Pandemic response measures exposed several weaknesses in many areas of healthcare and health technology, but it has also prompted some lasting changes.
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” The events of this year brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly caused a lot of strain and hardship for several industries, and that most definitely includes the health-related industries. In response, healthcare and health technology underwent significant innovation to adapt to new circumstances. Pandemic response measures exposed several weaknesses in many areas of healthcare and health technology, but it has also prompted some lasting changes.
Telehealth and Virtual Care
This wouldn’t be the first time you’ve heard of us discuss the rise of telehealth and remote virtual care in these unprecedented times. Leveraging the digital tools patients and providers have and rapidly improving them has been pivotal to reaching the population with the healthcare they need. Not only this, but telehealth seamlessly emerged as the solution in a time where healthcare resources — including physician’s time and attention — were spread thin, and people needed some way to limit in-person contact to control the spread of the disease. Many have adapted to virtual health services, and this behavior is very likely going to last. New health technology, tools, and strategies are used to supplement the telehealth and virtual care experience.
Refocus on Area Supply Chain
Speaking of resources spread thin, the pandemic exacerbated supply chain operations in several prominent ways. One that stands out most was the spike in demand for necessary supplies, PPE like face masks, equipment, and medication as healthcare systems all over received influxes of patients. Many hospitals and health systems could not meet these needs with their existing supply chain sources, and it proved difficult for all to find a solution that could rapidly adapt to the rapidly worsening global health crisis. As a result, this points to the need for health technology that could improve all stages of supply chain distribution.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Experts have been exploring the use of robotics and drones in healthcare for several years now. When the pandemic exposed the problems of reduced manpower, it pushed for solutions that could automate some of the jobs. Whether it was to gather patient information ahead of an appointment with a doctor or to remotely sanitize and disinfect spaces, the use of machines and computers boomed in healthcare settings. In all of these things, there is room for further improvement with artificial intelligence technology.
Healthcare IT Services and Solutions from Audley Consulting Group
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