The healthcare industry is fast becoming technology-driven, and advancements in telecommunication technology have revolutionized healthcare in recent years. Telemedicine is the use of communication tools like video conferencing, mobile applications and health tracking devices to provide remote clinical services and support to people seeking medical assistance. The global telemedicine market is expected to reach a market size of $56.7 billion by 2027, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.9%. In this article, we explore two new innovations in telemedicine that are transforming healthcare as we know it.
Real-Time Artificial Intelligence
A team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed an artificial intelligence model that analyses audio recordings of coughs to detect COVID-19. The model detects subtle differences in coughs caused by the disease that are not audible to human ears. This innovation has significant implications for telemedicine. Patients can conduct the test at home or work, and the results can be shared remotely with medical professionals. The technology is accurate and non-invasive, and it could be used to monitor symptoms and track the spread of the disease in real-time, something that could be invaluable in rural areas or developing countries with limited healthcare resources.
Virtual Reality Therapy
The use of virtual reality in mental healthcare is another innovation that is transforming telemedicine. Virtual reality therapy involves using computer-generated scenes to expose patients to stimuli in a controlled environment, helping them to recreate real-life experiences to desensitize them of their fears and anxieties. Recent studies have shown that virtual reality therapy is effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Virtual reality therapy is not just limited to the treatment of mental health conditions. It can also be used to help people with physical disabilities. For instance, virtual reality can be used to provide interactive physical therapy, helping people to improve their range of motion, decrease chronic pain and increase mobility. The technology can also be used for pain relief. Patients can be immersed in a virtual world, distracting them from the pain and discomfort associated with medical procedures such as chemotherapy.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring is a telemedicine innovation that has been around for some time, but recent advancements in technology have made it more accessible and user-friendly. Remote monitoring involves the use of medical devices that collect and transmit real-time data such as blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels and oxygen levels from a patient’s home to a healthcare provider. The information collected is analyzed, and if necessary, medical professionals can intervene to prevent potential health emergencies. Remote monitoring can be particularly useful for people with chronic diseases, the elderly, and those in rural communities or developing countries with limited access to healthcare. Wish to know more about the topic? healthcare applications https://digitalya.co/blog/top-healthcare-apps/, a supplementary external resource we’ve put together for you.
Conclusion
The innovations in telemedicine highlighted in this article are just a few examples of how technology is transforming the healthcare industry. Telemedicine is poised to become a significant part of healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved communities. With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of remote healthcare, it is becoming increasingly evident that telemedicine is the future of healthcare.
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