As a result of the pandemic, modern tools like remote monitoring, telemedicine, and digital health were incorporated into traditional medical disciplines.
Due to health restrictions, in-person visits for wound healing were much less frequent or stalled for long periods. This put more responsibility on patients to take care of themselves, despite sometimes inadequate resources. Progress in remote monitoring and digital healthcare represent a great opportunity. They enable convenient, accessible, and continual healing, particularly to those with limited mobility or chronic conditions.
Digital patient records can contain a variety of data, including images, audio and video recordings, and text-based information like vital signs. These records are accessible online by healthcare professionals, enabling them to collaborate on care plans, thus improving the quality of care. Additionally, when patients install health apps on their devices they have the ability to track their healing rate or other key indicators with automated monitoring equipment or manually. This not only helps reduce non-essential in-person visits but also allows clinicians to monitor adherence to treatment plans. Finally, these improvements in home healthcare can make a huge difference in patient safety after discharge from hospital settings and may help reduce hospital readmission rates.
Data monitoring can be combined with AI software to identify the location and intensity of pressure wounds, or track changes in wound size, heat and color that signal infection. Research is also looking into ‘smart’ technology that allows for immediate assessment and treatment of injuries. This is made possible through ‘smart’ bandages that gauge temperature and deliver electrical stimulation to help the healing process while reducing the chance of infection. Early activity can lead to time-saving interventions, resulting in shorter healing periods for patients alongside fewer healthcare requirements.
Poor image or video resolution has been an obstacle to widespread use of patient-collected data. Today, smartphones are more common, and most can produce high-quality images. Digital health platforms also often provide educational tools for patients and employ AI software, so that images, videos, and data submitted by patients are of adequate quality before they are forwarded to their clinicians.
The use of technologies could be the key to ensuring that patients keep receiving high-quality care in spite of current physical and resource constraints. However, managing and interpreting copious amounts of data still presents a bottleneck, as does the protection of those involved in the app, such as healthcare professionals and providers. Without adequate security for sensitive personal information that is passed on, accessed, stored or shared, these assistive devices may not be feasible. Nonetheless, they are our most proactive hope to satisfy future healthcare needs while avoiding an overwhelmed system.
