Tag: technology

The Growing Demand for Teletherapy: Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Virtual Mental Health Services

The landscape of mental health support has undergone significant transformation over the years. Traditional in-person therapy, a longstanding pillar of psychological care, has witnessed a notable evolution with the advent of teletherapy. This digital medium has emerged as a response to the contemporary challenges posed by our fast-paced world, offering new avenues for delivering psychological assistance.

Recent statistics highlight the increasing preference for teletherapy, with its usage surging over the past decade, surpassing traditional in-person sessions. In 2020, Doctor On Demand, a telehealth provider, reported a 50% surge in new teletherapy patients within six weeks—a demand surpassing the peak of COVID-19-related anxiety in March and April.

Understanding Teletherapy: Mechanics and Evolution

Definition and Scope:

Teletherapy, also called online therapy, virtual therapy, or e-therapy, encompasses a range of therapeutic interventions delivered through digital communication channels. These channels primarily include video, audio, and text-based interactions, bridging the geographical gap between therapists and clients. 

In teletherapy, therapists and clients engage in therapeutic conversations and interventions via secure platforms and applications, eliminating the need for physical presence in a traditional therapy setting. This medium allows individuals to access mental health support from the comfort of their environments, addressing concerns such as accessibility, privacy, and convenience.

Modes of Teletherapy

Video-Based Teletherapy:

Video-based teletherapy involves real-time visual interactions between therapists and clients through video conferencing. This modality replicates face-to-face sessions, enabling therapists to read nonverbal cues and expressions. Pros include a closer semblance to traditional therapy and the ability to establish rapport, but potential drawbacks involve technical glitches, privacy concerns, and the requirement for a stable internet connection.

Phone-Based Teletherapy:

Phone-based teletherapy relies on audio conversations conducted over the phone. This mode offers accessibility and convenience, requiring only a working phone line. Clients might feel more comfortable sharing sensitive topics verbally, but limitations include the absence of visual cues and potential communication misinterpretations.

Text-Based Teletherapy:

Text-based teletherapy occurs through written exchanges, often using messaging platforms or email. This mode allows clients to articulate thoughts more thoughtfully and offers flexibility in scheduling. However, it lacks real-time interaction and nonverbal cues and may hinder the establishment of immediate rapport.

Benefits of Teletherapy: Expanding Horizons

The benefits of teletherapy contribute to a transformative shift in mental health care, offering flexibility, accessibility, and customization that traditional in-person therapy might struggle to achieve. As technology continues to evolve, the following advantages will further shape the landscape of mental health support and widen its reach.

Enhanced Accessibility and Convenience:

  • Transcending Geographical Barriers: Teletherapy eliminates the need for clients to be near their therapists. Individuals residing in remote or underserved areas gain access to mental health support that may have been previously inaccessible due to geographical constraints. This is particularly significant for those in rural regions or countries lacking mental health infrastructure.
  • Flexibility of Scheduling: Teletherapy accommodates various time zones and busy lifestyles. Clients and therapists can schedule sessions at times that suit both parties, promoting continuity of care. This flexibility is valuable for professionals, caregivers, or individuals with irregular schedules.

Anonymity and Stigma Reduction:

  • Open Discussion of Sensitive Topics: Virtual sessions foster a sense of anonymity, making it easier for clients to discuss sensitive or embarrassing topics. This reduced fear of judgment can lead to more honest and open conversations, enhancing the therapeutic process and outcomes.
  • Engagement for Marginalized Communities: Teletherapy can reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care within specific cultural or conservative contexts. Marginalized communities, where mental health issues might carry a solid social stigma, find a safe space to access support without the fear of being recognized or judged within their communities.

Broadening Therapist Selection and Expertise:

  • Global Pool of Therapists: Teletherapy transcends geographical boundaries, allowing clients to choose from a diverse global pool of therapists. This widens the options available for individuals seeking specific therapeutic approaches, cultural understandings, or languages that may not be prevalent in their local area.
  • Ease of Finding Specialized Help: Virtual platforms facilitate finding therapists with specialized expertise. Clients can easily search for professionals specializing in their concerns, such as trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, or specific therapeutic modalities. This tailored approach enhances the likelihood of receiving adequate treatment.

