What is Health Tech:
Health Tech is the set of medical and IT techniques that allow the treatment of a patient from a distance or more generally to provide remote health services.
In the context of clinical diagnostics, it is possible for a doctor to make the diagnosis on a patient who is not physically in the same place as the doctor, through the remote transmission of data produced by diagnostic instruments. The second medical opinion is one of the most common applications in the field of telemedicine: it consists in providing a remote clinical opinion supported by acquired data sent to a remote doctor who analyzes and reports them, effectively producing a second clinical evaluation on a patient. Telehealth techniques in fact also favor distance learning applications, in which the remote doctor can help doctors who ask for a second opinion on a clinical case through e-learning techniques.
The most common classification tech is carried out starting from the medical sector to which it is applied:
- Telepathology of health: branch of telemedicine which provides for the transfer of macroscopic and microscopic digital images for diagnostic or educational purposes using computer technology;
- teleradiology
- telecardiology: remote transmission and reporting of an electrocardiogram;
- teledermatology
- Tele neurology
- telerehabilitation: provision of rehabilitation services through telecommunication networks and the internet;
- teleconsultation: visits between the doctor and the patient through video-conference systems.
Health tech does not replace traditional medicine but supports and integrates it with new communication channels and innovative technologies, with the aim of improving healthcare and helping citizens to access and obtain the best possible care. Telemedicine can be considered one of the key components for improving citizens’ health.
How it works:
Health tech involves the use of telecommunications and virtual technologies to provide healthcare outside of traditional healthcare facilities. Telehealth, which only requires access to telecommunications, is the simplest component of eHealth, which uses a wider range of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Health tech examples include virtual health care at home, where patients such as chronically ill or the elderly can receive support in certain procedures, staying at home. Telehealth has also facilitated communication between healthcare professionals in remote environments and professionals to obtain indications in diagnosis, treatment and patient transfer. Sometimes training can also be achieved through health tech programs or associated technologies such as eHealth, which use computers and the internet.
Properly designed health tech systems can improve access and health care outcomes, particularly for the treatment of chronic diseases and for vulnerable groups. Not only do they reduce the request for assistance in already crowded structures, but they also help save costs and make the healthcare system more flexible.
Eliminate geographical barriers
Obtaining the best diagnosis and treatment is a right for all people regardless of where they live. Health tech comes to the rescue especially for the population living in remote areas, such as in the high mountains, on islands or in areas with poor hospital coverage, to compatriots who live abroad or who are abroad for travel, to people who work on ships or oil platforms, and to all people who for physical, family or work reasons cannot move from their city of residence.
Regardless of distances, health tech can be an excellent tool to speed up the diagnosis and treatment process, reduce stress and discomfort, wherever possible, without having to go to health facilities.
Health tech shortens distances and virtually brings health care to your home and allows patients to seek medical advice from doctors operating in other regions or countries without having to travel.
Health tech is dynamic, fast, accessible even in remote areas, it reduces waiting times, allows for multidisciplinary discussions, avoids travel, can be used comfortably from home, saves time, avoids long waiting times in waiting rooms, guarantees equal access, the doctor can use it wherever he is and at any time, space and time are no longer a limit. It also facilitates and facilitates the interaction of different specialists in a single case, regardless of the structure or country in which they operate.