For improved quality of life, you need many things – good relationships, ample work and education opportunities, and regular exercise, for instance. Those are just some of the first things that come to mind. Most importantly, however, you need access to quality healthcare.
Over the last few years, the healthcare industry has gone through some drastic changes. Different policies, wider access to tech innovations, and new treatments have all reshaped the industry and helped make our daily lives a lot easier.
But what are some of the biggest healthcare trends that have had sweeping positive effects on people across the world?
Investigational therapy uses drugs as well as medical devices and treatments that are still in their testing phase. While certainly not suitable for everyone, this kind of therapy could be immensely helpful to those with rare or life-threatening conditions where alternative options are not available.
It benefits both the patient and the manufacturer, potentially improving a person’s quality of life while also providing data on the safety and efficacy of treatments.
Until recently, access to investigational therapy has been highly limited, but early access programs are making it more widely available. You can learn more about early access and expanded access to investigational treatments here: https://www.earlyaccesscare.com/services/expanded-access.
Although AI has been making the news mainly for its applications in film and media, there’s no question about how useful it has become in medicine.
Primarily, AI can help streamline administrative processes, such as scheduling appointments or managing patient files. While this doesn’t directly improve quality of life, it does free up the hands of medical professionals, allowing them to focus on their patients and deliver better care.
However, this technology has much more important uses.
AI diagnostic tools have proven themselves most valuable, helping improve diagnostic accuracy, which allows doctors to detect different conditions earlier and better assess patient risk levels. These tools can help diagnose a wide variety of conditions, from Alzheimer’s to diabetes, chronic heart disease, hypertension, etc.
Considering that early diagnosis can literally save lives, it should come as no surprise that AI has already taken the healthcare industry by storm.
One of the greatest trends in healthcare that can significantly improve quality of life is the increased focus on personalized care.
Traditionally, healthcare professionals had more or less a one-size-fits-all approach, treating specific conditions with specific medications. Only if the patient doesn’t respond to medications as expected are the treatments altered.
The focus on personalized care is set to change this. With the help of AI and detailed genetic testing, for instance, medical professionals can better understand how a patient would respond to treatments before the treatments are even administered. They can also tailor medical advice and comprehensive treatment plans to individual patients’ lifestyle and environment.
It’s during the 2020 pandemic that telemedicine truly took off, and the healthcare industry today is trying to make it better and more accessible than ever before.
Telemedicine involves delivering healthcare-related services via telecommunication. It allows patients in remote areas where no medical staff is present to receive easier consultations, treatments, and education via virtual appointments, emails, and other means. It also allows medical professionals to monitor patients remotely.
The rise of telemedicine has introduced better comfort and convenience for patients. It’s made treatments with specialists more accessible, and it’s even reduced the costs of healthcare in some areas. Overall, it’s been a significant contributor to the improved quality of life for millions of people.
With our aging population, an increased focus on elderly care is becoming ever more important. In an attempt to free up spaces in hospitals and nursing homes for those who absolutely need them, healthcare centers and medical professionals are focusing on developing better treatments for conditions and diseases that are more prevalent among the elderly.
New treatments are being developed for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, for instance, as well as Parkinson’s.
Moreover, there’s a heightened focus on developing preventative approaches and finding ways to diagnose and start treatments as early as possible.
Better treatments combined with the rise of telemedicine are making it easier for elders to enjoy a better quality of life from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, they’re making it easier for caretakers of patients with dementia and similar conditions to provide better, more holistic care.
Wearable devices are a revolutionary technology that’s becoming indispensable in modern healthcare. Even simple devices such as fitness trackers or smartwatches can be used to improve medical care. The data collected from them, including activity levels, heart rate metrics, and sleep patterns, can be used for more personalized and more accurate treatment and diagnostics.
These devices can even help medical professionals monitor patients. They can send alerts, track vitals, and even contact emergency services in some instances.
What’s more, the introduction of wearable tech has paved the way for more advanced technology. Implantable devices, for example, can help manage and monitor heart conditions, among other things. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), on the other hand, can help control robotic limbs and other prosthetics.
Until recently, discussions about mental health were largely considered taboo. It was difficult to find and connect with skilled professionals or even receive therapy. Fortunately, things have changed dramatically.
Not only is it now easier to find reliable and affordable therapists and counselors, but you can also connect with them wherever you are, thanks to the rise of telemedicine. You can have in-person, virtual, and even text-based appointments.
With more evidence coming out showing the link between mental and physical health, doctors are now also starting to take mental health into consideration when diagnosing conditions and coming up with treatment plans.
Leading a healthier and happier life is a lot easier when you have access to proper healthcare. Trends such as easier access to investigational treatments, focus on personalized and elder care, and use of AI have had an immense impact on the healthcare industry and, as a result, people’s lives.