Challenges of Teletherapy: Navigating Complexities

Technology-Related Hurdles:

Teletherapy faces potential challenges rooted in technology. Disparities in internet connectivity can hinder access for individuals in remote areas or those with limited resources. The reliability of internet connections may impact session quality, causing disruptions and communication delays. 

Moreover, technical issues such as audio/video malfunctions or platform glitches can disrupt the therapy flow, potentially affecting the therapeutic alliance between the client and therapist. Overcoming these hurdles necessitates technological literacy and contingency plans to address unexpected disruptions.

Establishing Therapeutic Rapport:

Building a strong therapeutic rapport is essential in any therapy setting but presents unique challenges in the virtual realm. The absence of non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can hinder therapists’ ability to gauge clients’ emotions and reactions accurately. 

Therapists must employ alternative strategies to establish trust, such as active listening, clarifying client feelings, and encouraging open communication. Developing these techniques helps compensate for the limitations of the digital medium, ensuring that the therapeutic connection remains robust and effective.

Ethical and Privacy Considerations:

Ethical and privacy concerns become more intricate in the online therapy landscape. Ensuring the security of client data and maintaining confidentiality is paramount, given the digital nature of the interactions. Therapists must employ encrypted communication platforms, conduct sessions in private settings, and educate clients on best practices for safeguarding their personal information. 

Additionally, therapists must navigate issues like establishing the identity of clients in virtual environments and addressing potential breaches of confidentiality due to technical vulnerabilities. Adhering to strict ethical guidelines and staying updated on the latest privacy regulations helps create a secure and trustworthy digital therapeutic space.

Efficacy and Clinical Considerations: Evidence and Adaptation

Comparative Effectiveness:

The efficacy of teletherapy versus traditional in-person therapy has been extensively studied. Research consistently shows that teletherapy is as effective as in-person therapy for various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders. Teletherapy excels in providing access to care for individuals who may face geographical or physical barriers, enhancing treatment engagement, and offering flexibility in scheduling. However, the efficacy might vary based on individual preferences, the severity of the condition, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship established through the virtual medium.

Adapting Therapeutic Approaches:

Therapists must adapt their approaches to optimize outcomes in the virtual environment. For instance, addressing rapport-building challenges can involve incorporating icebreakers, active listening techniques, and explicitly encouraging clients to share their emotions. Therapists can employ screen-sharing to visualize concepts, use digital tools for mindfulness exercises, and integrate video-based exposure therapy for anxiety disorders. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can effectively translate into teletherapy, focusing on structured goal-setting and skill-building. Therapists must also pay special attention to screen fatigue and encourage clients to maintain healthy boundaries between therapy and personal life.

Innovative practices include integrating virtual reality technology for exposure therapy, utilizing AI-driven tools for mood tracking, and implementing asynchronous text-based interventions for ongoing support between sessions. The virtual setting offers opportunities for clients to practice skills in real-life contexts and receive immediate feedback, enhancing the therapeutic process. Nonetheless, therapists must remain attuned to clients’ responses and adjust interventions as needed, ensuring that the tailored approach effectively achieves desired therapeutic outcomes.

Future Implications and Innovations: Pathways Forward

As teletherapy continues to evolve, its integration with technology, expanded accessibility, and innovative approaches are set to redefine how mental health care is delivered and experienced. This transformation holds promise in addressing existing limitations and ensuring that quality mental health support is available to those who need it, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Integration into Mainstream Mental Health Care:

Teletherapy is poised to become a staple within mainstream mental health services. As society embraces digital interactions, teletherapy’s accessibility, convenience, and effectiveness will likely lead to its broader adoption. Mental health organizations and institutions are increasingly incorporating teletherapy into their offerings, expanding the reach of mental health support.

Regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate virtual services, further solidifying teletherapy’s place within the mental health landscape. This integration will complement traditional in-person therapy, providing clients various options that suit their preferences and needs.

