4 Tech Trends that Improve Patient Outcomes

We live in an age where technology is king! You’ve likely already made some tech updates in your practice, maybe updated EMR or newer therapy equipment. Still, there are countless ways you can integrate technology into your practice to improve patient experience, engagement, and outcomes.

Here are just four tech trends taking place in our profession that can improve patient outcomes:

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality, or VR, can be used “to help patients suffering from pain and injury relearn the use of their limbs in a way that is both encouraging and fun. This technique has been in use for some time now in the successful treatment of stroke victims, walking disorders, as well as back pain” (VRHealth). VR helps patients feel more motivated and greatly improves motor skills and coordination.

Additionally, VR headsets or goggles are great for determining balance disorders and fall risk in a patient. This technology is greatly improving patient outcomes for patients that have previously been difficult to treat.

Wearables

According to WebPT, wearables harness “the trifecta” in therapy:

• wearable technology is inherently connected to your patients and their goals;
• technology fosters a sense of community; and
• it taps into gamification.

Wearables easily fill the gaps between appointments and allow you to track your patients’ health and wellness when they’re away from your clinic. Patients who use wearables are more likely to continue wearing them every day and remain engaged in their plan of care.

Apps/Videos

It’s true, there’s an app for everything! Apps can be extremely helpful to both your staff and your patients. There are apps that help patients learn more about their anatomy and injuries, and apps that contain videos of home rehabilitation exercises. There are even great apps for therapy staff and students!

Like wearables, apps fill the gaps between appointments and keep your patients on track with their HEPs. More and more people are adapting digital technology and are likely to utilize apps and videos to complete their HEPs because of the convenience. Some apps also allow you to track your patients’ completion and progress while doing at-home rehab.

Telehealth

Telehealth helps meet demands for patient-centered care. By providing telehealth in your practice, you’re able to make therapy more convenient for your patients. If you’re in a rural area or some of your patients have difficulty traveling due to their injuries, telehealth will keep them on track because there’s no excuse to miss appointments.

Telehealth also improves patient outcomes because it puts patients more in control of their own health. Patients become empowered and motivated to achieve success when it comes to their rehabilitation.

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Have you considered integrating any of these tech trends into your existing practice? Many practice owners want to implement more tech and equipment into their clinics, but often don’t know where to start. Not all technology is right for everyone, and it takes a lot of time, research, and money to determine what works best for your business.

You don’t have to go about making these improvements on your own – the FYZICAL support team is here to assist you along your journey. The support team will identify the right tools and equipment for you AND get you the best possible prices on everything!