Top 10 Amazing Medical Devices And Apps

Technology has totally changed everything by making life easier and more fun. This can also be experienced in the medicine world. There are apps, gadgets and technologies that have been developed today; some doctors may find this interesting, others may get confused while others are not interested. However, as doctor, you will come across several exciting and important tools that may become part of your medical life. Read on to see the top 10 cool and incredibly useful medical devices and apps.

1. Tablet Computers

Tablets and iPad are simply more than just the oversized Smartphone without the phone. These gadgets have a strong processing power compared to desktop computers. The smaller models can fit into the pocket of a doctors lab coat and have touch screens. The touch-screen tablets have created cool and incredibly important gadgets and apps that have made the life of physicians and their patients easier.

2. Video Consulting via Smartphone

This new technology has helped doctors especially those in rural areas offer consultations through real-time video. Use of mobile video in health care is even possible via 3G and 4G enabled phones. For example, Andrew Barbash, the head of neurosciences and stroke program at the Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland, has been using the free Google Talk Application on his phone to conduct video consultations with his patients.

3. Remote Medical Devices and Functions through Smartphone

Software developers have taken advantage of the power of Google Android and Apple iOS operating systems to create great design applications that can effectively turn Smartphones into low-cost medical devices. This has greatly helped in creating a new category of mobile diagnostics. For example some researchers have created an app that mimic the functionality of a stethoscope by listening to a heartbeat via a Smartphone's microphone.

4. Handheld Ultrasound Stethoscope

According to researchers, by the year 2016, doctors aren't going to be walking around with the stethoscopes. This is thanks to the ne handheld ultrasound stethoscope that will become a must-have gadget for doctors.

5. Unified Communications

Today, several companies have been trying to eliminate the use of multiple devices by introducing a new technology called unified communications. For example, Voice-over-Internet protocol (VoLP) phones can send text messages and paging voice to other portable handsets with a clinic or a hospital.

6. Smart Bandage

The smart bandage is a technology that patients can even take home with them. It's basically an adhesive patch that contains an array of sensors that measures all the vital signs. The wireless transmitters in this bandage send their readings to a patient's Smartphone or an internet gateway like the in-home wireless router. This creates a 'body-area-network' which keeps constant tabs on people who might require hospitalization.

7. Speech Recognition Programs

This technology has made physicians lives much easier. It has eased the transition to EMRs (electronic medical records) by helping doctors document their cases and also changing medical transcriptions into higher-skilled editors. The best thing about this technology is that you don't need a keyboard.

8. Electronic Reference Tools and Calculators

Mobile medical reference applications such as Mindscape's have been around for a while. These apps have been of great help to physicians. Sometimes back, a Canadian mobile software developer QxMD made history by developing an update to it's calculate by QxMD application to incorporate the new scientific knowledge in regards to the risks for renal failure plus the need for dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disorders.

9. Automated Medication Adherence

The 'Smart' pill bottles are medical devices that emit light and sound when the patient needs to take a pill and also send an automatic alert to the caregiver if the patient skips his/her dose. This has helped physicians monitor medication adherence in populations with chronic illness.

10. Social Networking

Facebook, twitter and Linkedln have a great impact in each and every field today. With millions of users worldwide, you can connect with fellow doctors and share ideas on different medical cases. Patients suffering from different illnesses can visit different sites where they can also connect with healthcare professionals and other experts.

Author Bio:
Josie is a passionate blogger about new technologies and gadgets.