Medical tourism is an industry which is accelerating in growth each year. Around the world, from Turkey to Dubai, medical tourism hotspots are appearing. This is because it is often far more affordable for people seek treatment abroad, for example hair transplant cost can be significantly reduced abroad even though the same high standards of care can now be found in hospitals around the world. Technology is evolving rapidly and is changing how the world as we know it operates, this includes the medical tourism industry. These are the latest technological developments impacting the medical tourism field.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is being used across the business sector because it offers the option for businesses to work remotely and store large amounts of data without the need for a traditional data storage set up. In the medical tourism industry, cloud computing allows hospitals around the world to easily access their patients electronic medical records (EMR). This helps to prevent data from being lost, reduces the number of medication errors made and multiple diagnoses. Using EMR and storing these records in a cloud storage system can help to make hospitals far more efficient.
Social Networks
Social networks are largely responsible for the promotion of medical tourism packages and deals, which is helping to increase the number of people seeking medical tourism abroad each year. However, social networks can also be beneficial for both doctors and patients. Doctors around the world can connect with each other via social media and patients can get in touch with past patients to learn about their experiences with a particular health care provider. Patients can also speak with their chosen provider before they commit to having treatment, allowing them to receive answers to their questions almost instantly.
Data Mining
The continued storage of and compilation of medical data from various sources is one way in which doctors are creating a huge record of disease symptoms, to help with quick and effective diagnoses. Using data mining information from medical journals, patient case studies and hospital records can be stored in one database. It’s possible for doctors around the world to have access to these databases, helping to improve the quality of medical care received worldwide which will in turn encourage medical tourism. Although these databases are highly beneficial for tracking the spread of diseases and reducing their impact, some people may be concerned about the security of their personal medical records and other sensitive information. However, the latest encryption technology ensures that these databases are protected and can only be accessed by those who have access to the password.
The latest technology in the medical field, from cloud computing to data mining, is helping to connect medical facilities and practitioners and improve access to important information. It is not yet known how technology will continue to improve and change the medical tourism in the future. But if technology continues to advance at such a rapid rate, it’s likely that medical tourism will continue to rise in popularity as the standard of health care continues to improve around the world.
