Latin America. Health and technology have gone hand in hand for years, yet digitalization is one of the most constant and impactful evolutions that have happened during the last decades in healthcare. And that brings with it multiple opportunities as well as challenges.
Today the healthcare sector is at a turning point, as medical organizations have embraced innovations such as electronic records and management, digital operating rooms, and radiology through medical displays. On the other hand, a second wave of technological innovation is fast approaching, with artificial intelligence, blockchain, voice search and virtual reality. This will serve to further streamline operations, reduce costs and offer better and more personalized care, both physical and mental.
Since 1986, when Barco created its first ultrasound monitor, we understood the impact that medical imaging and video integration can have on the healthcare sector and patient care. In this way, we continue to innovate and in 1997 we created our first diagnostic monitor with the fundamental features to help detect diseases such as cancer faster. But the evolution has not ceased and the needs of the sector have been such that in 2014 the first multimodality diagnostic monitor of 12 megapixels was created, called Coronis Uniti.
This breakthrough allowed radiologists to see a perfect grayscale at the same time as a precisely calibrated color, and thus clearly see even the subtlest details to improve clinical decision-making. It has also allowed them to conduct complete studies without multi-monitor configurations, increasing workflow efficiency and reducing costs.
With the rise of multimodal imaging, radiologists now see many different images, each with its own unique specifications and display requirements. Until recently, doctors relied on multiple workstations, resulting in an inefficient and time-consuming process. But with display systems they can now see all images on the same screen, improving clinical performance while experiencing improved ergonomics.
Another example of innovation was carried out in 2013, with the first integration of uncompressed IP video with the platform for the digital operating room, Nexxis. With this breakthrough, the way surgeons and doctors share and view information was completely revolutionized in operating rooms.
Through that technological evolution, a multitude of imaging systems and devices can be centrally managed to display surgical images more accurately while making the workflow more efficient and achieving more flexibility in the operating room.
Today several manufacturers are producing different types of solutions for the healthcare sector, which may seem similar at first glance, but when looking at the quality specifications, there will be important differences. That's why high-end video integration solutions can have a significant impact.
In this sense, the most important advice for specialists is to go to manufacturers that have the standards to offer medical grade solutions, that is, that adhere to government regulations, that have cybersecurity standards, privacy protection and have certifications such as the FDA. All this in order to promote the use of quality medical products that work properly, in addition to ensuring the safety of users and patients who come into contact with these products.
Text written by Francisco Fandiño, Latin America Sales Director at Barco.
