Evolving the medical field through Tech

As health care rapidly evolves, it's hard to deny that the patient experience has become more accessible, efficient, safe and comfortable. From improving scheduling and appointment check-ins to minimising paperwork,

offering remote visits, sharing lab results through patient portals and providing twoway communications with providers in

between visits, health-care organisations and tech companies are finding new ways to provide a positive care experience.

I believe technology — used in the right ways — can elevate the patient experience and improve health outcomes in the process.

The Upside of Technology

Only in the last few years have we started to see a shift toward health-care technology concepts that place a heavier emphasis on improving patient experiences. As with most new technologies, there will always be pros and cons, but it's important that privacy, care quality and patient safety remain the core

focus.

Opening Up Better Lines of Communication Between Patients and Clinicians

Technology allows patients and providers to communicate more quickly and clearly. A recent survey from an e-prescription and medication management company found that 83 percent of patients "would welcome reminders from their physicians about checking blood pressure, completing

rehabilitation exercises, taking prescribed medications, scheduling follow-up appointments or other similar activities."

Reducing Potential Medical Errors

Medical errors could occur when clinicians don't have enough information about the patient or drugs. That's likely part of the reason why, nearly all hospitals use electronic health records (EHRs).

Digital upgrades like electronic prescribing, medical alerts and clinical flags can further reduce medication errors and

measurably improve patient safety.

Expanding Care Access

Access to care may be one of the most central questions confronting health-care leaders today. Consumers want convenient, easy access to care; in a survey conducted by Healthcare Drive, 51 percent of consumers surveyed said convenience and access to care were the most important factor in their decision-making.

Their desire for convenience may contribute to the growth of non-traditional care models like telehealth. And providers are finally getting on board; one 2019 survey found that physician adoption increased 340

percent between 2015 and 2018. In 2015, 5

percent of providers surveyed used telemedicine, increasing to 22 percent by the

end of 2018. Leading health systems are starting to anticipate the demands of their consumers.

The Future of Patient Experience

More than ever, I believe patients want to know they're getting the best care for their money. That's why health-care organizations should be thinking about what their patients will care about most in the future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most promising technologies in health-care. For example, providers may be able to use predictive analytics to anticipate what their patients will need instead of merely reacting as new concerns arise. In June 2019, IBM Watson Health announced studies that show

progress in the use of AI to improve clinical decision-making and treatment in cancer

care.

Identifying the right technology (AI or otherwise) for a health-care organisations' specific needs won't always be easy, but health-care leaders who undertake this task should ask themselves two very specific questions:

1. What are our customers' preferences,

needs, behaviours and experiences?

Hospitals and health systems can strategically engage customers in conversations about

how to create value for the organisation.

2. How can we implement technology in a way that supports our physicians and their existing workflows?

Physician burnout is an epidemic we can no longer ignore, so healthcare organisations should build and install any technology systems with physicians' workflows in mind.

As AI begins to revolutionize care experiences, I believe the industry will start to see a new era in patient service that will,

ironically, require more human input. It will be important for organisations and tech companies to continue addressing not only

clinical processes but also target improving the patient experience.