These technology trends are advancing healthcare delivery in Africa

Interestingly, technology is rewriting the story when it comes to delivering healthcare solutions.

According to Martin Walshaw, Senior Systems Engineer at F5 Networks, hardly a day goes by without arrays of shiny new kit and solutions coming online; recent innovations gaining the “smart” prefix include everything from diapers to sensors tracking whether medication is adequately ingested and absorbed.

The Future of Apps report looks into Medtronic, which has been leveraging IBM’s Watson Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform to develop a cognitive app called Sugar.IQ. The app taps into around 10 000 anonymous patient records to detect patterns and predict diabetic events three to four hours before they occur.

A report commissioned by F5 Networks highlights some of the innovative changes that tech will bring in the healthcare industry.

Telemedicine

Another trend making a huge impact in the healthcare arena is telemedicine. It offers patients and healthcare providers options that were previously not available. Accessing healthcare solutions is no longer limited by geographic location. This technology allows patients in remote areas to receive the highest quality of care, providing they have an internet connection and a smartphone. Telemedicine can also save both time and money.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is not only for gaming and watching videos, it has a part to play in healthcare. Healthcare organisations can use VR for various purposes including helping patients who are in pain. It can also help people tolerate medical procedures that are usually very painful. VR can be used to track body movements, allowing patients to use the movements of their therapy exercises as interactions in a VR game. For healthcare professionals, VR can be a teaching tool. It can be used to learn anatomy, practise operations and teach infection control.

Cloud

It is estimated that by 2018, 65% of interactions with healthcare facilities will occur by mobile devices. The cloud is taking over and we will slowly forget the days when a doctor’s assistant had to look for your file to access your medical record. Hospitals, healthcare organisations and doctor’s offices are now storing patient medical records in the cloud, with patients able to access test results online at any time. Cloud technology has accelerated the way healthcare industry can use or share information across a network.

Internet of Things

Technological innovations would not be complete without the mention of Internet of Things (IOT). This phenomenon is taking the healthcare industry by storm. IOT is changing all industries and healthcare is no exception. IoT-enabled devices can provide remote data from equipment like fetal monitors. When information like temperatures, heart rates, and glucose levels are automatically transmitted in real-time via wearable devices, it enables hospitals to operate more efficiently and patients receive better care.