Technology has changed every way that we live in the modern world. From being able to order your groceries on your smartphone to innovative health monitoring wearables that provide live feed information on patients’ conditions directly to doctors. Healthcare is one of the most prevalent areas that is benefiting from technological advancements.
The healthcare industry has expanded its market share over the past decade as a significant sector of the Baby Boomer generation ages into their retirement years. With over 27 million seniors needing medical care, the upgrades to technology in the healthcare industry help people get the care they need without overloading the system.
With a rising emphasis on preventative care, patients take advantage of early screenings, DNA analysis to discover potential problems, and routine screenings for early detection. Patients themselves have adopted a more proactive approach to their health. From wearing personal health trackers to supplementing their diets with essential nutrients from Life Extension, patients pay closer attention to what their bodies are telling them.
As we move further into the 21st century, the medical technologies found in science fiction of the past are quickly becoming a reality. Let’s look at a few of the innovative technologies that are revolutionizing the healthcare industry of today.
Artificial Intelligence
The brilliance of medical researchers is never in dispute. However, with artificial intelligence advancements over the past two decades, computers have surpassed mere humans’ speed and accuracy. Sophisticated computer algorithms can diagnose patients, discover new drug combinations that battle illnesses like Ebola, and research DNA combinations for the best possible treatment for patients. Computer intelligence’s ability to calculate and analyze data at lightning speeds will continue to help human medical professionals with diagnosis and preventative treatments.
Health Wearables
From a more casual approach to personal health tracking in the form of wearables like the FitBit to medical sensors and monitors that patients can wear to deliver real-time data, health wearables are changing the face of medicine. Patients can now take more control over their health with applications and devices that keep track of their general health.
Monitoring things like blood pressure and sleep patterns no longer requires a visit to a clinic or doctor’s office. This preventative attitude helps patients become more aware of their health and seek treatment for problems before they become serious issues.
TriCorder
Modern doctors can now take advantage of on-screen sci-fi technologies like the Medical Tricorder like those used on Star Trek. Many technological innovations began within the imagination of writers and are quickly becoming a part of reality. Innovative gadgets designed to help medical professionals during the diagnosis process of patient processing like the Viatom CheckMe Pro are changing the doctor-patient relationship. Hand-held diagnostic tools are becoming valuable tools that can measure various vital statistics, including blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, and blood oxygenation levels. Scanning a patient for vitals is quickly becoming a reality. These devices are helping to streamline the intake process relieving pressure on emergency medical procedures.
Technology is reinventing many of the ways that we live our lives, including how we are healed. With further development, more intriguing technologies, including 3D printing and nanotechnology, will complement patients’ treatment and diagnosis in need. With artificial intelligence, health wearables, and unique technologies like the medical Tricorders, patients and doctors can confidently move into the future together in better health.
