How will new medical technologies reduce the likelihood of medical negligence?

Cutting-edge medicine will ensure heightened accuracy in treatment across the globe. With advancements in technology, the healthcare sector is transforming possibilities. Patients with previously incurable diseases now benefit from groundbreaking drugs and techniques.

From revolutionary tuberculosis treatments to enhanced training models for medical staff, technology propels the industry towards improving outcomes for patients and staff. Whether you’re working in the sector or developing the technologies in healthcare, it’s worth knowing some of the most innovative and impactful developments of the century. 

Advancements in medicine: Five technologies transforming outcomes 

1. Advanced diagnostic tools

Misdiagnosis is a surprisingly common negligence complaint in healthcare settings, with some patient groups and demographics shockingly more likely to be misdiagnosed than others. When it comes to heart attack, for example, women have a 50% higher chance of being initially misdiagnosed than men. 

If early misdiagnosis leads to painful, expensive, or life-changing consequences for a patient, they can only seek compensation and support through a specialist personal injury solicitor. It’s impossible to undo historic damage, but advancements in the industry enable future prevention of misdiagnosis.

The latest diagnostic technologies assist with disease detection, enabling preventative measures and early intervention. Areas showing significant improvements include radiology, pathology, and laboratory diagnostics.

2. Telemedicine and remote monitoring

Telemedicine is the remote treatment and diagnosis of patients, often undertaken using various communication mediums. Telephone appointments, online portals and mobile apps make up vital aspects of remote treatment, especially since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

These remote solutions free up vital physical resources in hospitals and local practices. Online consultations and digital prescriptions also enable faster diagnoses, improving accessibility for patients across the UK and reducing waiting times. 

Additionally, telehealth ensures thorough post-operative monitoring and long-term management for patients suffering from chronic diseases. When a patient can access their primary healthcare provider from home, the risks are significantly reduced. 

3. Precision medicine

Precision medicine allows tailored treatment plans. It’s also known as personalised medicine and involves doctors considering an individual’s genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle before recommending a treatment plan or prescribing a certain type of medication.

From cutting-edge genetic testing to targeted therapies, precision medicine enables routes for patients with conditions that might previously have been too advanced to treat. Side effects and adverse reactions can be minimised when the individual needs of patients are considered in the design of their treatment. 

4. Enhanced training and simulation models

Modern consultants know even more advanced clinical skills and techniques. With the seamless integration of advanced training methods, the evolution of medical education has realised new treatment possibilities and improved patient outcomes.

Healthcare professionals can now be trained with incredible technologies like virtual reality (VR) and high-fidelity simulations. Collaboratively, well-trained staff reduce the likelihood of any type of clinical negligence by making fewer errors during procedures, consultations, and everyday appointments.

5. Automated prescription software

Prescription error negligence is surprisingly widespread and can cause a wide range of serious consequences for patients. According to the British Medical Journal, more than 237 million medication errors are made in England every year, affecting thousands of lives. 

Any accident in a prescription is considered the responsibility of the staff member who signed it, so it’s hardly surprising that pharmacies and general practitioners are more likely to make prescription errors when prescribing drugs manually. 

Overview

Advancements in technology are changing healthcare for the better. 

The exhaustive list of transformative techniques and innovations grows every day, so it’s always worth keeping tabs on test groups and the localised launch of new medications. With greater understanding comes enhanced and more effective treatment, reducing the real risks of negligence.

Also Read: Dexium Technologies: Leveraging Technology to Ensure Medical Adherence