Technology Innovations in Hospitals: Where We’re Headed

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In this discussion, we talk about the ways we can revolutionize healthcare in India. Dr. Rajeev Boudhankar talks about the latest Health-Tech trends in India and deep delves into how India can create a more accessible, affordable, and patient-centered healthcare system for its citizens.

  1. What according to you are the latest Health-Tech trends in India currently?

Here are some of the latest health-tech trends in India:

1. Telemedicine: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in India. Many healthcare providers have started offering virtual consultations and follow-ups to their patients. This has made healthcare more accessible and convenient, especially for people living in remote areas.

2. Health wearables: Wearable technology has become increasingly popular in India. These devices can track various health parameters like heart rate, steps taken, and sleep patterns. The data collected can be used by individuals to monitor their health and by healthcare professionals to provide more personalized care.

3. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is being used in various ways to improve healthcare in India. For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses, and chatbots can assist patients with their queries and provide basic medical advice.

4. Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs are digital records of patients’ health information. They can be accessed by healthcare providers to provide better coordinated and more efficient care. The adoption of EHRs is growing in India, and the government has launched several initiatives to encourage their use.

5. Health apps: There has been an explosion of health apps in India that cater to a wide range of needs, from fitness and nutrition to mental health and chronic disease management. These apps can provide personalized recommendations and track progress over time.

It is worth noting that the health-tech landscape is constantly evolving, and new trends and innovations are emerging all the time.

  1. Tell us more about how India is going through a period of innovation in diagnosis and treatment technology, please elaborate

India is indeed going through a period of innovation in diagnosis and treatment technology, driven by a combination of factors such as advances in science and technology, growing healthcare needs, and increasing awareness and investment in health-tech. Here are some examples of the latest innovations in diagnosis and treatment technology in India:

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) for diagnosis: AI-powered diagnostic tools are being developed in India to improve the accuracy and speed of disease diagnosis. For example, a Bengaluru-based startup has developed an AI-powered retinal screening tool that can detect diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, in just a few minutes.

2. Telemedicine for remote consultation: Telemedicine is becoming increasingly popular in India, especially in rural areas where there is a shortage of doctors. Many startups and established healthcare providers are offering virtual consultations and follow-ups, making healthcare more accessible and convenient.

3. Precision medicine for personalized treatment: Precision medicine, which involves tailoring treatment to individual patients based on their genetics, is gaining popularity in India. Companies are developing innovative genetic tests that can identify specific genetic mutations and help doctors prescribe the most effective treatments.

4. Robotic surgery for precise and minimally invasive procedures: Robotic surgery is becoming more widely used in India, particularly for complex procedures that require high precision and minimal invasiveness. For example, a Mumbai-based hospital recently performed a robotic surgery to remove a rare tumor from a patient’s brain, with the help of a robot-assisted microsurgery system.

5. Medical imaging for advanced diagnostics: Medical imaging technologies like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are becoming more advanced and widely available in India. They provide doctors with more detailed and accurate images, enabling better diagnosis and treatment planning.

Overall, these and other innovations in diagnosis and treatment technology are helping to improve the quality of healthcare in India and making it more accessible to a larger population.

  1. How do you believe technology will affect the design of hospital facilities?

Technology is likely to have a significant impact on the design of hospital facilities in the future. Here are some ways in which technology is expected to influence the design of hospital facilities:

1. Increased use of telemedicine: With the rise of telemedicine, hospitals may need to reconfigure their facilities to accommodate remote consultations and follow-ups. This may involve the creation of telemedicine rooms that are equipped with videoconferencing technology, high-speed internet, and other tools needed to conduct virtual consultations.

2. Integration of medical devices: As medical devices become more advanced and interconnected, hospitals may need to design their facilities to accommodate these devices. This may involve the installation of wired and wireless networks to support the devices, as well as the creation of storage spaces for them.

3. Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs): EHRs can be accessed by healthcare providers from various locations, making it easier to provide coordinated care. As such, hospitals may need to design their facilities to support the use of EHRs, such as the installation of computer workstations and secure network connections.

4. Use of robots for various tasks: Hospitals are already using robots for tasks such as sterilization and cleaning. In the future, robots may be used for tasks such as delivery of medication, assistance with patient mobility, and even surgical procedures. Hospital facilities may need to be designed to accommodate these robots, including the creation of charging and storage spaces.

5. Smart hospital design: With the use of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, hospitals may be designed as smart facilities that can monitor patient health and automatically adjust environmental conditions like lighting and temperature to improve patient comfort and recovery.

Overall, technology is expected to play a significant role in the design of hospital facilities in the future, with a focus on enhancing patient care and improving operational efficiency.

  1. Smart technology and health monitoring technology in healthcare are changing the way patients are treated, connecting patients and doctors like never before. 

