New technologies for a healthier future

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines healthcare technology as the “application of organised knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of lives”.?

The healthcare industry is under increasing pressure to improve patient outcomes while reducing costs. In response, healthcare organisations are turning to technology to help them achieve these goals. Healthcare technology can help improve patient care by providing clinicians with better information and tools to make decisions, improving communication and coordination among care team members, and increasing patient engagement. Additionally, healthcare technology can help reduce costs by automating tasks, improving the efficiency of care delivery, and reducing the need for expensive medical procedures.

Big Tech is doubling down on its bet to disrupt the healthcare industry whilst health tech startups are creating new models that better fit the needs and lifestyles of younger, digitally savvy generations.

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in the healthcare sector as it is now easier and faster for patients to receive care without an in person visit.

From TeleMedicine and bringing the power of the laboratory into our own homes to breakthroughs in sensors and artificial intelligence which expand the possibilities for remote diagnosis and remote patient monitoring to help patients stay in their homes and cut medical costs.

In this article, I looked at some of the most notable breakthroughs disrupting the industry.?

Wearables

Wearables are a small electronic device that can be worn on the body. These devices are often used to track fitness data, but can also be used for other purposes such as making phone calls or listening to music.

With the proliferation of wearables and sensor technology comes a flood of patient data that can help health care providers assess a person’s overall health.

For the user, wearable technologies have the potential to transform the way we manage our health and wellbeing. By providing real-time data on our physical activity, sleep patterns and exposure to environmental toxins, they can help us make more informed choices about how to live healthier lives.

In the future, these technologies could be used to automatically detect and diagnose health conditions, and to provide personalised recommendations for treatment and prevention. They could also be used to monitor our compliance with medication regimens, and to provide remote monitoring and support for people with chronic health conditions.

By detecting health changes before symptoms are felt, continuous health monitoring can cut intervention costs and improve outcomes.?

Global shipments of wearables surpassed 444 million units in 2020, up 28.4% from the prior year, according to Statista.

Examples:

Apple watch

Apple is rolling out new health features to the Apple Watch, which by 2022 will measure blood pressure and support temperature-based fertility planning.

The latest iOS 15 enables people to share health information with family and providers, and lets them know about changes in health trends. Collaborative research studies with large health institutions are using real-world data from Apple devices to identify early warnings of health problems.?

This research has led to new features that alert users to take action; the walking steadiness score assesses balance, stability, and coordination through built-in motion sensors and warns of fall risks. The company is working with researchers to develop an algorithm that detects mental illness biomarkers by measuring mobility, physical activity, and sleep patterns.

Biosensors

Biosensors are up and coming wearable medical devices that are radically different from wrist trackers and smartwatches.?

A biosensor is a device that converts a biological response into an electrical signal. The most common type of biosensor is the glucose monitor, which is used to measure blood sugar levels. Other types of biosensors include blood pressure monitors, heart rate monitors, and breathalysers.

A recent McKinsey Global Institute report suggested that by 2040, global disease could fall by 40%, and 70% of this would be made possible by preventative measures.

Remote patient monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a growing field in the healthcare industry that allows patients to be monitored remotely using technology. This can include things like wearable devices that track vital signs, to more sophisticated systems that allow for two-way communication between patients and their care providers. RPM can be used for a variety of different conditions and can be a helpful tool for both patients and their care providers.

The pandemic accelerated use of remote patient monitoring (RPM), as health systems used it to reduce demand for hospital beds and remotely monitor COVID-19 patients at risk for developing severe disease.?

RPM should help patients stay in their homes and cut medical costs. As the technology improves, more health systems will explore “hospital-at-home” systems that can reduce the need for patients to recover at the hospital.

There are a variety of RPM platforms and devices available, but they all share the common goal of providing clinicians with timely data that can be used to make treatment decisions. RPM platforms typically include a patient-facing device or app that collects data from sensors or other devices, as well as a clinician-facing interface that allows for the review and analysis of data. Some RPM platforms also include features for care coordination, such as the ability to send alerts to clinicians or caregivers when a patient’s condition deteriorates.?

Improved patient outcomes is perhaps the most important benefit of remote patient monitoring. By allowing patients to be monitored more closely, RPM can help to identify issues early and prevent them from becoming more serious. Additionally, RPM can provide patients with real-time feedback on their condition, which can empower them to make better decisions about their care.

As the global population ages, this technology will also make it safer for elderly patients to remain in their homes.

At-home testing

In recent years (and thanks in part to the pandemic), there have been many advances in at-home medical laboratory tests. One of the most significant advances has been the development of point-of-care testing devices. These devices allow patients to test themselves for various conditions at home, without having to go to a laboratory.?

This is especially beneficial for organisations for the National Health Service (NHS). In-home tests are convenient for patients, who can avoid having to travel to a laboratory or hospital for testing. This can save both time and money for the NHS as they eliminate the need for expensive laboratory equipment and staff. In-home tests can also be used to monitor patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, on a regular basis. This can help to prevent complications and improve outcomes.?

TeleHealth

Telehealth or virtual doctor appointments is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely. Telehealth allows patients to consult with health care providers from different locations and enables providers to share patient information and coordinate care more effectively.

Telehealth services can be used to provide a wide range of health care services, including primary care, mental health care, and specialist consultations. They can also be used to support patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, by providing education and reminders about self-care, as well as monitoring patients’ progress and adjusting treatment plans as needed.

There are many benefits of TeleHealth, including improved access to care, increased convenience, and improved quality of care. Telehealth can also help to reduce the cost of healthcare by reducing the need for travel and office visits.

In summary

As we continue to learn more about how our bodies work and what we need to do to maintain our health, new technologies will continue to be developed to help us live healthier lives.

We can expect to see more wearable devices that track our fitness and health data, as well as new apps and software that help us make better choices about our health. In addition, as we learn more about the role of genetics in health, we will likely see more personalised health care plans that take into account our individual genetic makeup.

Ultimately, new technologies have the potential to help us live longer, healthier lives.