Medical technology is rapidly changing, and it may feel overwhelming at times to keep up. What investments are worthwhile? What will provide the biggest value to your practice?
When choosing what tools to implement, remember to keep the patient at the center of your decisions. Advancements in this technology focus primarily on features that allow you to share information in multiple directions, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care.
What Do Patients Want?
Before making any major investment decisions, it's important to understand what your patients expect. Naturally, patients want convenience and reasonable costs when seeking medical care. That means timely appointments, fast answers, and affordable office visit and treatment fees — and they want it all without losing the physician-patient relationships they've come to expect, which includes compassionate, empathetic, two-way communication.
In this data-driven healthcare landscape, technology can allow doctors to provide high-quality care without diluting the human connection between practitioners and patients. Below are some recent advancements in medical technology that can help you enhance the physician-patient relationship.
Easy Image Sharing Tools
A review in American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology looked at the future of the field through 2020 and argued that health information technology, from electronic medical records (EMRs) to internet-connected devices, improves communication and workflow when used effectively. The authors emphasized that physicians who work cooperatively will fare best in this new era.
EMRs, patient portals and equipment that allows for easy sharing with other physicians and patients will better prepare gynecologists for the future. For example, 3D ultrasound systems can instantly transfer images to a consulting physician and add them to the patient record, creating a more seamless workflow.
Technologies such as computer-aided ultrasound and telehealth are expected to increase access to advanced imaging in rural settings. An ultrasound exam can be easily performed in the office and images can be easily shared with consulting providers, reducing the need for additional staff in smaller practices.
Convenient Scheduling Software
Your patients expect convenient scheduling and minimal wait times. Investing in software that supports online scheduling and workflow management can help you meet these high expectations.
Patient portals allow patients to fill out paperwork in advance and receive messages or test results at home. Many patients are also interested in text alerts for appointments and mobile health apps to manage chronic conditions between visits.
High-Tech Equipment for High-Quality Care
Patients expect their doctors to offer current technologies for high-quality care. The younger the patient, the more likely she is to look for these features. Still, astute patients of all ages will conduct a cost-benefit analysis in their heads for each physician recommendation.
Imaging technology is rapidly evolving, with increased precision, lower radiation exposures and enhanced clarity. However, these features often come with hefty price tags. Investing in 3D ultrasound is a great way to provide the latest technology without breaking the bank — or your patients' wallets.
Many studies, including a recent one in Obstetrics & Gynecology, support using 3D ultrasound first for diagnostic testing. The images rival those obtained through CT scans and MRI, with a lower price tag and no radiation exposure. New 4D transducers produce clear images with even more detail than before, and they're lighter to reduce user fatigue.
Keeping Up With Medical Technology for Long-Term Success
The rapid expansion of medical technology shows no signs of slowing down. Taking a quick survey of what your patients need and want can help you sort through the options to decide what benefits your patients most and best supports you in providing quality care.
As technology evolves, so do your patients' expectations. Investing in the latest and greatest equipment — complete with easy image sharing tools, online scheduling software and more — can help you attract new patients, retain existing ones and set up your practice for long-term success.
