
Whereas everything originally had to be done manually, technology has enabled some processes to become automated, which means medical and social care professionals can spend more time tending to 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 help make the data more accurate, and some forms of AI can help identify errors when reviewing the data.
The involvement of technology within the health and social care sectors enables time and resource distribution to be more efficient to offer better services to their patients.
2) Enhanced Patient Care
Person-centred care enables the patient to help form their care plan, which focuses on meeting their needs and allowing them to maintain independence and make decisions.
The service user is at the centre of their care, and they can make informed decisions about it. Care providers can tailor these services to the patient’s specific needs.
Delivering person-centred care can help support patients as they access the needed services. As technology allows medical professionals to share information, the relevant parties can communicate more effectively, and the patient’s care can be coordinated better.
This exchange of information could occur with relevant social care settings, such as care homes, to ensure the service users receive the best care possible while considering their health needs.
3) Remote Monitoring and Telemedicine
Telemedicine and remote monitoring were beneficial during the coronavirus pandemic and enabled people to continue accessing the services they needed from the comfort of their own homes. After the lockdowns, health and social care still utilise these tools.
Remote monitoring and telemedicine enable healthcare professionals to obtain patient data concerning issues such as treatment without being in the patient’s location. This can apply to several circumstances, including infertility treatment and using glucose metres for service users with diabetes.
It can also be used by people who cannot otherwise access the services they need, such as people facing geographical barriers and those with chronic conditions or issues with mobility.
People can speak with their care providers electronically, such as via phone or Zoom, which benefits those who cannot talk to health and social care professionals face to face. It also means people don’t have to worry about childcare and work responsibilities like they would if they had to attend an appointment physically.
4) Health Data Management
Technological advancements don’t just help with the direct provision of care. It can also contribute to administrative processes, potentially improving the care service users receive even more.
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.
Within clinical trials, technology could also be used to ensure the relevant regulations and protocols are being followed, such as protecting data and ensuring the maintenance of privacy and confidentiality for the patients.
5) Supporting Independent Living Complexes and Community Care
Some service users may require more support, but allowing them to maintain their independence as much as possible is crucial.
Smart home technology has the potential to aid people in remaining as independent as possible in circumstances where, before this technology existed, it would have been much more challenging.
For example, when used to control other devices such as lights, older individuals or those with disabilities can control their lives and choices more.
Some of this technology is widely available and can support people in their living arrangements instead of requiring as much in-person support.
The advancement of technology has enabled the health and social care sectors to grow and develop, and its inclusion in these processes has enabled the innovation of patient care.
What technology is capable of in these industries has already progressed, and this technological revolution is ongoing. There is no way to know how it will impact health and social care in the future. Still, with the endless possibilities, technology has the potential to alter how providers care for their service users radically.