Image Credit: Pexels
Technology is rapidly transforming the way in which we live, work, and tend to our health. The pace has always been speedy here, but in 2018 it’s reached a new level. Innovation cycles have shortened and digital literacy has grown, and the result is technology being introduced today that was scarcely imaginable just a decade ago.
Today we see in healthcare tech that is transforming that way in which we recover, and maintain our health generally. The impact of innovative tech on healthcare delivery has already been huge, and it’s only going to get bigger going forward. Let’s look now at 5 technologies that are revolutionizing the face of healthcare.
1. Blockchain Estonia
The blockchain is a young technology but already its uses are recognized as revolutionary. Its applications within the healthcare sector have been truly inspiring. The little Eastern European nation of Estonia has been a world leader and symbol of progress in this field. As a result of introducing blockchain technology into their medical sector, today every Estonian can enjoy the benefits of 21st-century healthcare.
Every Estonian has an online e-Health profile, and electronic ID-card, that is totally secure but also transferable from one doctor to the next. This saves every patient (not to mention the whole healthcare sector) a ton of time and money. It means each patient enjoys the benefit of a faster and more efficient healthcare service, and that ultimately improves health and saves lives.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the epicenter of new healthcare delivery. Even today, so many healthcare services require talented professionals to spend hours dealing with paperwork and red tape instead of having face time with patients. AI is starting to change that, bringing more precision to automation that’ll free practitioners from deskwork, and let them focus on treatment.
As well as its applications in clinics, there’s also the promise of AI in the home. The tech is still developing, but overtime AI bots could serve as in-home aides, performing the duties of a visiting nurse, seeing-eye dog, and many other roles.
3. Video Games
Video games may seem like a surprise addition on this list – but actually, they are at the forefront of delivering fantastic and fun healthcare services. Motion-guided video games and virtual reality can be used in physical therapy. Fitness games can be used to enhance health and wellbeing, and numerous e-learning games can make education more accessible to people of all ages.
That one friend you know who is addicted to playing Candy Crush may not be advancing global healthcare delivery, but with projected revenue of over AUD$182 billion in 2018, the video game industry can cater to all.[1] Games have great power as a healthcare technology accordingly.
4. Smartwatches
Like video games, smartwatches are a very accessible form of technology. They are easy to purchase, seen every day, and are user-friendly. Because of that people can assume ‘there is nothing to see here’ when it comes to their applications in health.
In reality, smartwatches have the potential to be a truly revolutionary technology in healthcare. From monitoring health, to use as emergency devices, to quick daily communication ‘on the go’ with a doctor or personal trainer, the smartwatch is here to stay. It’s great that it is.
5. Wireless Internet
All the technology we have listed so far is wonderful, but it also has a common element at its heart. All of them have connectivity at the core of their daily use. Connectivity is not only required to see new tech function by itself, but also to integrate with other devices. That’s why the wireless internet is also a key part of transforming healthcare, now and into the future.
With a wireless LAN, smart devices can be used freely and portable. No longer do users or gadgets need to be anchored to a computer desk. Managed wireless LAN is central to this new era, ensuring the advances in technology in digital products and gadgets are supported by secure and trusted networks. Something that is really important when dealing with sensitive data and personal information present throughout the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
All of the technology we detailed here is really exciting. Each of them is already finding use in healthcare delivery. They have already improved service delivery, optimized treatment, and even saved lives! This is truly fantastic, and something worth celebrating. At the same time, it’s also clear the greatest growth still lies ahead.
It’s really amazing to think of the possibilities on offer given technology like blockchain and AI is still young, and yet to be fully integrated into the healthcare sector. Especially because many of these new technologies could also be combined to provide a new style of healthcare delivery!
This is the most exciting time for innovation in this space, healthcare is very healthy right now.
