One of the biggest ways technology is modernizing healthcare is through electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs allow doctors and nurses to access a patient's complete medical history with just a few clicks. This replaces the old paper charting method and improves coordination of care. With EHRs, test results can be viewed instantly by any member of the care team. Medical images like X-rays are digitally stored and accessible from any facility. This level of connectivity ensures no information falls through the cracks, leading to better health outcomes. EHRs also weed out duplicate tests by making a patient's full medical profile viewable. Computerized physician order entry embedded in EHRs can catch allergic reactions and interactions before medications are prescribed. Overall, EHRs have streamlined clinical workflows and enhanced the delivery of coordinated care.

Telehealth Revolutionizes Access to Medical Services

Another frontier revolutionizing Smart Hospitals is telehealth. Through video conferencing technology, patients can consult with doctors and specialists virtually without leaving their homes. This has been invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic when face-to-face visits carried infection risks. Telehealth overcomes transportation barriers in remote areas by connecting patients in underserved communities to quality medical care. Chronic disease management is also optimized through remote monitoring technologies. These allow continuous tracking of vital signs and symptoms at home. Facilities can receive alerts if readings fall out of normal ranges and intervene proactively. Telehealth has boosted access to healthcare, especially for elderly patients or those with limited mobility. It has also freed up more in-person appointments for cases requiring hands-on examinations or surgeries. Overall, telehealth has addressed issues of distance, affordability and convenience for both patients and providers.

Artificial Intelligence Improves Diagnostics and Streamlines Workflow

Hospitals are implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies to make healthcare smarter. AI has the potential to analyze massive amounts of medical data and recognize patterns to arrive at diagnoses. AI tools can read medical images like MRI and CT scans more accurately than humans. They flag abnormalities to radiologists, aiding faster detection of diseases. Natural language processing algorithms are being used to transcribe doctor's notes from speech to text automatically. This boosts the efficiency of clinical documentation. AI is also assisting in genomics research by speeding up Genome sequencing and interpretation of results. Automated pharmacy dispensing systems rely on AI to sort and package medications accurately for distribution. Hospital workflows are streamlined through AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants that field patient inquiries and schedule appointments. Overall, AI shows promise in reducing diagnostic errors, expediting treatment decisions, streamlining healthcare delivery processes and workflow optimization.