Smart technology and health monitoring technology have certainly brought about significant changes in healthcare, particularly in how patients are treated and how doctors can monitor and communicate with their patients. These technologies have the potential to improve the quality of care, increase patient engagement, and reduce healthcare costs.

One of the most significant benefits of smart technology and health monitoring is that they allow doctors to remotely monitor patients’ health conditions and track their progress in real-time. This is especially helpful for patients with chronic conditions or those who require frequent check-ups, as it can reduce the need for in-person visits and enable doctors to intervene quickly if necessary.

Moreover, smart technology and health monitoring can also help patients take a more active role in managing their own health. For example, wearable devices that track physical activity and sleep patterns can motivate patients to make healthier choices and adopt lifestyle changes that can improve their overall health.

However, it is important to note that these technologies also raise some concerns. For instance, there may be privacy and security issues associated with the collection and storage of patients’ health data. Additionally, there may be some patients who are not comfortable with using or cannot afford these technologies, which could create a digital divide in healthcare.

In conclusion, smart technology and health monitoring technology have the potential to revolutionize the way patients receive care and communicate with their doctors. However, it is important to ensure that these technologies are accessible, affordable, and secure for all patients.

  1. What are the innovation in cardiac diagnostics, treatment and research

There have been several innovations in cardiac diagnostics, treatment, and research in recent years. Here are some examples:

1. Imaging Techniques: There have been significant advancements in imaging techniques such as echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. These imaging techniques provide detailed information about the heart’s structure and function, allowing doctors to diagnose and monitor heart diseases more accurately.

2. Wearable Technology: Wearable technology such as smartwatches and fitness trackers can monitor heart rate, physical activity, and sleep patterns, providing valuable data for the diagnosis and management of heart disease.

3. Catheter-based Procedures: Minimally invasive catheter-based procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and ablation have replaced open-heart surgeries in some cases. These procedures have lower complication rates, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.

4. Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to analyze large amounts of cardiac data, including imaging and genetic data, to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. AI can also help predict the risk of heart disease and identify patients who are at high risk of developing heart disease.

5. Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is a promising treatment for heart disease. Stem cells can be used to regenerate damaged heart tissue, improving heart function and reducing the risk of heart failure.

6. Gene Therapy: Gene therapy is another promising treatment for heart disease. It involves modifying genes to treat or prevent heart disease. For example, gene therapy can be used to promote blood vessel growth and improve blood flow to the heart.

7. Prevention and Lifestyle Modification: There is increasing emphasis on prevention and lifestyle modification as a way to reduce the risk of heart disease. This includes adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use.

In conclusion, these are some of the many innovations in cardiac diagnostics, treatment, and research that are helping to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart disease.

  1. Its Holy Family Hospital’s 45th Foundation year what has the development in the Hospital been so far:

The hospital’s humble beginnings date back to 1942, when Dr Austin Da Silva opened a 10-bed private nursing home called ‘Silverene’ in suburban Bandra. It was handed over to the Medical Mission Sisters in 1953. They expanded the nursing home to accommodate 22 beds and renamed it as ‘Holy Family Hospital’. On 11th February 1978, the Medical Mission Sisters passed on the govenance of the Hospital to the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate.

As the new dream took shape, a well-equipped and completed hospital with 120 beds was inaugurated on November 17th, 1985.  Apart from the main departments, the hospital also added more and more specialties and patient facilities, continuously expanding its reach and services to the community. These include high-quality endoscopy, paediatrics, cardiology, respiratory medicine, psychiatry, neurology and neurosurgery. With an eye on holistic medicine, the hospital also opened a special homeopathic clinic with highly qualified doctors. Simultaneously, infrastructure and medical technology were upgraded and the hospital building expanded to become the 268-bed institution it is today.

During its journey, the hospital has achieved several milestones. One of these was the setting up of The Holy Family Heart Institute in 2002, a pioneer in cardiac diagnostics, treatment and research. In April 2005, we inaugurated the Holy Family Institute of Nursing Education; in August 2005; we admitted our first batch of post-graduate DNB resident medical officers. In 2010, we installed Hybrid Cath Lab the first of its’ kind in Mumbai and the third in India.

We provide spectrum of specialty and super specialty healthcare services, critical care and emergency services with excellent quality and at an affordable cost.

Our facilities are strongly backed by 72 critical care beds, 81 specialties, 9 state-of-the-art Operation Theatres equipped with latest equipment, 128 slice CT scan, high-end 1.5 Tesla MRI, State-of-the-art Cath lab which provide Diagnostic & Therapeutic procedures covering Angioplasty, Stenting, Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Insertion and Pacemaker Insertions, high-end Gastro-endoscopy Unit, Neuro Navigation system and other latest technology.

Recently, Holy Family Hospital launched its Geriatric Care Clinic (Senior Citizen Health Club), an exclusive facility for the elderly. This initiative is aimed at serving relevant needs of the elderly in Mumbai. The comprehensive elder-care initiatives covers preventive, curative, promotive and rehabilitative treatment for the over-all being of older people.

