As the current pandemic continues to affect the country, medical practitioners are increasingly finding themselves forced to do more with less. Thankfully, modern advancements in medical technology make it easier than ever before to provide the reliable care patients need when it matters most.
So, how is non-invasive medical technology helping to battle the virus and who is it helping during a time of crisis?
How is technology helping?
An essential part of the modern caregiving process, medical technologies have been invaluable in diagnosing, treating, and adding to the understanding of Covid 19 in the months since the pandemic first became known. This involved the use of a number of key technologies that include, but are not limited to-
Smartphone Technologies: With a computer in everyone’s pocket, the rollout of a number of helpful apps has helped capture feedback and insight and provide guidance to the public. This includes contact tracing apps, chatbots, telemedicine guidance and more.
SMS and Social Media Messaging: When it comes to outreach, SMS and Social messaging allowed for the rapid rollout of targeted public health guidance. This allowed key segments of the public to remain informed when it mattered most.
Wearable sensor tech: The use of diagnostic sensors allowed patients to be monitored at ease from home while recovering or if hospitalised. This allowed for the capture of helpful data and allowed for detailed diagnosis and monitoring without placing excessive strain on practitioners.
In addition, many portable and non-invasive devices have helped provide first-hand care to those who were most vulnerable to the virus and may have otherwise struggled to receive the essential care that they need.
Who are most at risk?
The virus is confirmed to predominantly affect segments of society classed as ‘vulnerable’ to infection. This includes the elderly, those with underlying conditions, those undergoing ongoing medical treatment, and more. Providing care to those individuals while cocooning or dealing with the demands of a busy schedule can be incredibly difficult.
Thankfully, there are a number of non-invasive units that allow for rapid, reliable diagnosis, that can be delivered with speed and convenience.
What devices are standing out?
When it comes to diagnosis and care, two non-invasive devices have stood out when it came to helping at-risk patients. The first is non-invasive blood pressure NIPB units to help monitor patients with underlying conditions. These were highly portable and allowed medical professionals to track stimulus response, blood pressure, and heart rates with ease – giving an on-the-spot diagnosis and using digital acquisition systems to capture and pass on data.
The second is the use of blood pulse oximeters to help track oxygen saturation in certain patient’s bloods. Highly portable and simple enough for a patient to use themselves, these units allow for a quick reading about their O2 levels when blood oxygen is a potential marker for Covid 19 infection or a barometer for their recovery. Using both has allowed practitioners to be more efficient and provide the care required in a highly demanding situation.