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We take a lot for granted in the modern world. Though it might not always appear to be the case, the world continues to improve in almost every sphere — we’re smarter and healthier than in times past, and there’s much less crime than at other points in the past. While it’s far from a perfect world, there’s much to celebrate! And especially in the world of healthcare. Below, we take a look at some ways that it continues to improve. In the world of health, the future is bright.

Hospital Experiences

Thank your lucky stars that you didn’t get sick in days gone by. You might have been able to find a doctor to treat you, but there would be little guarantee that it’d be an enjoyable experience. Indeed, quite the opposite. That’s all beginning to change now. Now, hospitals don’t just focus on the specific illness or condition of the patient — they work to ensure that their overall experience is positive. That means an improvement in the comfort of their stay, the quality of the food, and all-around service. That’s helped make hospitals less intimidating places, which has historically been the case.

More Focused Care

Another great stride has been made in the area of personalized care. In the past, the focus was more of a “one size fits all” variety, which was too limiting — people of different backgrounds, races, genders and so on have different needs. Unless those needs were in line with the most prevalent needs, then they were overlooked. Now, doctors are able to offer more detail, personalized care. This has to lead to new services being offered to communities that were historically overlooked. For example, Cynthia Telles and Kaiser Permanente are working on improving the unique mental health needs of the Hispanic/Latino community. This shift toward more focused care has made healthcare more accessible, and, generally, better for all.

Data Overlaps

There’s also the matter of data, which is now more readily and easily shared among different healthcare practitioners, which has made it easier to spot healthcare conditions more easily.

Integrated Technology

Of all the shifts that have taken place in the healthcare industry, it’s the integration of technology that has had the biggest impact, and which will likely be the defining trend moving forward. Improvements in this area have lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis’, better communications, and better treatment. In the future, it’s possible that AI will be implemented to spot health problems before they’ve materialized, and there’ll also be robots that assist in the surgery room. Human errors account for the vast majority of medical errors — and technology is beginning to reduce those numbers.

More Mobile

The hospital as the beginning and end of medical treatment is also beginning to change, too. Now, healthcare is more mobile. Doctors take trips to patients in their homes, patients can choose to stay in their house rather than as an in-patient, and there are even consultations online. This has been a great deal of control back in the hands of the patient.