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Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are one of the key advancements that have positively impacted the medical & healthcare industry. Contrasting the past where medical records were mishandled, EHRs have brought much needed order in terms of patient record keeping. Locally the integration of various platforms has enabled better record keeping to aid in smoother and quicker patient information transfers. M-TIBA, a digital healthcare platform, in partnership with various health insurers is a perfect example of how patients have greatly benefited from quick access to their medical records such as medical benefits, checking medical expenditures, viewing dependent details and authorizing treatment all from the convenience of their mobile phones.
“Healthcare is indeed crucial to our very survival, with the rapid changes we experience in our fast-paced world it is critical to implement effective healthcare solutions and technologies to support, improve and propel the healthcare industry to new boundaries.” Said Managing Director of M-TIBA, Mr. Moses G Kuria, “The implementation of technology into medical initiatives has enriched the lives of many Kenyans. Digital technology has intensified our life expectancy rates by making us healthier and has enabled us to track, diagnose and treat illnesses quicker than before.”
Hospitals have also benefited from using M-TIBA’s digital platform which offers digital patient identification and verification, electronic billing, submission of claims and payments. Healthcare providers that have partnered with M-TIBA, further gain from cash advance services that can be utilized to aid business growth either through procurement of new medical equipment or expansion on healthcare services.
Technological advancements in the medical fields have also gone a step further to help tackle growing medical concerns such as mental health illness that has been on the rise globally in the year 2022. For the first time in the history of medicine, video games such as EndevourRX have been authorized by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children between the ages of 8 to 12. The treatment has seen an overall success rate of 73 percent of patients increase their ability to pay attention in just under one month of treatment with no side effects noted. Notably, various applications are being utilized across the world to provide therapists with initial patient diagnosis before patient and doctor interaction. Locally, therapy sessions can now be done digitally through online sessions. M-TIBA has been able to provide such sessions through its partnership with Wazi, an online platform that offers mental health packages as well as digital tools for counseling sessions and therapists.
Patient education has positively been impacted by the progression of technology within the industry. Patient education in the past relied on written material about medical management, self-care instructions, diseases & medication. Today, through the partnership between M-TIBA and BYON 8, mobile technology and the Internet have brought healthcare information closer to the general public. Telemedicine innovations have made it simpler for patients to access care professionals and information whenever they need one. Educative videos, email blasts, information blasts, social media groups and interactive walkthroughs give patients options through which they can access and process health information to help them be in touch with their overall care.
Moreover, M-TIBA has enhanced and taken advantage of strategic partnerships that aid in customer education when it comes to matters of insurance. Through partnerships with companies such as Britam, Jubilee, APA and AAR we have been able to conduct informative and educative campaigns that aid in more informed health insurance decisions.
Wearable technology in the medical field has also been key in monitoring & tracking a patient’s health patterns and progress. These wearable devices are a category of electrically powered devices that could be implanted in the user’s body, accessories or embedded in clothing. With the advancement in wearable technology paving the way for newer and more advanced devices, doctors and medical practitioners globally are now able to better diagnose and even catch potentially harmful attacks before they happen. Wearable devices are predominantly utilized to gather data that will aid patients and doctors will need to assess and regulate the wearer’s health.
With the progression of technology continuing to develop by the day, it is key for the medical and healthcare industry to always remain aware of various advancements in order to adopt relevant technologies that will aid in overall patient development and wellbeing. Medical practitioners and health-tech innovators should invest in more research measures to ensure that technology and the medical space growth together in a positive trajectory paving the way for a better and healthier world.