We also constantly renovate and upgrade our existing facilities to enhance patient friendly and welcoming atmosphere which would make the patients feel more at home.

  1. What will be the role of hospitals in the future, let’s say 10 and 25 years from now? How will the patient journey change?

The role of hospitals in the future is likely to evolve as healthcare technology advances and patient needs change. Here are some potential changes we might see over the next 10-25 years:

1. Emphasis on Preventive Care: Hospitals may increasingly focus on preventive care and wellness initiatives, such as promoting healthy lifestyle choices and providing education on disease prevention.

2. More Outpatient Services: As healthcare technology advances, hospitals may increasingly provide outpatient services, such as telemedicine consultations and remote monitoring, which can be delivered outside of the hospital setting.

3. Increased Use of Artificial Intelligence: Hospitals may make greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve the accuracy of diagnoses, streamline treatment plans, and automate administrative tasks.

4. Greater Personalization: As technology allows for more precise diagnoses and treatment plans, hospitals may increasingly tailor treatment to individual patients’ needs, including the use of personalized medicine and gene therapy.

5. Focus on Patient Experience: Hospitals may place greater emphasis on patient experience, with a focus on improving the overall journey for patients, including personalized care plans, faster diagnoses, and more comfortable and inviting hospital environments.

6. Shift to Home-based Care: With advances in telemedicine and remote monitoring technology, hospitals may increasingly provide care in patients’ homes, reducing the need for hospital stays and allowing for more patient-centered care.

7. Greater Emphasis on Value-based Care: With healthcare costs continuing to rise, hospitals may increasingly adopt value-based care models, in which healthcare providers are paid based on the value they provide to patients, rather than the volume of services they provide.

In conclusion, the patient journey is likely to change significantly over the next 10-25 years as hospitals adapt to evolving patient needs and advances in healthcare technology. Hospitals are likely to focus on preventive care, personalized medicine, and outpatient services, with an emphasis on improving patient experience and delivering value-based care.

  1. What are some ways we can revolutionize healthcare in India?

India is a country with a large and diverse population, and there are several ways in which healthcare can be revolutionized to better serve the needs of its citizens. Here are some potential solutions:

1. Telemedicine: Telemedicine can provide remote healthcare services to patients, especially those in rural or remote areas. With the help of telemedicine, patients can receive medical advice, prescriptions, and consultations from qualified doctors without having to travel long distances to access healthcare.

2. Electronic Health Records: Electronic health records (EHRs) can streamline healthcare services by providing accurate and easily accessible patient information to healthcare providers. EHRs can reduce errors in diagnosis and treatment, and can also help patients track their health records and take charge of their health.

3. Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships can bring together the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors to improve healthcare delivery. By collaborating on projects, the public and private sectors can address the challenges faced by the healthcare system and deliver innovative solutions to patients.

4. Health Insurance: A large portion of India’s population lacks access to affordable healthcare services. Health insurance can provide financial protection to patients in the event of an illness or medical emergency, allowing them to access healthcare without worrying about the financial burden.

5. Health Awareness and Education: Health awareness and education programs can help improve public health by promoting healthy behaviors and practices. These programs can be targeted towards vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly to help prevent diseases and promote better health outcomes.

6. Innovative Healthcare Technologies: The use of innovative healthcare technologies such as AI, robotics, and wearable devices can help improve healthcare services in India. These technologies can provide accurate diagnoses, reduce treatment times, and improve the overall patient experience.

In conclusion, revolutionizing healthcare in India will require a combination of innovative solutions, public-private partnerships, and investments in technology and infrastructure. By leveraging these solutions, India can create a more accessible, affordable, and patient-centered healthcare system for its citizens.

  1. What are your future plans at Holy Family Hospital?

Accessibility, transparency, and affordability – technology helps us achieve each one of these objectives and therefore from day one, Holy Family Hospital has had a vigorous commitment to the adoption of the very latest in the technology for the benefit of our patients. We have been not only adopting latest technologies, but also establishing an environment allowing customization according to the needs of the hospital.

With the main focus on clinical aspect of medical care, we are in the process of enhancing our HIS and other technological tools. Our aim is to create a true patient-centric setting through the digitization of different operations and departments to enable easy access to services. The core thing we are doing is to enhance first all our clinical areas to the extent that each and every operation is digital to ensure efficiency. We are also planning to procure 2nd Cath Lab which will be installed by April 2023.

The Hospital is in its expansion mode now. From 268 beds we are planning to expand to 300 beds as we have adequate land for the same. We will also introduce newer centers of excellence by adopting latest technologies of diagnostics and treatment in this new project keeping in tune with changing healthcare scenario.

We also plan to extend our reach to the “have nots” of society to give them the benefit of modern healthcare as it is the very foundation on which our hospital philosophy is based on.

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