Digitalization in healthcare; rehabilitation
Technology as we know is advancing and gaining grounds in creating room for new and emerging technologies especially in the health sector. A respectable number of health facilities rely on advanced technology to give better treatment to its patients due to its capabilities in enhancing quality of life.
I studied rehabilitation counselling, and I’m currently studying digital rehabilitation at the master’s level. I work as a caregiver in an healthcare company. I grew up in a developing country where there are not many digital services. I had my first mobile phone when I graduated high school in 2010 and at that time having a laptop was not common. There were desktop that can only be accessed in a specific location which one has to pay for whenever you choose to use it. This changed when I moved to the United States to study, where I got my own smart phone and laptop and discovered that there are many other digital devices with different function in other works of life.
Studying rehabilitation both digital and counselling, I got a new perspective on how the world works when it comes to using digital devices and services. In rehabilitation counselling, one can use online method involving video or audio call for any counselling session instead of meeting your client in person and in some cases introduce the use of humanoid robots for those who may be suicidal, or it can act as a companion for some especially the elderly. While in digital rehabilitation, majority of hospitals and healthcare have state-of-the-art facilities especially in areas where physical therapy is administered. A few examples of such advanced technological devices (wearable robotics) are, but not limited to HAL (hybrid assistive limb), EksoNR (this is used for neurological rehabilitation patients), Hyundai Medical Exoskeleton, phoenix medical exoskeleton, ReWalk robotics, Atalante, artificial intelligence and virtual reality which is gradually becoming more recognized in the healthcare of rehabilitation. All these devices help patient with easy mobility, independency and companionship.
In homecare, remote care is possible for patient (this technique was mostly used during the pandemic and still in use) and the use of electric stairs chairs, installed in the homes of patient with joint and knee pain or other related medical condition. Camera that can help the doctor, nurse or caregiver to monitor his/her patient without being physical present are also installed and other basic digital devices like smart watches and phones(with useful and easy to use application) are introduced to patients. I have had experiences with the home care digital devices but not in a sizable facility. I have read about these high technological device and have seen a few with their various functions. These advanced devices are not commonly used as the first treatment option due to cost effectiveness.
Digitalization gives a more effective outcome in rehabilitation treatment when compared to traditional or other method of therapy/treatment. For future reference, I think it is important to make these devices available for everybody because it seems as though only the wealthy can afford such treatment involving these kind of advanced technology. Private companies, especially upcoming ones need to invest more in these advanced technology as it will soon become a norm in healthcare. This type of inclusion will change the life of many patients, giving them access to quality healthcare and it will also be profitable for healthcare workers and the healthcare companies at large. We as a people are entitled to good, affordable and quality healthcare.
open digital society
The EU general data protection regulation (GDPR) was adopted in 2016 and put into effect in 2018. With high technology and software available, companies and firms are advised to have a secured and well protected data coverage. The healthcare sector seems to be affected more when it comes to breaching data security and cyber-attacks since a lot of money is involved and personal information of patients can be exchanged for money. At my workplace, we are expected to change our password every six month and the applications or software used are updated regularly to prevent any type of cyberattacks. I also used this method at home as well which seems to be helpful. With outdated applications, it is very easy for attackers to get personal information of client/patient. It is sad to say that not much has been put in place to ensure that the data, privacy and confidential information of patients are well protected. The healthcare sector needs to have a secured data protection plan to keep data of patients from falling into the wrong hands.
self evaluation
Since my studies in the digital rehabilitation program, I have learnt a lot about digitalization not just in rehabilitation but other fields like in this course and most importantly reading other blogs with their insight and experience on digitalization. Digitalization is very important and usefully in this modern day and age. I have learnt about how it can be both beneficial and also pose as a threat, especially when mismanaged. In the future, I hope to gain more knowledge on how best to manage ‘any’ digital environment and educate others as well.
blog’s i commented on;
DIGI SOCIETY – ISOKEN (wordpress.com)
DIGI SOCIETY – Digitalised Working- TUAS engineering (wordpress.com)
Joyce's blog 