The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges to the healthcare system. Protecting patients from potential infection sources while offering them the necessary care has become challenging. Cardiology is one of the medical fields where electric and electronic devices were first used for diagnostics and therapy. Cardiology is in high demand, and there are not enough specialists to meet the increasing demand. New procedures have been developed to improve the quality of care provided to patients. Rapid advances in medical technology are causing rapid changes in the cardiology industry. This article will tell you how to use technology for improving your cardiology practice in 2022.
Cardiology Technology Advancements In 2022
Cardiology practice owners have witnessing technological changes in 2022 that can completely change the level of patient care. These advancements in cardiology make patient care more accessible, easier to provide, and produces better results. Recent technological advances in cardiology assist cardiologists in delivering care to their ever-growing patient population.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is becoming increasingly popular. As a result of the pandemic, cardiology practitioners are increasingly turning to telehealth visits. Using web-connected technologies such as smartphones and tablets, the cardiologist can guide them. Using telehealth, cardiologists can provide remote coverage for clinics, urgent care centers, and emergency departments. Real-time remote access to cardiology services in areas where specialists are unavailable helps ensure that your patients are treated in their communities.
Wearables Devices
There was a period when a wearable device could only be seen in a sci-fi film. The world has changed. Smartwatches and fitness trackers now provide users with information about their health and medical history. Functional cardiology machines can track and analyze precise movements, providing valuable data to therapists. Because of recent advancements in chipset electronics and sensor technology, such devices are now both affordable and efficient. They can provide data that can lead to medical intervention or hospitalization. Sensors used in wearable devices vary in design, but they typically consist of patches or wrist bands and occasionally a phone-connected probe. They typically record electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Aside from the standard ECG signal, the ballistocardiogram is the most commonly used technique to record heart rate. It identifies the repeated movement of the body due to blood ejection with each heartbeat. These technologies help practitioners to deliver the best patient care and improve patient outcomes.
Smartphones
An external device can collect ECG, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and body weight data, which can then be transferred to a compatible smartphone. Furthermore, smartphone manufacturers provide HR and BP measurements using only the phone’s camera. Photoplethysmography is used in this method (infrared light is absorbed differently by different tissues). The detector can determine how much blood is flowing through the arteries. The HR measurements obtained thus far have proven reliable and well associated with ECG. The participants recognized the significance of real-time video conferencing. Age and a lack of education have been identified as potential barriers to the widespread use of smartphone-based systems.
Key Research Findings From Cardiology Technology Survey’s
The Beyond Intervention research discovered essential perspectives from physicians, hospital administrators, and patients, highlighting the need for improved communication among doctors, hospital administrators, and patients.
Some of the study’s key findings are as follows:
- Advancements in technology and better cardiovascular tools enhance patient outcomes. Imaging tools currently rank first among the technologies that enable better vascular care. Overall, devices such as wearables, imaging, monitoring, and AI-powered technologies provide valuable information that doctors and administrators in various regions for more accurate intervention. Indeed, 33% of physicians in the United States want patients to be more engaged in their health through consumer digital health devices/wearables.
- Before, during, and after a cardiac process or intervention, there are increasing treatment gaps in cardiovascular health care. Fifty-five percent of physicians reported having little time to spend with patients, and 42% reported having little understanding of aftercare and patient adherence, all of which contribute to the growing gaps in patient care. Approximately 63% of US physicians believe that increased connectivity between primary care providers and patients can help identify at-risk patients.
- Patients are increasingly demanding a data-driven personalized healthcare experience. Patients want more individualized and customized care, such as more face time with doctors to answer questions, a two-way consultative connection, an individualized treatment plan based on their data, and best practices from others with similar cardiovascular problems. Diagnostic and data-driven techniques will enable a comprehensive view of the patient. Patients who want doctors to use data collected from standard methods or treatments to make personalized suggestions were also near the top of the list.
How Will Technology Impact Cardiology Practice?
Cardiologists are continuously challenged to guide or lead the development team as technological advances hit the market. Practitioners cooperate with engineers to adapt current and innovative technologies to improve recovery, prevent decline, measure change, or preserve healthy living.
Cardiologists can benefit from recent technological advancements to better care for their ever-growing population of patients. Patients can instantly use these innovations inside and outside the clinic, with feedback sent to their clinician. Technology is advancing faster, and cardiology practice owners must keep up to satisfy their patients. Patients already benefit from improved care and increased flexibility. Virtual treatment saves both patients and practices money. That could be a profitable trend in the cardiology market. Patients benefit greatly from wearable technology’s competitive edge. Like the other 2022 trends, virtual reality is expected to be a market cornerstone! Cardiologists who utilize new technology improve patient care and convert their practice operations! They can influence productivity by putting the right tools in the correct position.
However, technology has its limitations. It is essential to have the right people on your team if you want to achieve great success.