As the healthcare industry continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, 2023 is expected to bring significant advancements in technology that will transform how we approach healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Today’s landscape demands that practices and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) remain on top of the latest technological developments to deliver the highest quality care to patients. Below are four pieces of technology that GI practices and centers should be aware of.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has quickly gained significant traction as a must-have in today’s healthcare field. While still in its infancy, the ability of AI to provide insight and organize and understand complex data helps physicians offer more accurate diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.
This technology has proven helpful to physicians across all specialties, from AI-assisted surgical robots to identifying trends. GI physicians have found success utilizing a selection of AI-assisted colonoscopy devices, allowing for higher adenoma detection rates and improved patient outcomes in the prevention of colorectal cancer.
Some patients remain hesitant about including AI in their care plans; however, with continued education, this technology will continue to grow and thrive within the healthcare space.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have quickly grown as tools for training medical professionals in the GI space. These tools allow for “hands-on” training without the need for a physical patient. As a result, GI specialists in training gain valuable experience in performing procedures or better visualizing complicated scenarios.
These tools are also helpful for patient education. VR and AR can create 3D digital reconstructions of a patient’s GI tract, allowing physicians to explain better the reasoning behind specific care plans or oddities within the patient. Utilizing these tools to provide a more holistic overview of care can improve patient satisfaction and physician trust, as an informed patient is more likely to take proper steps and follow care plans laid out by their physician.
Telehealth
Following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, usage of telehealth services has declined, but its impact remains. With more patients searching for convenience when deciding on a care provider, telehealth remains a central selling point for GI practices and centers. This benefit is also felt by physicians, who spend less time per patient performing routine diagnostics and basic tasks. This time can be better spent assisting others who need further or advanced care.
While not as critical as previously, telehealth still offers benefits and convenience to patients and physicians alike, making its continued inclusion something practices and centers should consider.
Virtual Chromoendoscopy
Virtual chromoendoscopy has added another layer of physician support during a traditional colonoscopy. By using specialized software, physicians can more easily identify subtle changes in the mucosa, indicating the presence of abnormal tissue or lesions. The software simulates various forms of light to replicate dyes used in traditional chromoendoscopy.
While the colonoscopy remains the “Gold Standard” of colorectal cancer prevention, this additional software provides physicians the ability to utilize various forms of assistance to further improve patient outcomes in real-time, resulting in increased adenoma detection rates.
This story was originally published in the July 2023 issue of the PE GI Journal by PE GI Solutions. PE GI Solutions is now a part of SCA Health. To read more from this and past issues of the journal, click here.
Resources
ENT and Audiology News: https://www.entandaudiologynews.com/reviews/tech-reviews/post/virtual-chromoendoscopy-vce