Technological Advancements:

Cutting-edge technologies are shaping the future of teletherapy, promising even more engaging and effective interventions. Virtual reality (VR) applications can simulate real-world environments for exposure therapy, helping clients confront their fears within a controlled setting. AI-assisted tools can analyze client data to provide personalized insights and suggest tailored interventions, enhancing therapist-client collaboration. Predictive analytics might help identify potential relapses or deteriorations, allowing for timely interventions. These innovations can improve therapeutic outcomes by offering more immersive, data-driven, individualized treatment experiences.

Improved Accessibility and Affordability:

Teletherapy can potentially address current accessibility and affordability challenges within mental health care. By eliminating geographical constraints, individuals in underserved or rural areas can access specialized therapists and interventions. Reduced overhead costs associated with physical facilities can lead to cost savings, translating to more affordable client services. Teletherapy’s flexibility also means clients can engage in therapy without taking extended time off work or navigating transportation hurdles. These factors combined can contribute to democratizing mental health care, making it more accessible to a broader range of individuals.

Final Thoughts

Teletherapy has emerged as a transformative force in mental health care, offering a range of advantages that address diverse needs. Its ability to transcend geographical barriers, reduce stigma, and broaden therapist selection has democratized access to support. However, persistent challenges such as technological hurdles, rapport-building complexities, and ethical considerations underscore the need for ongoing efforts to refine this evolving approach.

As mental health professionals navigate the complexities of virtual interactions, it is essential to recognize the potential of teletherapy as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional therapy. Incorporating teletherapy into practice can expand options for clients while maintaining the highest standards of care. To achieve this, sustained research and innovation are paramount. We must continue to explore the effectiveness of teletherapy across various conditions, refine therapeutic techniques, and harness emerging technologies for optimized outcomes.

 

Shauna Larson, a passionate mental wellness advocate. For the last five years, she employs her personal experience and deep understanding of mental health to illuminate the complexities and challenges that many face every day. Her thoughtful insights and relatable narratives have been featured in a variety of publications, cultivating a loyal readership that values her authentic voice and practical advice.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Five Technological Skills for Accelerating Your Healthcare Career

During the height of the pandemic hospitals were faced with an unprecedented demand for their services. At the same time, they were also forced to make do with fewer personnel than they were accustomed to as nurses and doctors resigned from their positions en masse.

For many hospitals, data implementation, and processing was a key aspect of staying afloat during Covid-19.

Since then, the relationship between digital technology and healthcare has only expanded. From digital healthcare records to data processing, and even AI-generated automation, there are now more ways than ever for people in the healthcare industry to weave tech skills into their professional life.

In this article, we take a look at five tech-related skills that people hoping to accelerate their careers in the healthcare industry should have.

Health Information Technology (HIT) Literacy

Healthcare-related records have been transiting into cyberspace for the last couple of decades. This development has had many positive impacts both for the patient— who can now access their health data any time they want it— and the hospitals, which can share relevant data in real-time as needed to expedite processes.

But there’s a flip side. Isn’t there always? When healthcare records were a physical thing, keeping them safe was straightforward. They lived in a protected room. Only authorized personnel were able to see them, and even then, all interactions were guided by HIPAA regulations.

How can you replicate that same level of security for something that exists in the vagueries of cloud-based technology?

Well, for one thing, it’s important to understand the new rules. Healthcare professionals are now expected and required to fully comprehend and comply with HIPAA regulations as they relate to digital technology.

By understanding the rules and general practices surrounding digital health, healthcare workers are able to streamline their workflows while boosting patient outcomes in the process.

Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring

Telehealth is the practice of treating patients remotely. Naturally, it isn’t a perfect fit for every situation. However, there are many circumstances in which it can be beneficial both to the patient and the hospital serving them.

On the patient end, telehealth technology makes it easy to get quick answers to simple questions. For the hospital, it allows professionals to treat a larger number of people in a shorter amount of time. Considering how bottlenecked the healthcare system is, this is an enormous boon for everyone.

