By Dr. Jowallah and Dr. Bennett
In recent years, we have seen increasingly rapid advances in technological innovations. As we face the present pandemic, these advancements have provided revolutionary pathways to assist us in the continuation of patient care, students’ education, workforce engagement, tracking of potential health risks, the galvanizing of community and global support, and the social interactions needed in these tiresome times. Let us explore these benefits in greater detail.
Robotic Care
In the past, it may have been seen as futuristic that robots would become part of the delivery of care today, but it is now a reality. Currently, robots are being deployed in various hospitals and care homes. The roles these robots fulfill include disinfecting city areas, cleaning hospital rooms and public spaces, and helping the communication process when patients are isolated because of COVID-19. Robots are also reducing frontline workers’ risk by serving food, taking patients’ temperature, and other duties that would require personal contact. When robots are engaged, social distancing is no longer a consideration.
Remote Care
Technology is now being used to provide online medical consultations, therapy sessions, and to monitor patients isolated in their homes because of COVID-19. The use of technology will reduce the number of patients entering hospitals and other health care services as well as provide a secure, contactless environment for these remote consultations.
Social Engagements and Meetings
The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed many individuals to find new methods for social engagement while ensuring social distancing. For example, employees are able to continue their work and engage with their teams using various forms of synchronous communication. It is now possible to play board games online or have an online social party or happy hour. There is also a movement for churches to have services online, which many religious organizations have engaged in wholeheartedly. This pattern will also create a pathway for online conferences and other meetings.
Flexibility in Education
Advances in technology have also set the framework for the use of technology in education. This framework has allowed most learning institutions to make the shift to remote learning, thus allowing for the continuation of teaching and learning. However, more investments will be required over the years to ensure equal access and quality of delivery.
Flexible Working Arrangements
With technology, flexible working is possible for many sectors in our society. The banking industry, K-12 and higher education, marketing firms, and other business-related industries have all seen large scale movements to the online environment in the wake of the COVID 19 outbreak. Although remote work was possible prior to the pandemic, the forced mass movement online has supported the idea that much of the work that was previously an in-person endeavor, can now be accomplished remotely. Additionally, technological developments have provided employers with the additional remote workforce needed for multiple jobs within this pandemic.
Data and Information
Currently, data is now being tabulated in real-time to establish patterns and outbreaks of COVID-19. For example, John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center has designed a system that shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, deaths, and maps the areas of outbreaks. This information could be useful for researchers in their fight against the virus. Furthermore, information is also being shared in real-time to help scientists around the world work collaboratively to find ways to address this pandemic. For example, the website Nextstrain provides the latest genome information on the virus that scientists have shared. In the future we could use data to spot potential threats sooner, and this will allow governments to take the necessary actions to reduce the threat. Furthermore, the electronic mode of communication is being used to educate society about what personal actions people need to take to safeguard themselves and others against the virus.
Keeping Fit
With most gyms closed, many members have found themselves at a crossroads. In addition, many people have expressed the desire to increase their fitness level during this time. The development of live remote indoor cycling platforms that integrate with stationary bikes and stationary trainers have allowed virtual cycling communities to develop. The recent Virtual Tour of Flanders allowed professional cyclists to compete in a virtual version of the Tour after the race was cancelled. The same platforms used for the virtual race are available to recreational cyclists for indoor training use. There are now live physical education and fitness classes that are attracting people of all ages. Karate and dance classes, gym sessions, and other physical fitness programs are now online. While you may not have the resources to have paid sessions, you could consider YouTube as a source for workout ideas and fitness classes. Many fitness celebrities are also offering their services. For example, you can engage in Joe Wick’s physical education workout on YouTube Live or after it is recorded.
Conclusion
As we use the above technology to cushion ourselves from the effects of this pandemic, we must also consider the ethics of using these technologies. For example, one Chinese company has developed facial recognition technology to track people and take their body temperatures. This form of health care surveillance could include the continued systematic collection of personal data that could be used in ways other than the initial purpose intended.
As we continue our battle, let us use technology responsibly. I am sure that things will get better. A colleague of mine always stated, “Life gets better all the time.” Be safe!
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