The future of healthcare cannot be separated from digital technology. Technological progress is so rapid that it also has an impact on the healthcare sector. Technological developments play a role in helping physicians and healthcare practitioners build better quality healthcare.
What, then, are some of the technologies being used in the world of health today? Here are some types of health technology and what they do that you need to know.
1. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is one of the technologies playing a major role in reshaping existing healthcare. The AI algorithm makes it easy for patients to get medical services and help quickly and accurately. For healthcare workers, too, AI plays a role in speeding up patient treatment, analyzing diseases, and even prescribing appropriate medications for patients.
2. Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that can represent a real virtual environment. In the healthcare sector, VR is used as a surgical simulation tool for aspiring doctors, and it can also help doctors determine the location of the operation on the patient’s body. VR is predicted as the future of healthcare services as reported by medicalfuturist.com, in 2020 it is estimated that the global virtual reality market value in healthcare services will reach $3.8 billion.
3. Augmented Reality
In contrast to VR, augmented reality does not break contact with reality. Augmented reality is often used when doctors perform preoperative examinations such as CT scans or MRIs, which can give the surgeon an overview of the patient’s internal anatomy. The use of augmented reality will also help patients receive complete and accurate information about their disease.
4. Health trackers, wearables, sensors
The use of everyday healthcare trackers, wearables, and sensors helps users to monitor their health independently. This technology encourages users to carry out preventive activities and maintain their health. Users can access real-time blood pressure, glucose readings, body temperature, and even stress levels so they can manage their healthy lifestyles.
5. Medical Tricorder
A medical tricorder is a wearable device that can scan the user’s health condition. This tool is capable of measuring vital health parameters like blood pressure, temperature, and human heart rate. Based on the data obtained, this tool analyzes and diagnoses the user’s state of health.
6. Genome Sequencing
Genome sequencing technology is used to find out basic information about the human body, including drug susceptibility, multifactorial or monogenic diseases, and the ability to view family medical histories. This data can be used to determine effective and efficient treatments and treatments for patients.
Given the importance of this data, the US government conducted the Human Genome Project in 2003, which cost about $2.7 billion.
7. The drug discovery revolution
So far, the search for new drugs has taken a long time and required a lot of money. Drugs found the need to be tested on the patient individually, if they don’t match then the expert needs to re-measure the dose until it’s appropriate, and so on.
By 2016, In Silico Trials appeared, which became a revolution in drug research. Silico Trials provides computer simulations for drug development. This tool can test new drugs on virtual patients and quickly provide accurate dosing information.
8. Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is called a new revolution by creating substances with small sizes down to one per billion meters (nanometer). Healthcare nanotechnology involves the application of nanoparticles, which are currently under development. His research involves the use of nano-sized robots used to deliver treatments at the cellular level.
For example, the Max Planck Institute is experimenting with developing nano-sized robots that can penetrate bodily fluids and help deliver drugs or other medical devices in a targeted manner. These microbots are in the form of seashells that can swim through the bloodstream.
9. Robotics
The development of robotic technology has permeated the world of health. There are currently several robots that have been deliberately designed to make it easier for doctors to diagnose and treat diseases, and assist in the care of patients. Development began from robot attendants to surgical robots.
This robot has various functions such as supporting walking therapy, treating mental health problems, and reminding to take medication. These robots are equipped with touch sensors, cameras, and microphones to maximize their functions. Some examples of robots in the healthcare world are Jibo, Pepper, Paro, and Buddy.
10. 3D printing
Before the use of 3D printers, there is no saving in the medical world. Rapid prototyping or known as 3D printing is a process in which various forms of digital models are virtually transformed into three-dimensional objects. Medical 3D printing is used to print tissue to create synthetic skin. The material used is skin cells and human genes (organic ink).
Technological advances inevitably impact the world of health. Existing technology is capable of revolutionizing various medical fields ranging from treatment delivery to postoperative therapy. With this advanced technology, it is hoped that treatments and treatments will be more effective and targeted in the future.