DigitalHealthcare & TechnologyWhy Patient-Centric Digital Healthcare Solutions Matter

August 28, 2021
https://www.smedix.com/production/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Patient-Centric-Digital-Healthcare-1280x720.jpg

It’s easy to get caught up in technology, innovation, and constant upgrades when it comes to digital healthcare. Although these things are necessary and lay the groundwork for complex medical processes, both software developers and healthcare practitioners should not lose sight of what’s really important: patient care. 

What do patients want? This is a question medical professionals should be constantly asking themselves, because one of the main goals of medicine is, of course, patient-centricity. Empowering patients and placing more focus on treatment outcomes are becoming growing trends in the industry. 

Why is patient centricity critical? 

Here at SMEDIX, we believe patient centricity is defined as the process of designing a service or solution around the patient. But why is it critical to today’s digital health? Healthcare companies are now actively seeking to improve their medical processes and bridge the gap between medical science and actual patient outcomes. Life science organizations are embracing these changes and welcoming new opportunities in this new patient-centric ecosystem.   

This approach is opening new doors in medical software development and allowing innovative technologies to cater to patient needs and improve healthcare experiences overall. In this new age and fully-connected digital health world, patients play a huge role when it comes to innovation. Providers and doctors need to keep up with these changes and make sure they lay new groundwork for services, as well as ensure that patients feel comfortable throughout the process of their care. 

How technology is helping with patient centricity 

The modern patient is more informed than ever about their health, and also equipped with the necessary knowledge and technology to accurately track their own well-being. Wearables, for example, are more and more prevalent, very patient-centric and easy to use. Of course, they can’t replace medical checkups, but they can detect small changes in one’s overall health that could signal there might be a medical issue. At the same time, hospitals and medical institutions are integrating modern solutions such as AI and telemedicine into their daily processes to improve patient care. 

According to a report by Deloitte, actually incorporating the patient’s perspective into product development is one of the key drivers of patient-centricity strategies. Furthermore, physicians are creating personalized therapies and treatments as consumers continue in participating in health care decision-making. 

So, which technologies are having the biggest impact on patient-centric practices? 

1. Wearables 

Wearables are highly patient-centric and not only improve the lives of millions, but also save the lives of millions, as these devices collect continuous, non-invasive data about the user’s health and, in some cases, also alert doctors in case of emergencies. From heart rate to blood pressure and glucose levels, smartwatches can monitor almost everything in real-time, and provide doctors with key insights about their health state. This takes remote patient monitoring to new levels, and forges stronger patient engagement. 

2. Artificial intelligence 

Currently, AI is at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation. AI’s potential is limitless, and its benefits hugely outweigh the risks. The use of artificial intelligence is almost purely for improving patient care, which should be proven by how medical professionals leverage this technology for robot-assisted surgery, virtual nursing, and predictive patient data analysis. This includes early disease detection, fast and accurate diagnosis, and much more. For instance, AI can also predict how cancer might change in patients. Through the use of AI algorithms, doctors can collect valuable data and save millions of lives. 

3. Telehealth & telemedicine 

Telemedicine has made it possible for patients to connect with physicians from anywhere with the use of various video calling apps. Doctor-patient consultations have become so accessible that people can now do it anywhere in the world, as long as they’ve got a cellphone or a laptop, and a good internet connection. Telemedicine allows physicians to diagnose and treat patients at a distance without complications and inconveniences. Telehealth has been around for quite some time, but its usage skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it an essential tool in the healthcare sphere. 

The road ahead… 

Wearables, AI and telemedicine combined have the power to change the healthcare system in ways we have never thought of before. If applied correctly, these technologies can seamlessly blend together and provide value across the entire medical industry. Digital healthcare solutions are also tapping into the mental health field, helping physicians provide thoughtful care for their patients. Furthermore, a new female medical technology market is also rising. Dubbed “Femtech,” this initiative ensures patient-centric and efficient female care, including personalized wellness and consumer health. 

Looking for software solutions to offer better patient care? 

If you’re thinking about digitizing your healthcare business, with a focus on patient-centric solutions, SMEDIX is here to help you achieve this. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’re in need of assistance or have any questions whatsoever. We’re a team of professionals who are eager to meet and work with you and create a better future for healthcare together.