However, it does require additional training and effort on the part of healthcare professionals. Modern doctors and nurses should be well-versed in the unique requirements of remote patient monitoring and telehealth consultations.

Administrators, meanwhile, should understand the world of virtual health, and be able to facilitate the needs of caregivers and patients alike.

Data Analytics and Health Informatics

We talked about the importance of data in the modern medical landscape at the beginning of this article. However, the value of having healthcare networks that are able to comprehend and leverage large datasets is difficult to overstate.

Hospitals that understand their numbers are able to maximize the impact of their resources. During Covid, this meant figuring out how to best prioritize care in the face of an enormous influx of patients. During ordinary times (such as they are in the context of a hospital) data access can help improve everything from community outreach to specific patient recommendations.

Naturally, the more specific and precise caregivers are, the better the patient outcomes are likely to be. But there is a problem. Traditional doctors and nurses aren’t necessarily well-versed in digital technology. Are there professionals out there who are adequately literate in data and health?

The answer to that question is yes. Informatics nursing combines both disciplines to equip hospitals with the skills they need to adequately serve their communities.

Administrators are also being trained in how they can use data to maximize the effectiveness of their resources and improve general workflows.

Cybersecurity Awareness

The healthcare industry is frequently the target of cybercriminals. Patient data has a significant resale value on the dark web, and cyber terrorists are also quite aware that they can create a great deal of fear with a few well-chosen healthcare-related targets.

This was made clear in the spring of 2019 when Ireland’s entire digital healthcare network was brought day for months by a group of Russian hackers.

While most people feel they are well-equipped to handle themselves safely online the reality of the situation is usually not quite so promising. It takes a significant amount of effort and training for healthcare workers to stay safe online.

Mobile Health (mHealth) and Wearable Technology

Wearable health technology has proliferated in recent years as IoT-powered wearables have grown in prominence and accessibility. These days, a significant portion of the population has access to some form of wearable health technology.

Even a Fitbit can produce meaningful health-related data that medical professionals can use to offer more precise patient care. And of course, that’s far from all that is out there. From heart monitors and pacemakers to glucose monitoring systems that hook up to smart devices, there are more ways than ever for healthcare professionals to view their patients’ information in real-time.

Mobile health monitoring is a vital skill that not only elevates the marketability of healthcare professionals but also vastly improves potential patient outcomes.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Tech Investments That Are Worth It for Medical Practices

There are tech solutions out there for all kinds of business needs these days, from social media management to payroll. As a small business owner keeping an eye on expenses, knowing which tools are worth investing in isn’t always easy. The question is especially tricky for healthcare businesses, which also have to worry about issues like HIPAA when it comes to tech. Here, HealthJobsNationwide.com explains which software investments are worth it for medical providers.

Electronic Health Records Tools

Electronic health records, EHR, are the way of the future. They offer a streamlined, easy-to-manage means of compiling all patient data in one simple place. It’s easier for healthcare providers to access a patient’s full medical history within seconds. An EHR solution that is made specifically for medical practices will allow you to oversee everything from prescribing to practice management in one spot.

Cybersecurity Tools

Cybersecurity is a critical issue for medical practices, as they need to keep patient data safe from hackers, leaks, and other threats. This isn’t just a “nice to have.” Under HIPAA, it’s a must, legally. Software Testing Help includes a roundup of cybersecurity tools that can help keep your practice safe. For example, MailControl helps keep emails secure, while Comodo offers a comprehensive solution to guard against malware and other threats.

Project Management Software

Medical practices that manage multiple projects can benefit from a software solution for this specific purpose. For example, if your practice is involved in clinical trials or research, you need to differentiate between these projects. ZoHo Projects is a cloud-based solution that lets you automate tasks, assign work, and even collaborate remotely. Alternatives include Trello, which lets you color code projects, and FreshTeam, which can help with recruiting.

A PDF tool

Patient records are only one type of documentation a medical practice has. You also have everyday business paperwork, from payroll documentation to medical supplier contracts. The best format for managing these documents is usually PDF. You get password-protect PDFs, for example, boosting security. With an online tool, you can easily convert other file types like Excel and Microsoft Word to PDF. Just drag and drop the document into the tool.

