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Although interpersonal skills are integral to effective healthcare management, the crucial role of technology adoption cannot be ignored. In fact, technology is the future of health care services as technological innovations in recent years continue to improve the quality of patient care (Kim et al., 2016). For example, developments in technology have provided patients with broader access to their medical records and enabled healthcare managers to efficiently adapt medical care to patients’ schedules (van der Zee et al., 2004). Remarkably, healthcare technologies have enhanced development and use of safer medical procedures, diagnosis, and advanced studies. Internet communications technology (ICT) has also proved useful in collating patient data, analysing patient information with high level of accuracy, and applying research findings in new, more efficient and result-oriented ways (Walshe & Rundall., 2001). The increasing demand for medical services and dearth of health care workers, thus, highlight the relevance of adapting innovative approaches in management. Here are few ways technology has improved patient outcomes and satisfaction (Macinko et al., 2003).

–Wearable and Implantable Technologies

One of the technology-related breakthroughs in health care is wearable and implantable medical device such as sensors. Due to improvements in health technology and the widespread use of sensors in global health organizations, the fast-growing manufacturing sub-sector attracts about 20% annual growth rate. This unprecedented rise is attributed to the efficient, time-saving and accurate use of sensors to gather and disseminate important patient data which doctors, nurses and caregivers can interpret to provide better services. Sensors can be used to collect data in different settings—either from patients or the environment. For example, an electronic device can alert emergency personnel when an incapacitated patient falls from a wheelchair. Wearable devices are widely used by small-, medium- and large-scale healthcare organizations to monitor patients’ vital signs and activity levels, too. Care users with basic knowledge of Internet Communications Technology (ICT) can also interact with caregivers via at-home physical therapy compliance using apps and smart devices designed to collect and transmit patients’ data to health providers. Similarly, implantable devices are also equipped with sensors that give doctors/care providers updates on medical events and alerts during health emergencies (Starfield et al., 2005a).

Although wearable and implantable devices are already available in many healthcare facilities around the world, they are expected to become smaller and modified to collect and transmit more data as healthcare technology evolve in the coming years. Therefore, technological developments in the health sector will certainly change the way healthcare is managed (Al-Sawai., 2011).

–Telemedicine

Telemedicine refers to an aspect of healthcare technology which enables real-time interactive communication between providers and patients. With telemedicine, patients have direct access to care providers whenever and wherever health service is needed (Boerma., 2006). This implies that telemedicine thrives in locations with internet, audio-visual connectivity, and data privacy laws—particularly because health providers are required to use encryption methods that protect over-the-air interactions from unauthorized access. Telemedicine is cost-effective, and for this reason, many healthcare organizations are maximizing telecommunication options to create value for patients, achieve competitive advantage, and increase profits. Basically, health care workers utilize telemedicine to improve time on task and lower absenteeism—and this enhances the efficiency of work process. When upgraded, telemedicine technology provides patients with a private audio-visual portal that allows them to record their vital signs, thus, helping health providers to conduct online assessments required to offer sound medical advice (Collins & Holton., 2004).

–Healthcare Data Analytics

Another area of health technology, data analytics gadgets, enable remote monitoring of patients in order to collect data that are used to render improved medical care. With data monitoring systems, information collected are easily reviewed and analysed for individuals, and findings are used to prepare continued care plan for each patient (Walshe & Rundall., 2001). Data analytics software enables collection of patients’ information such as blood pressure, physical activity, heart rate and medication levels, including other vital data that are compiled for easy online viewing by health providers. Medical professionals expect an increase in the use of remote monitoring machines as a large segment of the population reaches old age. But it is up to healthcare managers/administrators to integrate health technologies and data systems that are fundamental to providing adequate support that complement remote efforts. Importantly, use of data analytics systems greatly enhances healthcare treatment options because it improves physicians’ chances of monitoring patients at their homes and offering effective solutions on a remote basis thereby treating potential medical problems on time (Adefolaju., 2014).

Telemedicine therefore adds value to the quality of life. But there’s need for healthcare organizations to properly manage data analytics while allowing patients to have access to more information than ever before. Data should be encrypted and adequately secured to avoid security breaches. Additionally, healthcare administrators should apply professional ethics in their use of patients’ data, as well as ensure that such confidential information is utilized in accordance with privacy laws and other legal guidelines (Collins & Holton., 2004).

–Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another area of health technology driving innovation and growth of the global health sector. Artificial Intelligence in healthcare aids collation and scrutiny of anonymous medical data for patients. Results from the analysis are further used to suggest the right diagnoses and treatment plans for care users. The process involves individual patients submitting themselves to medical studies and tests after which AI compares all results to identify similarities and differences (Shi et al., 2002). The AI system also stores the information in its database to produce recommendations when needed. Thus, AI is designed with deep medical knowledge which enables health providers to easily choose the correct diagnoses and create care plans that meet everyone’s lifestyle and priorities. Basically, AI improves the efficiency of service rendered by healthcare organizations (Bidassie et al., 2014).

Despite the relevance of AI to the growth of global health sector, the central roles of healthcare managers and medical professionals remain incontestable—particular before and after the adoption of new technologies. For example, the top management of healthcare organizations must weigh cost of technological innovations against the benefits they offer in patient care and process improvement. operational gains. On the other hand, integration of AI in healthcare presents huge challenges to organizations. The combination of activities such as assessing the function of a new technology, creating implementation plans, and drafting/executing the operational processes as well as training to go with the new technology is a vast field of knowledge and a specialty unto itself. Therefore, it is the responsibility of healthcare managers and top management of healthcare organizations to establish strategic priorities and ensure that all efforts are directed at improving patient care/satisfaction and achieving yearly business objectives (Blank & Valdmanis., 2015).

Information and communication technologies (ICT) present numerous opportunities for unprecedented innovations in healthcare business and the opportunity to have a large public health impact. For example, technology-based therapeutic/care coordination systems utilize websites, mobile apps, computers, sensors and bioinformatics technologies to deliver quality care, and not only that, ICT offers considerable promise for enabling entirely new models of healthcare within and outside of formal systems of care ((Blank & Valdmanis., op cit.).