By Kayla Matthews, HealthIT writer and technology enthusiast, Tech Blog
Twitter: @ProductiBytes
Options for treating patients and helping them stay healthy are rapidly evolving, and improved technology is largely responsible for making that the case.
Some of the available offerings could forever change how patients and physicians interact with each other.
1. The Thinklabs One Digital Stethoscope
An impressive update to typical stethoscopes, this high-tech option can amplify sounds to more than 100 times their original volumes. It’s also possible for doctors to filter out undesired frequencies or focus on specific attributes. A headphone jack on the side of the gadget enables connecting audio accessories to hear the output.
Also, this model comes with a charger that plugs into the headphone port. Each charge of the lithium-ion battery lasts for 100-125 patients per battery cycle, meaning users usually only have to recharge the power source once or twice a week.
2. The GE Vscan Extend Portable Ultrasound
There are numerous uses for ultrasounds in the medical sector, particularly since the associated technology allows physicians to see specifics like blood flow and organ movements. However, most ultrasound machines are extremely bulky, and the size causes obstacles for doctors who require portability while taking part in treatment or assessing patients who are unable to move to an ultrasound facility.
The Vscan Extend is a portable ultrasound machine that’s Wi-Fi enabled and approximately as large as a smartphone. It seamlessly integrates with hospital wireless systems and features touchscreen functionality that allows people to swiftly make operating adjustments.
Additionally, this product works with complementary apps, such as those that calculate bladder volume totals to diagnose urinary ailments or aid in lung-specific assessments. Therefore, doctors can trust that this tool is versatile enough to handle the diverse nature of the patients they see daily.
3. An Apple iPad
Doctors sometimes use something called stereoscopic 3D to explain medical procedures and concepts to colleagues and students. This technology enhances medical images and makes them more lifelike on the screen. It’s especially useful for breaking down complex procedures such as laparoscopic surgeries. Additionally, improvements in video compression make it possible to publish stereoscopic videos to services such as YouTube.
An iPad lets busy doctors view these clips from wherever they are without having to use non-portable video equipment. Additionally, many medical gadgets and hospital establishments have complementary apps that work on the iPad. Physicians can also use voice-powered iPad dictation apps to take notes about patients more efficiently. Even though the iPad isn’t solely a medical gadget, it has countless applications that make tasks easier for health professionals.
4. The Leaf Wireless Patient Monitoring Sensor
Keeping an eye on ambulatory patients in hospital settings used to require additional employees. That often meant workers had to take time away from other responsibilities to ensure patients stayed safe when out of their beds and not in their rooms.
However, the Leaf Wireless Patient Monitoring Sensor is an ideal solution that avoids the previous practice. People put these sensors on their upper torsos, and the devices automatically track their location and movements throughout a medical facility. Patients can also wear them while lying down.
Research shows patients who are mobile during their hospital stays recover faster and are less likely to require readmission. Leaf sensors equip patients for maximum movement while promoting their safety. The wearable gadgets also check pressure distribution while individuals sit in chairs or rest in bed, potentially reducing bed sores.
5. The Nokia Thermo Instant Temporal Smart Thermometer
An elevated temperature can be one of the first signs to indicate illness. This intelligent thermometer from Nokia has a color-coded LED indicator that shows at a glance whether a person’s body temperature is in the normal range or too high depending on a patient’s age.
The thermometer has 16 infrared sensors that take over 4,000 measurements, delivering highly accurate results. An accompanying smartphone app allows creating patient profiles that show temperature readings over time and include information about administered medications. Users can then share those details with others to get advice or give updates.
6. The Philips SureSigns VSi Portable Vital Signs Monitor
Hooking up a patient to conventional monitors to check vital signs isn’t always an option, especially during fieldwork. However, this multipurpose product from Philips has a one-touch, non-invasive blood pressure component, a backlit color screen that shows clear outputs even in dark environments and an oral temperature probe that displays readings in only four seconds.
Additionally, the device stores records for up to 50 patients. It has a built-in handle and rugged exterior, making this item ideal for frequent use on the go.
Smart Healthcare
This list proves there are numerous products that help health professionals do their jobs better. As a result, patients receive an increased quality of care and improved outcomes.