5 Technologies That Are Improving Public Health
Public health relies upon technology and has thrived because of it. These technologies work to improve what public health is and how it can serve.
- Geographical Information Systems: This is a great technology in many different areas, but few think of it in terms of its application for public health. The truth is that this can be quite helpful to those focused on public health on a more regional or narrowed geographical territory. They can use these devices and systems to gather information on the population and then take the necessary steps to protect and educate them. You do need a mechanism to see what you’re working with though, and this is a technology that is surprisingly showing some great promise to those in need of it.
- The Internet: Though it sounds overly simple, the Internet has been one of the single best technologies in improving public health in the way we know it. It allows public health officials to inform and educate the general public. It provides helpful research to those who need it, and works well as a communication mechanism as well. The multiple purposes that it provides make it something that the public health industry and sector relies upon and uses on a daily basis.
- Kiosk-Based Health Clinics: This is a rather new invention and is proving to be quite helpful. These are becoming available at more and more places whereby individuals can access information on their symptoms and see if there are any short term cures or if medical attention is required. There is still work being done on this technology, but it does provide excellent help to the public that needs some help quickly for a seemingly simple condition to diagnose and treat.
- Online Social Media Sites: Much of what public health is based on has to do with communicating key information quickly. People would have never thought years ago that they could get their information through public forums that they accessed online. These sites allow people to tune into current and relevant information in real time and that makes them such a fundamental technology within the public health sector.
- Health Games: Sure it may not sound like a viable technology initially, but the truth is that it can provide a great deal of education. Much of public health has to do with education and prevention. The introduction of health games has lead to more and more individuals being educated on specific topics, and often at an earlier age. This works well for children and adults alike and can provide plenty of useful information disguised as a fun game.
Public health is all about education and prevention, and these forms of technology work well in both capacities. If you want to see how they are shaping public health, stay tuned.
Mary Frederick writes about searching online for a masters in public health.
Tags: Fitness, Health, Technology