Automation Platforms and Tools

A medical practice that is looking to streamline its workflow and increase efficiency may want to consider investing in an automation success platform. By implementing automation, routine administrative tasks can be performed automatically, which results in massive time efficiencies and frees up staff to focus on more important tasks, such as patient care and physician support.

This technology is specifically designed for medical workflows, ensuring the accuracy and security of patient data while reducing manual errors and data entry time. With the right automation platform, a medical practice can increase productivity and profitability, while improving overall patient satisfaction.

Website Management Tools

A website is a valuable tool for your medical practice, serving as the first point of contact for potential patients. You can use the tool to share what types of care you offer and details about your credentials, like where you went to medical school or did your residency. Experts recommend medical practice websites establish a clear brand. Perks that patients look for in medical websites are appointment scheduling, a patient portal, and online bill payment.

Time Tracking Technologies

Your medical practice likely employs many different individuals, from nurses to cleaning staff and admin team members. You want to make sure that you’re accurately tracking your employees’ time, especially if they’re paid by the hour. According to Time Analytics Software, time-tracking software makes it easy to stay on top of the details with minimal effort. Options include Time Analytics, TimeCamp, and RescueTime. Some tools also let you track holidays.

Payroll Software

Finally, you want to make sure that your hard-working employees are properly paid. Again, there are tools specifically for healthcare providers that you can use to help manage payroll. A comprehensive solution can manage employee schedules, labor distribution reporting, and more, all in line with the relevant regulations for healthcare workers. This is generally a cheaper option than outsourcing your payroll to a bookkeeper or accountant.

Improve Your Practice with Tech

Technology investments for medical practices are worth it if done strategically. By embracing these modern solutions, practitioners can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery. It is crucial to research the available options, evaluate the investment cost, and ensure adherence to regulatory standards. Technology should be a tool to enhance healthcare, not a burden. And when used correctly, it can create a more patient-centered and effective medical practice.

By : Stephanie Haywood of MyLifeBoost.com

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Using Medical Technology To Make a Difference in Patient Health Outcomes

Medical professionals are often highly significant individuals whose careers greatly influence their patients’ quality of life.Their combination of education, experience, and skills also makes these  workers invaluable contributors to public health. This is the case whether they are doctors, nursing staff, or administrative professionals.

Yet, professionals’ efficacy is often dependent on being provided with the resources they need. At the moment, we’re seeing some significant advances in medical technology that support the knowledge and skills of healthcare staff. This can be as simple as efficient medical record-sharing platforms to more complex automated systems. How these tools are used can influence patients’ physical, mental, and emotional experiences.

Virtual Reality Training

Professional knowledge and skills are key to boosting the potential for positive patient outcomes. When professionals receive a practical and thorough education in their fields of expertise, patients tend to receive the care and effective treatment they need. One of the most important emerging tools for training medical staff is virtual reality (VR).

VR is playing an important role by simulating medical scenarios in a safe, repeatable, and relatively affordable manner. Students and professionals don’t need to practice new skills directly on patients in the first instance. Rather, they can be introduced to difficult situations and the tools needed to apply techniques and knowledge without putting anyone’s health at risk. This allows trainees to build confidence before transferring to real-life experiences. Not to mention that the software can be programmed to offer varied challenging scenarios to broaden the learner’s knowledge.

It’s also worth considering how these learning experiences can be more effective with an agile technological approach. Extended reality (XR) courses combine VR with augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) techniques. This enables medical professionals to not just practice in virtual realms, but also bolster their learning by interacting with physical objects and in clinical environments. This means that the medical technology they use is enhanced by tangible real-world experiences.

Remote Guidance and Telehealth

The use of remote medical technology has increased in recent years. It’s important for healthcare providers to continue exploring ways remote tech and teaching methods can have a positive influence on care.

