We have seen an explosion of digital technology in the aged care sector over the last few years. Technology is a critical part of the solution to keeping people living independently and comfortably longer. Many different types of digital technologies have been developed to meet the need of the elderly, such as wearable devices or applications that keep track of medication schedules.
An estimated four-in-ten seniors own smartphones – double that of seniors in 2013. With this development has come the realization that technology can be used to enhance their living arrangements and healthcare monitoring – phones aren’t just for communication anymore.
Advancements in technology can completely change the way you care for your senior patients, and make it easier for you to deliver that healthcare – but are you digitally prepared for delivering those enhanced services?
Digital technology in aged care
The role of digital technology in providing optimal aged care is growing every year. Digital tech like wearables, apps, and devices can provide support with data analytics to track health and wellness; they can even track patterns that can warn of an upcoming health event, like heart attacks.
Adoption of smart home technologies and linked devices is assisting independent living for many senior Americans. Telehealth like monitoring technology allow vital signs to be taken remotely as the data is sent directly to healthcare providers, which enables management of chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease more immediate.
With more remote monitoring and digital appointments, both doctors and patients are saved on time and money. At-risk patients no longer have to risk travelling for a consultation, while doctors can turn their attention to more immediate concerns while they monitor their senior patients remotely.
The growing use of telehealth
The COVID-19 pandemic saw the rapid implementation of a health service that was previously growing only gradually – telehealth. It gives doctors a platform to conduct secure, virtual consultations with patients in their own homes, sort of like a Zoom meeting with your GP.
Telehealth in the digital age focuses on four key areas:
Patient portal
The alternative to email, which can be an insecure means to communicate about private medical information.
Virtual appointments
Online videoconferencing provides ongoing care from doctors to patients regularly.
Remote monitoring
Healthcare providers can monitor their patients in real-time using a range of different technologies
Personal health records
Electronic personal health records can be quickly accessed from any device at any time, which is vital in emergencies.
The importance and accessibility of telehealth is being realized by many parties; last year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a $200 million program to help fund telehealth initiatives for providers during the pandemic.
If you are behind in providing digital health services for your senior patients, it’s time to start looking into enhancing your aged care qualities.
MSP future in telehealth
As the role of technology takes precedence in delivering care services to seniors, it is vital that your IT infrastructure is fully up-to-date, and able to offer all the services needed to get by.
MSPs are playing an important role in supporting future telehealth. They handle the billing process for healthcare providers so that they can devote their time and resources to their patients. MSPs also help with handling insurance claims, which can be confusing for some doctors and nurses who may not know all the nuances of the system.
Remote patient monitoring is easier with the assistance of an MSP so that you can stay compliant with regulations like HIPAA that protect patient privacy.
An MSP will work with you to thoroughly understand your business and ensure your IT is functioning smoothly and efficiently and is easy for your patients to navigate the online portal.
Your future in delivering senior care
The United States senior population is steadily climbing; the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060. Knowing this, the technology sector is expected to evolve alongside our citizens and provide new, improved ways to assist healthcare providers continue to give their patients the support and care they need.
If your healthcare organization is prepared to adapt to the digital age to better care for your patients, get in touch with the IT specialists at Technology Solutions today. They’ll be your partners in delivering a better model of care for your ageing patients in all things digital.
Pandemic forced my practitioner to start offering Whatsapp sessions for its aged patients. While this was a feat initiative, having a dedicated platform for this would be a huge improvement for both parties involved.