The evolution of health technology in the digital age

Healthcare technology is constantly evolving. In addition to health applications, various technologies in the health field have also been born to make it easier for patients.

See the evolution of health technology in the digital age

Have you ever heard the term Industrial Revolution 4.0? This is a new phase of development in which multiple technologies, such as digital, physical, and biological technologies, are making unprecedented advances. Of the three, the advancement of digital technology is considered the most influential, including health technology.

The development of health technology in the digital age

In the last decade, the world of health has undergone significant changes or upheaval. The development of technology in the healthcare sector will make it easier for patients to access healthcare services.

It used to be the patient who had to get closer to the service provider. Today it is healthcare providers who are closer to the patient.

Imagine if patients can only consult a doctor through an online health application on a smartphone. The same applies to ordering medicines, laboratory tests, and home care.

Combined with online transportation services, patients don’t have to go anywhere to get medicine, information, and healthcare services. Just sit down and play with your fingers on your smartphone.

There is already an online system for concluding doctor consultation agreements, where patients can create, view, or change the consultation plan according to their needs only through the mobile application or via SMS.

In Indonesia, technology in the field of digital health began to develop in the 90s with the introduction of the term telemedicine (telemedicine). Namely, the provision of healthcare services using audio, video, and data communication devices for counseling, diagnosis, treatment, and treatment.

At the turn of the millennium, health technology seems to be growing in Indonesia with the advent of medical records and electronic prescriptions. Health information sites are also springing up and are equipped with online consultation functions with real-time doctors and online pharmacies.

Patients also find it easier to get health information through commonly used social media.

health technology of the future

One of the focal points of the development of health technologies in the future will be to make it easier for patients to access health services. In addition, the world of health and medicine is becoming more demanding with the development of the following technologies:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) enables machines to perform various functions like humans. In the healthcare sector, AI can come in the form of chatbots or virtual assistants that can act as administrators or customer service.

AI can also be a machine for diagnosing certain diseases or examinations. Robots are currently being developed to assist doctors in high-precision operations.

2. Wearables or body-worn devices

The development of health technology requires data to be processed to provide accurate advice or input to its users.

With wearables such as B. smart bracelets, you may already be familiar. The main functions of this bracelet can measure the frequency and goals of various types of physical activity, assess sleep patterns, and measure heart rate. With it, you can be reminded when your lifestyle is not good.

In addition, there are also devices capable of providing up-to-date monitoring results in high-risk patients to assess the likelihood of serious disease events.

For example, an oximeter to monitor the amount of oxygen in the blood and a sweat meter to assess blood sugar levels in diabetics.

3. Medical devices based on Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

In 2018, the advent of AR and VR-based healthcare technologies transformed the way patients are treated and treated. For example, this technology helps children with autism explore the world.

For Alzheimer’s and Dementia sufferers, AR and VR technology can help bring back memories and joy by taking them back to important times, sounds, experiences, and events in the past.

In the field of medical education, this technology helps doctors improve their skills. For example, to prepare and simulate complex operations without having to practice on humans.

4. Blockchain

When it comes to changing doctors or a referral to a specialist, you know how complicated it can be to carry over your existing medical history. However, with blockchain technology, this process can be automated.

Doctors can also see the patient’s full medical history, so you can get the care and treatment you need right away.

Challenges in the development of health technologies

Advances in healthcare technology have one primary goal, which is to streamline complex and time-consuming healthcare processes. However, the implementation is not that easy.

Although not often, there are instances where these technological advances collide with issues of medical ethics. It could be because the various relevant political decision-makers are not prepared for rapid developments.

In addition to security, data ownership, privacy issues, data sharing, and licensing, there is also a need to think about how to protect consumers. Since the development of digital-based health technology is open-ended, policymakers must act quickly to anticipate this.

The development of health technology is indeed having a significant impact on access to health services. However, all of this needs to be balanced with proper policies and rules of the game to protect healthcare providers and patients.