The Latest In Medical Technology
Harley Dixon The world of medicine has benefited from technology like few other industries. Over the last few years, we’ve seen some truly next-gen technology being designed and implemented by hospitals around the world. These are some of the latest innovations of 2019.
1. Telehealth
In a technologically driven world as many as 60% of consumers favour digitally driven products. Telehealth describes a rapidly developing technology that allows patients to receive medical care through their digital devices, rather than waiting for their doctor for face-to-face appointments. For example, highly personalized mobile apps are being created to allow patients to talk to doctors and other medical professionals remotely and obtain immediate diagnosis and medical advice.
Telehealth offers patients with different access points to healthcare when and where they need it.. It is particularly useful as it offers reliable, efficient and cost-effective care for patients with chronic conditions. It is estimated that the global market for telemedicine will be worth $113.1 billion by 2025.
2. Wearables
Since its launch in the last few years, the market for wearable devices has risen since the advent of Bluetooth in 2000. People today use their phones to track everything from their steps to their sleeping patterns, physical fitness and heartbeat, and some even allow them to play online pokies.
Together with increasing chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the design of these wearable devices aims to counter them by helping patients track and enhance their health.
Apple made headlines at the end of 2018 with its revolutionary Apple Series 4 Watch that has an integrated ECG to track the heart rhythms of the wearer. Customers raved about the life-saving technology within days of its launch, which can diagnose potentially hazardous heart conditions much earlier than usual. The demand for wearable devices is expected to reach $67 billion by 2024.
3. Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is used in procedures that are minimally invasive and helps with precision, control and mobility. In robotic surgery, surgeons may conduct very difficult or impossible procedures. As the technology improves, it allows surgeons to check valuable patient information in real time while still working, which is made even better when combined with augmented reality.
While the technology raises concerns that it will eventually replace human surgeons, in the future it will possibly only be used to support and improve the work of these doctors.
4. 3D Printing
3-D printers are quickly becoming one of the market’s hottest innovations. Such printers can be used during surgery to create implants and even joints. 3-D prosthetics are becoming increasingly popular as they are fully custom-made, the digital technology allowing them to suit the dimensions of a person up to a millimetre. It provides unparalleled comfort and flexibility rates. Using printers can create items that are both durable and soluble.
For example, 3-D printing can be used to ‘print’ pills containing multiple medications, helping patients with multiple drug management, timing, and monitoring. This is a true example of working together in technology and medicine.