For instance,  medical professionals can use telehealth and remote devices to improve patient education. This can include providing patients with access to smartphone applications they can use to monitor their wellness. There is a growing range of wearable tech that enables patients to gather, analyze, and share data on their specific conditions, too. These tools, combined with telehealth appointments with physicians, can help patients feel empowered to manage their well-being and be active participants in their care. This more engaged approach may positively impact a patient’s overall experience.

In addition, remote training courses can be important for medical staff themselves . While live seminars are important,  there are also medical e-Learning platforms that enable professionals to update their knowledge from wherever they are. This often involves a combination of video lectures or demonstrations and text readings, followed by online examinations. This can mean there is less need for professionals to travel for their training, resulting in potentially less disruption for patients. Not to mention that care standards will benefit from the most up-to-date information.

Artificial Intelligence Platforms

Artificial intelligence (AI) is swiftly becoming a familiar feature in many people’s lives. This includes the growing number of AI medical platforms. When professionals understand what role AI can play in various aspects of patient diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, it can be a powerful tool for better care outcomes.

At its core, AI in medicine involves software using machine learning to analyze patient data to provide insights to medical professionals. While this is certainly present in treatment research fields, AI is perhaps most prevalent at the moment as a tool for accurate and efficient diagnoses. When these platforms have access to high-quality data from a diverse range of patients, they can analyze the vital signs of individuals to alert doctors about risk factors that suggest specific conditions.

This may be particularly powerful when applied to difficult-to-diagnose conditions. For instance, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often go undiagnosed because symptoms aren’t immediately obvious. Indeed, the signs — such as headaches and fatigue — can be nuanced, subtle, and even challenging to spot on current imaging technology. AI diagnosis tools may be able to analyze data on vital signs, imaging results, and wider industry data to detect the potential subtle indicators of a TBI diagnosis. The sooner diagnosis can occur, the more positive the patient’s outcome is likely to be.

Conclusion

There is an increasing number of medical technologies that can make a difference in patients’ health outcomes. This includes VR tools that support safe and effective medical training and remote telehealth tech for distanced health education for both professionals and patients. AI is also continuing its emergence in diagnostic tasks.

That said, it’s important to note that this just touches the surface of the tech that can boost patient outcomes. Professionals should take the time to explore just how rich the tech health landscape is, including 3D printing for prosthetics and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) for gene editing.

Clinicians should talk to patients about the possibilities and wherever possible get involved with clinical trials. There are so many exciting opportunities to improve care. By learning about these tools now or even influencing their applications in clinical settings, professionals continue playing a vital role in boosting patients’ quality of life.

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, activism-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter. 

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Drones are Coming

Access to healthcare saw great progress this past week, with the first residential deliveries of prescriptions via autonomous drone.

It sounds like the future, but it’s happening now: prescriptions delivered via drone.

On November 1st, CVS Pharmacy and UPS’s Flight Forward subsidiary successfully used drones to deliver prescriptions to the homes of customers for the very first time.

The drone, which was developed by Matternet, departed on its inaugural flight from a CVS store in Cary, North Carolina and flew to two customers’ homes, where it then hovered about 20 feet over the ground and slowly lowered the packages to the ground via a cable and winch. One of the packages was delivered to a CVS customer with limited mobility, which makes it difficult for them to travel to a store to pick up a prescription—exactly the sort to customer CVS and UPS had in mind while getting into the drone delivery business.

“This drone delivery, the first of its kind in the industry, demonstrates what’s possible for our customers who can’t easily make it into our stores,” said Kevin Hourican, president of CVS Pharmacy, in a press release. “CVS is exploring many types of delivery options for urban, suburban and rural markets. We see big potential in drone delivery in rural communities where life-saving medications are needed and consumers at times cannot conveniently access one of our stores.”

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

4 Technologies to Know About for Your Clinic

Keeping up with the latest technology is vital for the success of your clinic. Here are four to know about to help you innovate.

By Lizzie Weakley

Keeping up with the latest technology is vital for the success of your clinic. As the healthcare landscape becomes more competitive, having advanced equipment can attract new patients and retain current ones. Technological innovations can also make your clinic more efficient by reducing diagnosis and treatment time. Here are four technologies to consider adding to your practice today.

