With the emergence of new technologies, our industry is destined to see significant change in the way nurses and other healthcare professionals operate. These changes will see the automation of more simple tasks, allowing for the evolution of higher-level positions. We look at some of the technological advancements that are currently materialising within the industry.

Improvements in equipment
The development of digital diagnostic equipment and 3D printing will change the way we diagnose and perform procedures. Misdiagnoses could be a thing of the past once digital diagnostics become readily available, while 3D printing will facilitate more efficient and ground-breaking surgeries that once seemed impossible. Wearable technologies will also transform healthcare in that individuals will be able to self-monitor their conditions, and doctors to monitor data gained from patients remotely. New hospitals are being built with these developments in mind.

Data security and the use of cloud-based systems
Healthcare professionals are increasingly looking to cloud-based systems to manage their databases. By utilising this technology, the way doctors and patients interact is dramatically revolutionised. Virtual GP visits, pre-appointment communications and digital updates are all normalised. With this heightened sense of interconnectedness comes security risks involving sensitive patient information. The challenge for the industry will be how to manage the ease of access to information as well as data vulnerability.

An aging global population
An aging population in the developed world is putting strain on current healthcare systems –
technology will undoubtedly mitigate this. Once systems that complement new technologies are established and implemented, medical processes can be simplified, which means health care professionals have more time to deliver effective care, reducing the risk of error.

If you’d like to learn more about the emerging trends that are facing the industry, check out Southern Cross University Online’s infographic which highlights the top 10 future IT trends in healthcare that you should keep your eye on.