Technological innovations have the ability to change the way that people live and do business. These advances have also significantly altered the healthcare industry, making it possible for doctors to introduce more effective methods of diagnosis and treatment. All of this is increasing detection rates and improving outcomes for patients.
Men tend to be at higher risk for many illnesses — out of the top 15 causes of death, there is only one cause with a higher mortality rate for women than men (Alzheimer’s disease). Tech advancements that make the diagnostic process more comfortable for men and improve treatment options will have a significant impact on their daily health, and also reduce premature death rates. Here’s how.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
The use of MRI machines enables medical professionals to diagnose a wide range of health issues, including physical injuries and tumors. In fact, it is a leading method of diagnosing many forms of cancer.
This technology generates a three-dimensional representation of the part of the body that is scanned, allowing medical experts to identify abnormalities. One advantage of using MRI technology is that it doesn’t expose patients to radiation, so an MRI can identify issues without potentially harming the patient in the process.
Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers for men, only behind skin cancer. Over the next five years, a million men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite this, prior detection methods were uncomfortable for men and dissuaded some from being screened for prostate cancer. This illness has been commonly associated with an uncomfortable physical examination that involves the doctor inserting their finger into a man’s rectum.
In recent years, the introduction of MRI for prostate cancer detection has enabled men to receive more accurate results without submitting to a physically intrusive process.
Cell phones
Cell phones enable people to stay in constant communication with others through audio calls, video chats, emails, and social media. They also make it easier for healthcare providers to treat patients, particularly in remote areas. Doctors and nurse practitioners are able to access test results and update their patients’ medical records on mobile devices. They can even use smartphone technology to transmit prescriptions to pharmacists.
This benefits both men and women seeking medical treatment. Patients can receive their results faster and they can get an accurate prescription promptly. When medical professionals are more efficient with their time, it encourages patients to take the time needed to see their doctor. This is because they know they can be helped without prolonged wait times for results or prescriptions.
There is also a smartphone app that can be used to monitor patients taking their prescriptions. Not only will it remind you that you need to take your medication, it will confirm your ID and tell your doctor when you take your medicine.
Non-invasive scanning technology
More men die from heart disease every year than any other health condition. In the past, men needed to submit to an angiogram in order to check for blockages that can contribute to heart attack or stroke. Patients would have a catheter inserted, which is both physically intrusive and uncomfortable.
The use of newer scanning technology enables medical professionals to produce three-dimensional images of a patient’s heart. And with this technology, the doctor can see how well blood is flowing and locate blockages. This enables doctors to effectively diagnose heart-related issues more effectively and with less discomfort for patients.
The only thing better than knowing that you don’t need to have needles inserted for a procedure is the fact that this imaging technology is 86 percent accurate, which is notably higher than the accuracy rate of other intrusive diagnostic methods. To top it all off, this technology is less expensive too.