The advances in medical technology are redefining the ways health care facilities cater to patients. In addition to saving lives, these developments are improving the quality of life and the continuity of care.
Digital Imaging (or Medical Imaging) Facilitates Better Healing
Digital imaging technology has improved ways of diagnosing health problems and detecting them at early stages, which ultimately limits the need for invasive, in-patient procedures.
Hospitals have designed multimedia programs that show high quality-videos giving detailed information on illnesses and the respective patient care involved. The interactive videos help patients learn about their diseases and, armed with this information, they consequently take a more active role in their treatment and recovery.
This has been shown to not only allow patients to feel more in control of their care, but also facilitate shorter recovery times, ultimately bringing down healthcare costs.
Telemedicine Provides Patients with Specialist Care
Telemedicine uses technology to provide health care to patients in other locations. In remote areas where access to proper healthcare is scarce, telemedicine becomes a savior for many.
It enables patients to consult specialists remotely through video conferencing. It eliminates the need for costly travel and brings quality medical care to those who normally wouldn’t have access to it. Medical video conferencing is also used for peer-to-peer consultations on patient care.
Doctors in different locations can easily discuss face-to-face the treatment and care of patients, instead of traveling to see each other for consultations.
Digital Signage as Interactive Message Boards
Digital signage boards are used as an interactive and informative way to communicate to both patients and visitors in medical facilities. In the hospital lobby they are displayed to give people front desk services. The dynamic nature of digital signage makes it easy to display changes in real time. This leads to less confusion and frustration for visitors and patient alike.
Large hospitals are often intimidating to new patients. Navigation kiosks, equipped with intuitive touchscreen technology, helps people easily find their around the complex.
Digital signage may have the most impact in waiting rooms. It can be used to let patients know how long their wait will be and it can display informative videos on medical issues and care. This not only helps to educate waiting patients, but also provides a welcome distraction that is more powerful than outdated magazines and brochures.
Ensuring Emotional Well-Being of Pediatric Patients through Audio Visual Technology
The use of videos in hospitals has a big impact on in-patient care by keeping people engaged and motivated. This is especially true for pediatric patients, who benefit from a morale boost provided by the familiar entertainment of TV and movies. Often pediatric patients face long absences from school, which can put them at a disadvantage academically. Videos can address their educational needs and help them keep pace with peers while being out of class.
Video conferencing can be used to help young patients catch up with the activities in school. It even allows them to participate in real-time sessions being held in class where they can benefit from peer interactions despite not being there physically. All of this helps bring a feeling of normalcy and routine to young patients, which promotes healing.
Innovations in technology have impacted virtually every aspect of our life, including health care. A holistic approach to good health involves both mind and body, so technology in medicine should cater to both these areas. Videoconferencing has been used to inform, educate and entertain, helping patients have more active role in their own care. Over the years, traditional medicine has evolved past saving lives and has gone on to improve the overall health care experience and the quality of life for patients.
Case Study
AVI Systems worked with the University of North Dakota to revitalize its medical facilities -- a record-breaking build out for the medical college and the state. Read about our health-care solutions in this case study.
