10 Technologies Shifting the Future of Healthcare
The health care industry has long been an information-intensive activity beginning with the business processes. It conducts two kinds of actions namely medical procedures in order to support diagnosis, therapy and disease prevention. The second action is the acquisition, communication and storage of information.
Improvement in technology over the years has seen various changes in different fields. For example, in prosthetics, patients have access to limbs that can be controlled by the brain thanks to a microchip. In space technology, astronauts are able to 3D print tools they need as well as capture images of far away stars.
For the health industry, major technological changes are expected. Below are 10 technologies changing the future of healthcare.
1. Wearables
Fitbit and major technological giants like Apple and Samsung have developed fitness trackers and smart watches with amazing technology within them. Take for example Fitbit; users are able to track the number of steps they have made, their heart rate and other forms of information. This has become useful not only to the user but to medical professionals too. Another breakthrough in the wearables market is Intel's collaboration with Michael J Fox Foundation to develop wearables that search for Parkinson's disease characteristics.
2. Software based diagnostic tools
Many people today don't have to rush to the doctor when they experience certain signs and symptoms although it is recommended to. Thanks to well developed digital diagnostics platforms like Google's smart contact lenses and Novartis which helps to monitor the users blood sugar levels as well as correct vision. This is due to the incorporation of a low power microchip and hair thin electronic circuit.
3. Telemedicine
This service has the potential of delivering huge savings to companies. A surgeon in the US can supervise a heart transplant surgery in South Africa, India or Kenya. This technology will also enable patients to collaborate with a doctor through an online platform like DrFelix, where they can receive advice on proper health care as well as treatments for a range of health conditions.
4. Paperless healthcare system
Years ago, when you arrived at a doctor's office, the first thing issued to you was an appointment card followed by the creation of a file to be stored at the doctor's office. Thanks to technology, hospitals and healthcare providers now use encrypted content management systems which allows them to seamlessly communicate patient data with each other, making it easier to refer patients, cut costs and leave less room for error.
5. Cloud solutions
Servers have long been expensive both for small and medium sized organizations. Long has a solution been searched on how to store data online. The cloud emerged as the right answer and today, health care facilities have access to different cloud options. Sensitive data can be stored on the cloud which includes patients' records, employee data and even intellectual property.
6. High speed scans
Ultra fast scans have become a reality thanks in part to GE. They are able to capture still images of the heart in one beat. If this is not amazing, I don't know what is. This will help solve a problem that has seen many patients being turned away for having 60 beats per minute. The reason – their heart beats are too fast for the scanner. Revolution CT will enable all patients to undergo scans.
7. Digital therapy
This is an important part of health care especially for patients who cannot travel to the hospital. Thanks to Wellframe, patients can get the much needed care after returning from the doctor. The platform combines mobile technology with AI to ensure high quality care to patients.
8. MRI Guided radiology
Finally, a way of discovering and treating cancer has been developed by MR Linac Consortium. The system has the ability of capturing images of tumors and even surrounding tissues. This allows physicians to track the target easily.
9. Self insurance
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, residents will be able to manage their data and health in the future.
10. Assistive medical services
Apps like the Micromedex medication management will offer hospitals and physicians with information on diseases, lab, toxicology and drugs for a patient. This makes it easier to perform various services.