Role of ‘technology’ in home health care

At present, home-based health care is gaining significant traction and poised for transformation. Once recognized as a fragmented and unorganised sector, it is gaining ground through progressively capturing interest of entrepreneurs and investors.
It is a known fact that there is tremendous pressure on hospitals in delivering services at their facility, especially in Critical Care, something that can be easily outsourced today.
However, it has to be recognised that healthcare services being delivered in the home environment are at a remote location – unlike a hospital where it is a centralised facility. Therefore, monitoring and continuous feedback on key parameters, as relevant to the patient, are critical to have an impact on the outcome of the treatment.
This is eminently possible with appropriate use and incorporation of various technology elements.
With advancements in technology, both in IT and integration with Medical Electronics, it is possible to provide high quality care in the vicinity of a known and comfortable environment.
Technology can play an important role and impact the following areas:
1. Creating positive patient experiences
2. Creating an environment and providing data for better outcomes of the treatment
3. Enable home healthcare to be delivered in remote areas
The goal of technology-enabled home care also encompasses helping reduce need for institutional care, while alleviating financial and emotional burden that medical procedures come with. Its kernel of success lies in the common knowledge that chronic diseases can be treated in the home of the patient through appropriate and continuous monitoring. This monitoring could then trigger medical interventions that may be required, most of which can be implemented in a home care setting at a lower cost to the patient.

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