5 Medical Technologies Revolutionizing Patient Care
The medical field is the largest sector in the US economy. And it’s constantly in flux.
Innovative healthcare technological advancements are being introduced every day. And patients are getting access to an incredible level of care, resulting in vastly improved healthcare outcomes.
Let’s take a look at 5 medical technologies revolutionizing patient care.
Telemedicine: Enhancing Access and Convenience
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 and the increased need for isolation, medicine had to change its course. We had to begin making use of virtual medical consultations.
Individuals from any area of the world can receive remote access to medical care and consultation with a healthcare professional. Without having to attend an in-person appointment with a clinician.
Individuals with long-term conditions can now conveniently and efficiently access their healthcare provider. It helps them remain more independent and to self-manage their condition. Thus, improving patient outcomes.
Healthcare professionals are also able to assess and address a patient’s health online. This remote monitoring and online diagnosis have equated to increased healthcare accessibility and reduced hospital visits.
Telehealth applications and platforms became one of the top healthcare technologies. Platforms such as these allow clinicians to have better access to their patients, monitor them, and provide an overall well-rounded healthcare experience.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Diagnostics: Accurate and Efficient Diagnosis
Most of us know that AI is essentially computer programs that can make decisions in ways that are akin to the human thought process. And the possibilities of ways AI can help in the medical sector are tremendous.
Healthcare analytics is transforming diagnostics. AI technologies use highly accurate image analysis techniques to go through large image sets (in the fields of radiology or cardiology, for example). They identify abnormalities and highlight areas of interest for doctors. So, doctors can now save time and reduce the risks of burnout.
Machine learning (ML), a subset of AI, helps with analyzing data sets without human supervision needed. These AI technologies are loaded with journal articles, medical textbooks, and patient information.
And this well-informed, speedy data analysis allows for earlier and more accurate detection and diagnosis of patients’ conditions. Much quicker than any conventional means.
For example, a deep-learning algorithm that was invented has enabled the early detection of lung cancer. Thus, patients can begin their treatment as early as possible, increasing the probability of a positive health outcome.
Wearable Health Devices: Empowering Patients and Remote Monitoring
Another incredible medical technology that is empowering patients is wearable health devices.
We all know someone with an Apple Watch or Fitbit, that tracks your physical activity and vital signs, such as heart rate.
But the capabilities of wearables are expanding rapidly. For example, a new wearable blood pressure monitor has been recently FDA-approved.
And there are myriad other remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices that are readily available. There are now devices to monitor an individual’s blood pressure, heart rate, weight, blood sugar, and more.
The health data of a patient is collected and tracked. And while this allows the applicable health professionals to monitor their patients, the patients are also able to take control of their health.
Instead of treating the symptoms all the time, patients can now take power into their own hands with preventative care.
Robotic Surgery: Precision and Minimally Invasive Procedures
If you’ve heard of surgical robots, you’ll know that they are an incredible medical technology that has given surgeons “superpowers”.
Surgical robotics involves a camera and tiny surgical tools attached to robotic arms that surgeons can control from a screen. Surgeons now have increased visibility, control, and flexibility. And can be much more precise with their incisions.
These operations can be minimally invasive via the use of robotic technologies. This means it’s less likely that a surgeon will make a mistake through a hand tremor or fatigue from extensive procedures.
Minimally-invasive procedures also reduce the risk of infection, extensive blood loss, pain, and scarring. Overall, patients await shorter recovery times and hospital stays. They will likely be able to return to their usual functioning quicker than with conventional surgery methods.
Originally, robotic-assisted surgery was used for abdomen and pelvis surgery. Now we have progressed to neuro, heart and lung, and ear and throat surgery.
3D Printing in Healthcare
3D printing technology has been an incredible addition to the healthcare sector.
Specialized hardware follows instructions set in a computer-aided design document. And this coding produces layer by layer, specific physical objects.
Instead of mass-produced equipment, patients now have the luxury of getting their prosthetics and implants 3D-printed based on their specific measurements. Examples of prosthetics and implants that can be 3D-printed are brace or dental implants, facial prosthetics (noses and ears), and larger limb prosthetics.
Back braces for individuals with scoliosis, perforated casts for broken bones, hearing aids, and replacement joints are more examples of 3D printing.
Incredibly, healthcare professionals have also been using stem cells to create organic substances. Skin, tissues, and organoids (which support internal organs) can all be 3D printed through this method.
