Connectivity has changed this world. Working from anywhere is becoming common nowadays. A vast array of information and services can be accessed easily in moments. This connectivity revolution has proved invaluable. The society is keep going in the face of a devastating pandemic. Many virtual doctor’s appointments provide a vital lifeline for those with chronic illnesses in such days.
Connectivity is not the same as connection. Most particularly in the healthcare space. The direct, human contact of caregiver to patient will remain the central care experience. This is what most of us want. The world has an aging population. Strategies and technologies are needed to empower healthcare professionals. This also helps to close the growing caregiver gap. The American Association of Retired People (AARP) suggests that by 2030 there will be a shortage of 151,000 caregivers in the U.S.
Large data sets are already being used at the population health level. Also, they are used for diagnostic support. The data analysis techniques for Big Data are just as effective for small data. Connected smart devices can be used to gather information. This is then, analysed by AI and can improve operational efficiency. Technology can’t do the work of a professional caregiver, but it can help them do it more efficiently. In caregiving, the ideas of “robot nurses” might be appealing to us, but it is not a practical reality. The empathy, understanding, and complex decision-making of human caregivers can never be replicated by any kind of machine.
Many technologies are invaluable to caregivers. This is such as the automation of time-consuming tasks or helping with locating critical assets or devices. The data by these types of healthcare technologies can help reduce the risk of burnout. The technology brings opportunities to the caregiving industry is the possibility of moving from reactive to preventative care. Round-the-clock monitoring and automatic alerts are some newly developed devices. This is a small but very important step in improving the wellbeing and health of aging individuals, as well as reducing the number of emergencies.
The passive motion and depth sensors can be installed in a resident’s room. When an individual begins to show changes in their routine, the caregivers are alerted to a potential change in health status. So that, they can adjust care levels and ultimately prevent emergencies from occurring. Independent research has found that passive sensor technology can reduce falls by 54%. These technologies have also reduced the overall rate of hospitalisations. The caregiver shortage is a complex challenge, and technology alone cannot solve it. But it is the key to improving conditions and this enables the caregivers to optimise their time. So that they can focus it on the needs of the patient.
