The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the healthcare technology landscape, and the transformation continues. Healthcare organizations around the world are investing in new digital technologies to improve care delivery, reduce costs, manage workforce shortages and adapt to changing healthcare delivery patterns. Youzhi Li, PhD, director of healthcare at Keysight, said: “Newer technologies can solve these common problems, but their deployment also adds new technical hurdles. »
“Since the pandemic, we have seen a greater reliance on digital technologies than ever before. Telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices and other solutions for remote patient monitoring and management have seen greater adoption,” he said. “This means organizations need to think more about how to integrate all of these different devices into their networks to ensure patient safety and efficient care delivery.” They also need to make sure they can easily get the data they need. Finally, hospitals and health systems must also consider how to manage the ocean of data generated by these new solutions and devices.
The key to overcoming these challenges begins with proper technical integration, according to Li. Historically, healthcare organizations have brought in teams of subject matter experts to manually test software and systems to ensure they work and share data correctly. This model worked quite well when solutions and devices were simpler. However, these outdated methodologies cannot keep pace as hospitals and health systems seek to implement more complex software applications and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices.
“These software applications and devices are becoming more and more complex. You are now dealing with many devices, including mobile phones, tablets, computers and medical devices, and much more,” he said. “Traditional testing methods are time-consuming and expensive. You can’t always find the subject matter experts you need to perform this type of testing. But even if you can, the old ways simply aren’t enough to thoroughly test modern technology without risking significant performance and usability issues. A recent study found that insufficient software testing practices increase risks to patient safety and outcomes.
Advanced testing solutions enable healthcare organizations to realize more value from their digital transformation investments, including increasing the number of IoMT devices. Such solutions support the successful integration of these different technologies, ensuring better performance, improved experiences for caregivers and patients and increased safety and security, leading to better patient outcomes.
“When you have access to comprehensive and advanced testing capabilities such as software test automation, cybersecurity and wireless coexistence, you can ensure things work the way they are supposed to,” Li said.
“The right testing solutions can not only help medtech companies provide the hospital with reliable, secure and clinically relevant devices,” he added. “For healthcare organizations, these testing solutions can also ensure the safety and security of new devices in their healthcare environment. They will ensure that your devices and solutions work the way they were designed to work. Together, this type of testing can ensure that any new technology delivers the required clinical performance. It’s what you need to get the most out of your solutions and devices, and to improve the care you receive for your patients.
Learn more by visiting Keysight Health Solutions.
