The term “world-class medicine” is not only a pretentious advertising sign in America, but also a concept fixed in documents. A decade and a half ago, the US Congress allocated funds for the construction of a “world-class medical center” for the Pentagon. In the course of the work, it turned out that there was no clear understanding of the criteria, and therefore a special commission was created to develop them. Besides, even an ordinary patient may make an order of medications through online services – https://www.sandelcenter.com/ that may deliver OTC generic medications right to your door. That’s why one of the most convenient ways to get medications of top quality produced by different manufacturers.
There are several medical centers in the United States that occupy the top positions in the world rankings. What should a patient expect in such a clinic? The hospital wards here are strictly individual. At the entrance to each, a scoreboard with special symbols is installed, by which the doctor can quickly learn about the patient’s characteristics. For example, about the presence or absence of allergies, dietary restrictions. Inside there is a washbasin for a doctor and nurses with a light alarm reminding that you need to wash your hands. There will definitely be a folding sofa in the room in case one of the family members decides to spend the night with the patient. They are fed like in expensive hotels – according to the menu, with delivery to the room. There is wi-fi in the wards.
Digital medicine technologies are widely used, the visual embodiment of which is the central element of the ward – a hospital bed. Their modern version has gone far from a simple bed on wheels. At the head of today’s “smart bed” there are several monitors that display information about the patient, as well as devices necessary for treatment.
All kinds of wireless bracelets and sensors are in fashion, constantly monitoring the pressure, breathing, pulse, temperature and other indicators of the patient. “Smart beds” in real time read and write this data to the hospital card, analyze them, and if they notice alarming deviations, they will call a doctor.
This is especially important at night, when there are fewer staff in the hospital and, accordingly, it is more difficult to look after each patient. Moreover, “smart beds” are able to help patients themselves. For example, if necessary, they can gently turn the patient from one side to the other in a dream. In addition, they automatically change the light level and temperature in the room, or, if the patient wants, he can do it himself without leaving his place.
The introduction of telemedicine, including remote audio and video communication with a doctor, purchase of medicine through online pharmacies, has become the standard for advanced clinics. This also includes sensor systems that are set on the patient and send data to the doctor or loved ones via a mobile application or otherwise. Such technologies allow you to be discharged from the clinic earlier, spend time at home or at work, but at the same time remain under the supervision of a doctor who can promptly intervene and give recommendations if he sees undesirable dynamics. This is especially convenient for cases requiring long-term rehabilitation or chronic diseases.
An example of such technologies is the AngelEye Health system of Internet-connected video cameras, monitors and microphones. They allow parents and family members to monitor and even communicate with prematurely born babies who may be in the intensive care unit for weeks or even months.
Modern hospitals allow you to fill out papers remotely in advance in order to quickly go through the registration procedure, which sometimes takes up to half an hour in American clinics.
Other innovations are designed to reduce the time required to determine the diagnosis. These are all kinds of devices that allow you to take an analysis as quickly as possible and get its result.
Advanced clinics actively use robotics in the treatment process. For example, robots, including voice-controlled ones, are increasingly used in surgery, which increases the accuracy of manipulations and minimizes the size of incisions, reducing the recovery time. And in order for the patient to have a better idea of what exactly will be done to him, before the operation, the doctor will put 3D glasses on him and show a three-dimensional model of a body part, tell about upcoming manipulations.
The best clinics are distinguished by a high level of automation and organization of the treatment process. Computers take into account the information and recommendations of the doctor for each patient, help to optimize the schedule of tests and studies so that there are no queues. The machines also monitor the dosing and timely distribution of medicines. There are “smart bracelets” in use for patients who, in addition to diagnostic functions, help to easily navigate the clinic or let you know when it’s time to go to the procedure, remind you about taking medications.
Large medical campuses, as a rule, are surrounded by greenery and have all the accompanying infrastructure, such as playgrounds, recreation areas for family members of patients, multi-level parking.
There are also quite “status” services. For example, the Texas Medical Center has the largest fleet of ambulance helicopters, which allows you to quickly hospitalize patients even from remote areas.
In general, a “world-class” hospital is a complex concept that includes innovative technologies, high professional training of personnel, automation of processes. A modern medical center in the USA is, as a rule, a large campus, where a multidisciplinary clinic, research centers, and staff training buildings are located. In addition, each such institution claims to have some kind of invisible architecture that creates a special emotional climate for patients.
Finally, if you do not have an insurance policy, the best American clinics will finally make an indelible impression with “world-class” prices. The bill for even a relatively light intervention will amount to several thousand dollars, and serious treatment with a multi-day stay in the hospital may well cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.