Technology has long informed the way doctors diagnose and monitor patients’ health conditions. Keeping up with the latest technologies is imperative. From wearable devices to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies allow providers to track health data, identify concerning symptoms earlier, and offer more personalized care. Below we explore the established and emerging technologies involved in diagnosis and monitoring of various health conditions.
Advanced Medical Imaging Enables Earlier and More Accurate Diagnoses
Medical imaging technology like MRI, CT, and PET scans provide detailed internal views of the body. This allows doctors to identify tumors, damage, abnormalities and other health issues that may not present obvious external symptoms. These scans provide far more information than traditional X-rays. CT scans, for example, provide 3D, cross-sectional images from multiple angles. This level of detail assists doctors in making accurate diagnoses at earlier stages of disease.
Doctors can also use contrast dyes to enhance the imaging results. Gadolinium contrast accentuates abnormalities in MRI scans. Radioactive tracers used in PET scans help identify metabolic processes and changes in tissue. With these improved imaging techniques, doctors can better visualize what is occurring inside the body and make timely diagnoses.
Artificial Intelligence Assists in Interpreting Test Results
Interpreting the vast quantities of data from medical scans and tests can be challenging. AI is now trained to analyze images and lab results. They can detect patterns and abnormalities that a physician may overlook. For example, an AI system can compare brain MRI scans taken months apart and recognize minute changes indicative of a growing tumor. AI can also speedily read thousands of pathology slides to identify cancer cells.
By combining AI analysis with human expertise, diagnoses can be made with greater speed and accuracy. However, physicians must properly monitor these tools to avoid potential flaws in the technology.
Online Diagnostic Tools
Online symptom checker tools allow patients to input their symptoms and get possible diagnoses and recommendations on when to seek in-person care. These tools provide easy access to health guidance but are limited and no substitute for seeing a doctor. More sophisticated platforms like Creyos that offer tools like cognitive assessments, ADHD assessments, and more are highly beneficial for patients and medical professionals alike.
At-Home Monitoring Provides Continuous Health Data
Wearable devices and at-home testing kits allow patients to easily collect health metrics on their own. Sleep trackers like Fitbit record sleep cycles, fitness trackers count steps and monitor heart rate, and glucometers measure daily blood sugar levels. Patients can share this real-time data with their doctor rather than relying solely on periodic office visits.
Doctors can analyze the data for unhealthy patterns and provide preventative recommendations. For example, if glucose levels are spiking, the doctor can adjust medications or advise dietary changes. Patients also become more knowledgeable about and engaged in their own health when they directly collect this data.
Electronic Health Records Centralize Vital Information
Paper medical records can often be disorganized, illegible, easy to misfile or misplace. Electronic health records (EHRs) digitize patient data and test results in one centralized, secure system. Doctors can access a patient's comprehensive medical history with a few clicks, rather than hunting through file folders.
EHR systems also use alerts, reminders and flags to notify practitioners of needed tests and health milestones. Providers can also run queries to identify groups of patients needing interventions. For example, they can easily pull records of all diabetic patients overdue for an eye exam. This data organization improves monitoring and follow-up care.
The Future of Medical Technology
Technology will continue to be an essential part of healthcare and will continue to advance. Machine learning programs are being developed to analyze genomic data to guide personalized treatments. 5G networks will support remote robotic surgery at a greater scale. Microchip implants could monitor vital signs in real-time. While technology is enhancing provider capabilities, human skill and judgement remains essential.
