What is Smart Healthcare?

Technology has become a vital part of people's lives, influencing areas such as employment and healthcare. Over the years, stakeholders in the healthcare system have experimented with different technologies, recognizing the benefits of leveraging tech in providing quality healthcare services, referred to as smart healthcare.

Smart Healthcare is defined as a health service system that uses technology in the form of IoT, wearable devices, and mobile internet to access information, materials, connect people and institutions related to healthcare. It refers to integrating a patient and healthcare provider on a common platform to facilitate health monitoring and the analysis of day-to-day human activities.

A smart healthcare system is built on two fundamental principles, eHealth and mHealth services. These involve electronic record management, intelligent and connected medical devices, and smart home services.

eHealth

eHealth is defined as the use of information and communication technology in healthcare. This concept covers conducting research, educating the health workforce, and providing treatment. It is also applied in tracking diseases and monitoring public health. eHealth is a key part of smart healthcare as it improves access to quality care by increasing efficiency in the healthcare sector.

mHealth

The term mHealth is a bit straightforward since it is an abbreviation of mobile health. It is a key concept under smart health and is closely associated with eHealth. mHealth refers to public health and medical services supported by medical devices such as patient monitoring services, personal digital assistants, and mobile phones. Mobile devices can be applied in the health industry to support patients and improve healthcare provision.

Mobile devices are not only used to make calls and send text messages; they are fitted with complex features such as general packet radio services, Bluetooth technology, and GPS. These features are used to keep track of the patient's whereabouts and relay important information concerning the patient's health to their healthcare provider.

Ambient Assisted Living

Ambient Assisted Living, AAL, is a relatively new concept in smart health. This concept was developed as a response to an increase in life expectancy, which has caused an increasingly aging society. AAL is designed to cater to the health needs of older adults living independently. This approach involves fitting technology into people's environment, especially senior citizens, to monitor and support them. These technologies vary from automatic kitchen appliances to automatic medical notifications in emergencies.

ABOUT DR. CHRISTOPHER ZED

A respected professional with over 25 years of experience in dental health care, Dr. Christopher Zed is a Dental Surgeon and the owner of Bayview Lonsdale Dental in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Throughout his career, Dr. Zed has always stood confidently in the face of adversity. His personal mission is to provide excellent care to his patients, regardless of the difficulties that stand in his way.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Christopher Zed also holds a position as Principal Associate at Apna Dental Vancouver and Delta. Previously in his career, Dr. Christopher Zed was not only a Clinical Professor at The University of British Columbia, but was also Chief of Dentistry for over 10 years at Vancouver General Hospital. One of the best memories that Dr. Zed has about his career was acting as the Olympic Chief of Dentistry at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. In fact, Dr. Zed presented on the topic of Dentistry at the Winter Games.

When Dr. Christopher Zed is not practicing dentistry, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying a multitude of hobbies. Whether he is relaxing with his 4 children, playing backgammon and cribbage, or connecting with the great outdoors, Dr. Zed appreciates the downtime he has to rejuvenate after a long day.