All you have to do is look at the title to realize that healthcare is much more than short staffing and long waiting times for an appointment. That’s all you hear from news and media platforms, so it’s no surprise that this is the overwhelming opinion. Healthcare rarely gets its time to shine in the limelight – only breakthroughs seem to make the news headlines. From blockchains to VR, entrepreneurs realize the potential for innovation in healthcare. Read on to learn more.
The Introduction of Blockchains
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Blockchains are nothing new, but you might have heard about them in a business-related context – although you should also think of healthcare as one big business. Blockchains in healthcare are used as a ledger technology that allows healthcare professionals to share patient records, maintain supply chains, and even help researchers unlock the keys to genetic coding.
In the future, if healthcare can ensure the use of blockchains is industry-wide, they could potentially improve the efficiency and outcomes of patient care. One big blockchain already in place is the industry-wide sharing of medical records between GPs and hospitals. Future innovations could, in turn, help facilitate better patient care.
New and Improved Surgical Equipment
New and improved surgical equipment is nothing short of a miracle. Without the advancements in equipment – we wouldn’t be able to put into practice the ideas and research paving the way towards new and improved surgical procedures. Just think about robotics and how they’re impacting patient care. Some neurological operations wouldn’t be possible without the aid of robotics that helps surgeons delve deeper into the brain without damaging structures.
Furthermore, some new and improved pieces of equipment are looking to build upon what was already in place and make it better. The self-retaining retractor is the perfect example. The old retractor would require manpower to hold it open – June Medical’s new and improved self-retaining retractor stays open on its own. Sometimes it’s the simple innovations that make life easier.
Virtual Reality Innovation
Virtual reality is commonly linked to gaming – but it’s so much more than that. Virtual reality has made huge strides in recent years. The technology behind it propels users into a new reality. Staying along the lines of the operating room, virtual reality is transporting surgeons into the body of their patients.
Having that new dimensional view of the human body allows surgeons to get up close and personal with the intricate network of blood vessels, nerves, arteries, and connective tissue that, generally, surgeons try and avoid.
Interestingly, virtual reality also has its uses for patients. Patients can have a walk-through tour of their operation. Doctors can literally show patients their anatomy & pathology and describe the procedure to them as they go along. The idea is perfect for children, those with learning difficulties, and for the average Joe who might need a bit of extra reassurance.
Healthcare continues to evolve – drawing from outside innovation to make it its own – think virtual reality. The innovation in healthcare is rapidly evolving to help healthcare professionals meet the needs of their patients – and the inclusion of external practices, equipment, and technology has propelled us into a new era of healthcare.
