It is undeniable that technology is transforming healthcare. New health technology emerges every day, altering the way medical professionals practice medicine. Read all about the ground-breaking developments changing the face of the healthcare sector.
Smart Technologies
Medical establishments are starting to realize the smartphone has the potential to improve healthcare. There are now more sophisticated apps on offer than ever before. For example, patients living with depression and anxiety can now download an app to track their daily moods, later sharing the data with their doctor for diagnosis and support. With services like unlockingsmart.co.uk, it’s never been easier to utilize all the medical benefits an android or iOS smartphone can bring. Telemedicine solutions have also enlisted the help of smart technologies, as we can create an organization’s health app with our messenger and health device APIs.
Health Technology 1: Telemedicine
It goes without saying our telemedicine solutions are impacting people across the globe, with innovative software enabling which provides organizations with secure communication systems, offering online waiting rooms, PHI communications via text message, screen share, and video or picture share. The Telemedicine Field Kit also ensures we can provide much-needed diagnosis and treatments to people without access to modern healthcare across the planet.
Health Technology 2: Genome Sequencing
Medical advancements in genome sequencing should provide a greater understanding of an individual’s body. By analyzing the genetic profile of a patient’s disease, it may soon be possible to predict their reaction to a treatment. It is therefore no surprise the UK government has chosen to sponsor the 100,000 Genomes Project, whilst one US company has also promised to build a database of 1 million genomes by 2020.
Health Technology 3: Artificial Intelligence
Computers have lacked the ability to recognize patterns in disorderly data; but machine learning is set to change all that. Applied mathematics and computer science has led to the creation of machine learning, which is a form of artificial intelligence that can educate computer systems without the need for programmed data, as the system will be able to identify emerging patterns. Many organizations are therefore hoping to use the artificial intelligence for diagnostic support, with Google’s Deep Mind and IBM’s Watson currently examining the many potential applications in healthcare.
Portable Diagnostics
Portable diagnostics, such as our Telemedicine Field Kit, can now be transported to patient’s homes for immediate diagnosis. Portable x-ray machines and blood testing kits can therefore support the healthcare system, whilst people living with a long-term disability or medical condition can now use the devices to help them perform everyday tasks. For example, the innovative tremor spoon is now available for those living with Parkinson’s disease, with the sensors and data analytics offering an insight into how the condition develops over time.
Social Network Support
Social media has undoubtedly played a significant role in how we communicate, with people expressing opinions, interests and passions to their followers.
The 2014 viral Ice Bucket Challenge had the whole world taking part on social media to raise awareness for ALS, with both celebrities and the public filmed volunteering to have ice-cold water poured over them to highlight this physically invasive disease. However, thanks to the £100m charitable donation raised, it was announced the funded research enabled scientists to identify a new gene associated with the disease, which could lead to new treatment possibilities.
