Health

The Role of Technology in Driving Affordable Healthcare

Published

1 month ago

August 19, 2022

Brillio CTO Chander Damodaran Shares Some Promising Trends in Healthcare Market Dynamics

If any event could cause a massive upheaval within the healthcare industry, it would be a global pandemic. COVID-19 forced institutions and practitioners to reevaluate their methods and internal systems from top to bottom. Technology, telecommunications, and consumer industries pivoted their attention towards the healthcare industry looking to address new challenges and disruptions caused and revealed by the pandemic. Telehealth, in particular, saw a massive increase in interest and funding from these sectors as the global pandemic accelerated the need for digital solutions.

At digital tech companies like Brillio, team members search for solutions to the challenges faced by patients and practitioners alike. Their team is focused on developing forward-thinking, real-world tech to meet the growing public demand for better, more efficient healthcare. According to Brillio’s data, the global healthcare IT market is projected to grow 29.3% within the next 8 years reaching a value of $135.6 billion. The telehealth revenue share in the global healthcare IT alone is anticipated to grow at a rate of 41%, the fastest growth rate ever recorded.

According to the CTO of Brillio Chander Damodaran, the market is becoming vastly more patient-centric. For digital tech companies, the time is opportune to develop technology solutions that can benefit the average patient. Most of us are pretty comfortable with wearable technology- think Apple Watch or Fitbit for example- but there is massive potential to digitize all of the different systems including wearables to create a truly connected digital experience. Tech that monitors and shares health parameters is nothing new, and it could be just the beginning. Telehealth is poised to bring patients and providers closer than ever before, if not physically, then certainly virtually. Damodaran predicts a swift increase in the utilization of telehealth services of 38% post-pandemic as health systems weave digital solutions into their institutional systems.

In his opinion, there is a massive demand for telehealth solutions that benefit consumers by making pricing and procedural information more transparent. One way this is manifesting is through the emergence of mandates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of National Statistics. These mandates, including the CMS Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule published in May 2020 and the CMS Price Transparency Final Rule published in July 2022, would allow patients to make an informed decision on their providers and services thus offering greater control over their healthcare plans and spending.

Damodaran is optimistic about where the industry is headed in relation to digital tech. From venture capital to private investment, investment in telehealth is booming. Increased interest in tech solutions for the healthcare industry is driving up investment rates, allowing for more development. This could result in better immersive and wearable technologies, the acceleration of solutions like digital twins, and the development of new tech solutions.

While many are still trying to understand the extent of their healthcare costs, increased accessibility and transparency remain at the forefront of the conversation. All these trends are not only exciting developments for the tech world and interesting opportunities for investors, but they are also potentially life-changing developments for each one of us leading to affordable healthcare and access to globally renowned experts and practitioners.

For more information about the role of technology in healthcare, visit www.brillio.com.

Health

How to Know if You’re Depressed

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2022

Michelle Langton

Are you depressed or just feeling down? Sometimes it’s hard to recognise where we sit on the depression scale. If you’re constantly experiencing feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness that can last for weeks, months, or even years; you may benefit from seeing an expert psychologist in Melbourne. This article should hopefully shine some light on the symptoms of depression, how to get help, and where to find support.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is often defined as “a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest”. It’s more than just a bout of the blues, and it’s not simply a case of feeling sad after experiencing something upsetting. Rather, it’s an ongoing low mood that interferes with your everyday life and prevents you from enjoying activities that you used to love.

Symptoms of depression can include:

Feeling persistently sad, anxious, or “empty”
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed
Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Fatigue and decreased energy levels
Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
Appetite changes or weight gain/loss
Thoughts of death or suicide

How do I know if I’m depressed or just sad?

While it’s normal to feel sad from time to time, you may be suffering from depression if these feelings last for more than two weeks and are interfering with your ability to live a normal life. Depression can also be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue and changes in appetite. If you’re unsure whether you’re depressed or just sad, it’s best to see a mental health professional for an assessment.

What causes depression and how can it be treated?

There is no single cause of depression, but it can be triggered by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, hormones, and life events (such as trauma or loss). Depression is often treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may also be recommended.

How can I help a loved one who is depressed?

If you think a loved one may be depressed, the best thing you can do is encourage them to see a mental health professional. You can also offer your support and understanding, and let them know that they are not alone. If you’re worried that they may be suicidal, it’s important to talk to them about it directly.

With the right help, depression can be treated and you can regain your lease on life. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.