When it comes to healthcare, technology is an absolute wonder to have. In order to improve the collective well-being of people around the world, we need to have the best technologically possible. Diseases such as polio and smallpox have been eradicated thank to technology, and the more resources we have, the more developments we can make. Here are four ways technology can aid in improving public health.
1. Better leadership
Public health isn't just a matter for doctors and nurses to attend to. Professionals around the world in positions of power need to know about technology and how it can help with public health. If you have pursued an online masters in public administration, you can do your part to set policies that encourage the development of technology for public health.
With the understanding of how much technology can help, you can improve the wellbeing of people, even if you never treat them as a doctor.
2. Faster diagnoses
Time is of the essence when it comes to public health. If there's any substantial delay between symptoms and a proper diagnosis, it could jeopardize a patient's chances of recovery and the ability to contain a potential epidemic.
With better technology, we can diagnose these illnesses much faster than before. From there, we can make more educated decisions much earlier. The sooner we're able to address health issues, the better chance we have at solving them.
3. Information security
Part of proper public health policy is keeping sensitive information like health records as safe as possible. With the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (or HIPAA), patients can trust that their medical information is safe. With advancements in technology such as big data systems, we can trust that our most sensitive medical information is not at a risk of being compromised.
4. Increased quality of life
Public health isn't just about curing illnesses, it's also about improving quality of life for people so that they don't get sick in the first place. Technology can lead to public health policies on things like pollution that greatly improve quality of life. For those who are suffering from illnesses, technology can make it so that they are as comfortable as possible, rather than having to suffer.
We hope this has given you a good idea for how technology can aid in improving public health. While these advancements are never overnight, they can come through with repeated efforts. With these tips, you can make your mark in the world of public health.
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