Advanced Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound is a safe, effective and non-invasive way to view internal parts of the body. However, the most well-known use of ultrasound is during prenatal exams to check the health of the fetus and give the parents a first look at their new baby. Adding advanced ultrasound technology, such as 3D and 4D ultrasounds, to your practice can not only improve diagnostic capabilities but also bring in revenue from expecting parents who are willing to pay extra for more detailed images.

Thermal Imaging

The use of a thermal camera to diagnose and monitor certain medical condition is one of the biggest recent advancements in healthcare. Unlike many other imaging technologies, thermal imaging is completely safe and painless with no radiation exposure. This technology is often used to help detect breast cancer by measuring the heat signatures produced by the blood vessels surrounding a tumor.

MelaFind Scanner

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. While the aggressive type called melanoma only accounts for one percent of these cancers, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. A non-invasive optical scanning technology known as MelaFind may revolutionize the early detection of this deadly cancer and reduce the need for painful biopsies. MelaFind is an easy-to-use handheld device that can analyze moles and lesions deep below the skin.

Telemedicine

Many people find it difficult to fit doctor appointments into their busy schedules. Telemedicine is a great way to reach these patients and help them manage their health more effectively. Conducting appointments via video conference allows patients to be seen and treated from their home, office or on the go. Another use of telemedicine is robotic technology in hospitals. Robot nurses equipped with video can check in on patients and free up staff for more important tasks.

Remember, just having advanced technology in your clinic isn’t enough. You must also invest in experienced, well-trained staff who can put that technology to use. Many advanced pieces of medical equipment require special training in order to use them effectively. Don’t forget to budget for training and new hires when considering a technology upgrade.

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Tech Startups Zero in On Healthcare

Y Combinator’s Demo Day saw the launch of giants such as Dropbox and Airbnb, and now a quarter of this year’s featured tech startups fall into the bio space, including healthcare.

Venture capitalists who attended Y Combinator’s Demo Day, the twice-annual event that showcases emerging technology startups, are increasingly turning their attention to the healthcare space, according to coverage of the event by Wired.

Demo Day, which took place from August 20th to the 22nd at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, showcases graduates and of Y Combinator’s prominent training program to investors, looking to get in on the ground floor of the next Dropbox or Airbnb, both of which began at Y Combinator.

A quarter of the 142 companies presenting at Demo Day fell into the Bio category, which includes healthcare and biotech—the largest percentage since Demo Day began.

To read Wired’s article, including their highlights of noteworthy bio startups that presented at Demo Day this year, click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

How Tech Can Undo Physician Burnout from EHRs

Solutions should reduce the burden of repetitive data input that now takes place and enable seamless ways for clinicians to talk to each other, experts say.

from HealthcareITNews

The widespread frustration felt by doctors wrangling with kludgy interfaces, interminable sign-ins and so many clicks is well-trodden at this point. Perhaps less understood, however, is how technologies including EHRs can be tuned to make physicians more efficient — and more happy.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

New Project Has Long-term Goal: Unleash New Era of Patient Care

With the AMA’s Integrated Health Model Initiative, health care and technology stakeholders can work together to address data needs around costly and burdensome areas such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.

from AMA Wire

The health data available to physicians and health systems are too often not enough to provide a complete picture of each patient. For example, information about an asthma patient’s family support, goals, risk factors and lifestyle can make all the difference when it comes to designing the optimal treatment plan that allows the patient to take an active role in their care and achieve better outcomes. This patient-contributed data could also relieve some of the data-entry burden borne by the health care team.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Let’s Stop Blaming Hospitals for Every Security Breach

Yes, health entities need to be held responsible for protecting patient data but public shaming isn’t making that happen. There’s a better way forward.

from HealthcareITNews

I stepped into the Healthcare Security Forum this week in Boston hoping to walk away with perhaps a few nuggets of optimism, even small ones. That didn’t exactly happen but, instead, a new message emerged: the conversation about how cybersecurity is so negative that it only triggers tension and hostility among infosec pros, executives and end users.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.