5 Ways Technology is Changing Healthcare Careers
In the past century, healthcare has drastically improved. Antibiotics, surgical techniques, and pharmaceuticals have developed, making the world a healthier place for humans. In the pre-modern world, life expectancy was around thirty-years-old. Today, the average human life expectancy has doubled. The reason why we’re living longer and healthier lives can all be attributed to one thing: healthcare.
However, our development doesn’t end here. With the advancement of technology, healthcare is continuing to improve. Though, how does technology affect healthcare jobs? We’re going to discuss the way technology is changing careers in the health industry.
Moving away from paper
When you see a doctor, they’re usually holding a giant file with your name on it. This file contains every test, every check-up, and every exam you’ve taken at that specific clinic or hospital. However, with the introduction of EHR (Electronic Health Records), patient information is now accessible via a digital device. This safeguards the patient from the potential risk of losing an essential medical file and saves the healthcare works administrative time to file and store your medical information.
Online health careers
Ten years ago, when you wanted to buy a bottle of vitamin C or Ashwagandha, you had to drive to the pharmacy or get a prescription from your doctor. However, through the rise in popularity of online shopping, the sales of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals are booming. In 2017, e-commerce sales of pharmaceuticals and beauty aids were 29.6 billion US dollars. With the development of e-commerce, people are creating new healthcare careers right from their computers.
Online degrees
There are many opportunities for someone who want’s to develop their career online. Not just jobs, but also the possibility to expand your education. Of course, you can’t become a doctor by completing an online course but there are many other paths that are available. For example, you could earn a bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s in healthcare administration and many other occupations.
Big Data
The only way an industry can improve itself is if it understands its strengths and weaknesses. As information continues to become digital, software to collect and analyze big data. Since the data can be analyzed in real-time, doctors and other healthcare practitioners are learning efficiently on how to manage healthcare for large populations at a faster pace. Ultimately, improving the doctor-patient relationship.
Increased communication
It’s well-known that the world lacks doctors. As a result, patients are usually given a limited amount of time to consult their physician. However, with the improvement of technology, doctors and patients can communicate through a variety of ways. Social media networks allow patients and doctors to communicate efficiently via Q and A’s, live chats, etc.
Improved research
Research is expensive and usually doesn’t benefit low socio-economic populations. Since the production cost of pharmaceuticals can be pricey, many people cannot afford the medication they need. However, through technology, researchers to collect big data understanding the condition in a reduced amount of time. Which significantly cuts costs as research and production for a new pharmaceutical have a gestation period of 15 years. In addition, they’re able to use devices which are cost-effective and efficient.
When it comes to the healthcare industry, it’s taking huge steps forward. Whether it’s in research, healthcare clinics or administration, technology is not only changing the careers in the field, but it’s also improving the treatment of patients around the world.