Being a patient is a common experience for many of us, and the road to recovery can be challenging. Coping with the anxiety of undergoing medical procedures or facing long hospital stays is not easy. To address these concerns, researchers are exploring the use of technology to improve the patient journey. In this article, we delve into some of the most promising digital health solutions that are revolutionizing patient care.
Tuning into Patient Comfort: The Power of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
While undergoing surgeries, patients can benefit from the use of noise-cancelling headphones to reduce discomfort and stress levels. Even under general anesthesia, patients’ auditory senses remain active, making them susceptible to ambient noise in the operating room. Studies have shown that using noise-cancelling headphones can lead to improved physiological parameters and reduced postoperative pain and anxiety levels. Patients listening to music through these headphones have reported significantly lower levels of intraoperative anxiety, even in non-anesthesia surgeries.
Virtual Reality for ICU Patients: A Digital Escape for Recovery
Virtual reality (VR) technology is transforming the intensive care unit (ICU) experience for patients. By transporting patients to serene virtual environments using VR headsets and noise-cancelling headphones, hospitals like UF Health Shands Hospital are helping ICU patients relax and reduce stress through guided meditation. VR is also being used to familiarize ex-ICU patients with their surroundings and ease their transition back to consciousness, reducing anxiety and post-intensive care syndrome.
Gamification in Healthcare: Playing Towards Recovery
Video games and gamification have found their way into healthcare, offering innovative solutions for patient care. From improving treatment adherence in pediatric cancer patients to reducing postoperative delirium in older adults, video games are proving to be effective tools in promoting wellness and recovery. Games designed to stimulate memory and cognitive abilities have shown promising results in reducing the risk of postoperative delirium by over 60%.
Immersive VR Experiences for Pediatric Procedures
Children’s fear of medical procedures can be addressed through immersive virtual reality experiences. Companies like PilloVR are providing pediatric patients with VR headsets to distract and relax them during procedures. By offering engaging and educational content in the form of animated adventures, VR technology is transforming pediatric healthcare and making medical experiences less intimidating for children.
These innovative technologies are revolutionizing the patient experience, offering a path to smoother medical procedures, reduced pain, and faster recovery. As we continue to embrace the digital health era, we can expect more advancements in patient care that prioritize comfort and well-being. Share your experiences or insights into promising technologies that are reshaping the healthcare landscape!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in holistic and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine tends to treat symptoms while holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.
Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
What is another name for alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. While there are many alternative medical approaches, the majority are based on a belief that health care should be rooted primarily in natural substances and practices.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative practitioners claim that their therapies result in better health outcomes, including improved quality of life, fewer side effects, reduced costs, and greater patient satisfaction. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence because most mainstream medical authorities ignore the evidence-based benefits that alternative medicine offers.
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What are alternative medicine examples?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatment that is not used in mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture as well as nutritional therapy such like reiki.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
How To
How to make a career in Holistic Medicine
The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Many schools offer holistic medicine courses. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. There are also programs that are specifically designed for medical professionals who want to enter this field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.
Another option is to attend a traditional four year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you’re interested in a career in holistic medical, it is worth taking a nutrition class. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. According to them, integrative medicine practitioners need to have a solid understanding of nutrition science.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
According to the NCCM nutritionists often work alongside doctors to give dietary advice to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
This is why holistic practitioners must understand the basics of nutrition. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. This includes identifying nutritional deficiencies and other problems that could be causing them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some are primarily focused on herbal treatments while others rely solely upon acupuncture. Others combine both of these approaches into one treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they urge people to eat organic whenever possible.
One thing that holistic practitioners agree upon is that a balanced diet will help prevent disease. However, they do have differences on some points. They don’t believe gluten is the cause of celiac disease. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.
However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. They say peanuts and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis. They also warn against consuming too much caffeine.
While many holistic practitioners use herbs to treat various illnesses, they avoid using pharmaceutical drugs. This is because they feel that such substances only mask the problem instead of solving it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
Holistic practitioners offer a range of alternative therapies and often employ complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body’s healing ability.
- Herbal therapy: Holistic practitioners may use herbs to treat various conditions in addition to acupuncture. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, is based on the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage Therapy – Many holistic professionals offer massage therapy to help you relax and reduce stress. They claim it improves blood circulation, increases energy levels, and relieves muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. The American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) has a certification program that allows you to learn more about acupuncture.
Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. It is also a good idea to talk to your insurance company to find out which services are covered.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Pranavsingh Dhunnoo
Title: Enhancing Patient Experience: 4 Innovative Technologies Transforming Medical Procedures
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/4-practical-technologies-aiding-patients-getting-through-medical-procedures
Published Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2024 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in holistic and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine tends to treat symptoms while holistic medicine treats the entire person. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just one aspect of a patient’s health.
Traditional medicine treats specific organs and systems, such as the brain. Holistic medicine examines the whole body from the inside. It considers the impact of lifestyle choices on overall wellness.
What is another name for alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes any alternative approach to healing. While there are many alternative medical approaches, the majority are based on a belief that health care should be rooted primarily in natural substances and practices.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative practitioners claim that their therapies result in better health outcomes, including improved quality of life, fewer side effects, reduced costs, and greater patient satisfaction. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence because most mainstream medical authorities ignore the evidence-based benefits that alternative medicine offers.
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. Holistic medicine examines every aspect of a person’s health. It also considers spiritual, physical, and environmental factors that may be overlooked by traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What are alternative medicine examples?
Alternative medicine refers specifically to any treatment that is not used in mainstream medicine. These include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture as well as nutritional therapy such like reiki.
Alternative medicine may also refer not to scientific evidence but that have been successfully used in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
doi.org
How To
How to make a career in Holistic Medicine
The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Many schools offer holistic medicine courses. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. There are also programs that are specifically designed for medical professionals who want to enter this field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.
Another option is to attend a traditional four year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. A Bachelor’s Degree is offered by the University of California in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you’re interested in a career in holistic medical, it is worth taking a nutrition class. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. According to them, integrative medicine practitioners need to have a solid understanding of nutrition science.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
According to the NCCM nutritionists often work alongside doctors to give dietary advice to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
This is why holistic practitioners must understand the basics of nutrition. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. This includes identifying nutritional deficiencies and other problems that could be causing them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some are primarily focused on herbal treatments while others rely solely upon acupuncture. Others combine both of these approaches into one treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They encourage eating plenty of seafood and fish. They discourage the consumption of processed food products and fast-food restaurants. Instead, they urge people to eat organic whenever possible.
One thing that holistic practitioners agree upon is that a balanced diet will help prevent disease. However, they do have differences on some points. They don’t believe gluten is the cause of celiac disease. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.
However, they are all in agreement that allergic reactions can occur with certain foods. They say peanuts and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis. They also warn against consuming too much caffeine.
While many holistic practitioners use herbs to treat various illnesses, they avoid using pharmaceutical drugs. This is because they feel that such substances only mask the problem instead of solving it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
Holistic practitioners offer a range of alternative therapies and often employ complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body’s healing ability.
- Herbal therapy: Holistic practitioners may use herbs to treat various conditions in addition to acupuncture. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, is based on the principle that like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage Therapy – Many holistic professionals offer massage therapy to help you relax and reduce stress. They claim it improves blood circulation, increases energy levels, and relieves muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. The American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) has a certification program that allows you to learn more about acupuncture.
Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. It is also a good idea to talk to your insurance company to find out which services are covered.
