Technology in the medical field is evolving very fast. Indeed, there is a wide range of applications within medicine for all sorts of AI, nanotech, robotics and genome tech. However, with so much new technology being developed it can be hard to keep track of it all, and understand what new tech is on offer, and the benefits it can provide to those working in the medical field. The good news is you can read about some of the most compelling medical tech trends that are around today and the positive benefits they could have on patients, staff, and the efficacy of the treatment provided, below. Read on to find out more.
Nanotech and robotic medicine trends
There are several current trends in nanotech medicine that everyone should be aware of. The first is that scientists are working on tiny sensors that can be used to better detect and treat diseases that can be hard to diagnose in the early stages like cancer.
Another major nanotech medical trend that could have a positive impact on the rate of healing of patients is nanotech coatings on bandages and dressings. These can help lower the risk of infection, and promote faster cleaner healing for those with disease or injury.
Robotics, on the other hand, can be used to complete highly accurate surgeries with minimal invasion and damage to the body. When combined with AI this can make surgeries much more effective and much safer as well.
Phygital solutions
Phygital solutions are those that blend the digital with the physical. Indeed, while much can be gained from using digital solutions, medical care will always require a human touch and interaction.
This is what is leading to a hybrid healthcare model that combines both parts. For example, using AI to assess patients in triage and ascertain their priority provides better care. BHoweverpatients will still be seen and treated by human medical care professionals.
Similarly, the Apple Watch provides a wealth of monitoring and notifications for an individual’s health such as blood oxygen levels, heart rate etc. By giving a real-life physician access to this data patients can receive more efficient diagnoses and then be treated by that real doctor going forward. Of course, the great thing about a device like this is that it provides real-life medical professionals with access to real-time data, meaning the accuracy is increased as well as the identification of any life-threatening problems.
Another crucial benefit of phygital solutions is that they can help enhance the process for the patient as they need to spend less of their valuable time in medical appointments, but can still provide all the data needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Medical device cybersecurity
With the increased use of medical devices that employ technology, ensuring that such devices remain secure is also another major trend right now. Indeed, the issue here is that unsecured devices could open a patient up to a range of problems from malicious interference to being held for ransom!
Happily, medical device makers are considering this and coming up with a range of security measures that can prevent this type of tampering. These measures include better training for users and medical workers, improved encryption and authentication for anyone who wants to use a device as well as stricter rules and compliance around medical tech. There are even providers that specialise in offering medical device cybersecurity services for those who make and operate the devices. Allowing them to active FDA compliance, and ensuring users are properly protected.
Minimization of data silos
One of the biggest problems that the medical profession currently faces is the issue of data silos when it comes to patient information. That is there is a great deal of data about patients’ conditions but it can be hard to access because some of it is kept in systems that cannot effectively communicate with other systems, making it very hard to access in practice.
Happily, medical technology can and is helping to solve this issue by promoting interoperability. That means the easy flow of data between technical and clinical systems is now being prioritised as new technology and systems are created.
The benefits we can expect from increased interoperability of medical data are many and include lower costs, better decision-making, based on having access to all the relevant patient data and so better outcomes and care for patients.
Tech can help with shortages
In some locations such as the UK, there is a staffing crisis in the field of medicine. They just can’t get enough qualified staff to fill the roles they have. Of course, this is something that can have a very negative effect on both the standard of patient care and the waiting lists involved in getting treatment.
However, the good news is that medical technology can be used to improve this situation in several ways. The first is by using tech such as AI to improve staffing assignments and scheduling, medical institutions will be able to better cover the shifts they have without resorting to expensive agency workers.
Better utilizing physical technology within hospitals can also help to reduce the workload on the staff they do have, allowing them to be more efficient at their jobs, and helping to prevent burnout and promote a better work-life balance which is crucial in attracting people to the field and retaining them in the long term.
Tech impact on mental health solutions
Another trend in medical technology that experts predict will have a positive impact on care going forward is the use of digital solutions for mental health care.
Indeed there are many beneficial ways in which digital solutions can be deployed to meet the ever-growing need for mental health care and support. The first of these is through the use of remote technologies such as video appointments.
Unlike physical ailments, mental health issues and treatments rarely require physical examination and intervention. This makes them ideal for virtual appointments. Additionally, as those struggling with mental health issues may be experiencing issues such as anxiety when leaving their home or depression and exhaustion making their appointments virtual means they are much more accessible for the very people they are trying to help.
Another benefit of offering virtual therapy sessions is that they can be easily scaled into group sessions. This means more patients can receive the treatment and support they so desperately need.
Last of all, as mentioned before AI could be employed to better triage patients but for mental health issues rather than physical ones. Although the complexity of many mental health conditions could pose a challenge for AI, it will require some specific training to overcome this.
Deep tech trends
AI, robotics, genomics and nanotechnology can all be categorised under deep tech developments in medicine. It also seems as if the trend is towards embracing deep tech in a myriad of ways to make healthcare more efficient, reliable and cost-effective.
One of the biggest benefits of this is that deep tech can be customised specifically to the field in which it’s needed. This means we can develop specialized solutions to complex and tricky problems faster, and more effectively than ever before.
In particular, the AI side of deep tech has massive potential to optimize the organisational and admin aspects of healthcare, reducing wait times and misdiagnosis.
Tech can be used to improve the day-to-day running of medical institutions
While it’s true that technology holds the potential to make vast improvements in many areas of the medical field, it’s also important to realize that new cures, and treatments are not the only benefit it brings. Tech can also be hugely impactful in improving the day-to-day running of medical institutions in several important ways/
The first of these ways is technology that can be used to automate and streamline the often bloated workflows that are present in the medical sector. By doing this you can make treatment times faster, and increase the number of people that can be seen.
Using tech to minimize the amount of admin that doctors, nurses, and other health care workers have to do, can also help reduce overwhelm, and burnout. This could mean a significant improvement in job satisfaction for those in the field. Which in turn could lead to lower attrition rates, and improved retention, helping minimise the staffing crises previously mentioned.
Final thoughts
Current tech trends in the medical field include using tech to :
- Make patient care better and improve patients.
- Support doctors, nurses, and health care workers in their roles.
- Increase efficiency through automation and reduction of data silo.s