Health care is in a state of constant flux. The industry needs solutions that can help tackle its challenges and improve the lives of consumers.
Innovations can take many forms. Some change consumer behavior, others harness technology and some create new business models.
Physicians can play a pivotal role in the development of these innovations, through beta-testing, advisory roles and leadership positions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Health tech innovations are addressing real-world problems and changing healthcare systems across the globe. From enhancing patient outcomes to reducing healthcare costs, these advances are improving access and boosting quality of life.
From German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s X-ray machine that revolutionized treatment of broken bones, to WHOOP’s wearable technology that enables users to track their sleep and fitness continuously, these advancements help doctors pinpoint issues and deliver better care. The tech industry is also making it easier for patients to manage their own healthcare through personalized wellness plans and data-driven risk assessments.
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has been instrumental in transforming healthcare and other sectors. AI can be used to automate tasks and streamline processes, but it’s also a powerful tool for solving complex problems that require in-depth analysis. Understanding why merging new tech matters for healthcare growth is essential, as it not only drives operational efficiency but also leads to better patient outcomes. This is evident in the development of AI-driven clinical decision support systems that can assist physicians with diagnosing and treating conditions. By embracing these innovations, healthcare providers can adapt to the ever-changing needs of the industry.
Other uses of AI include health chatbots and virtual assistants that use natural language processing to understand user queries, interpret data, and generate relevant responses. Generative AI, which uses a combination of algorithms to generate content, has been harnessed for producing images, videos, design blueprints, and music based on user prompts.
Big Data
Each day, you generate a wealth of data: every time you use your phone or email, tag yourself on social media, buy a product online, talk to a customer service representative, or interact with an automated system like a virtual assistant. You need to manage this information in order to gain insights into your business model and growth opportunities.
The same is true of health care, where there is a growing supply of digitized patient records. Pharmaceutical companies are aggregating years of research data into medical databases, while insurers are digitizing claims and patient information. The result is an explosion of healthcare data that has the potential to revolutionize medical research and treatment.
The challenge is identifying the value of this data and ensuring that it is accurate and secure. In addition, it can be difficult to manage this volume of data and determine which information represents signals rather than noise. To do so, health-care organizations need to have a clear strategy for handling big data and the necessary infrastructure to support it. Moreover, the cost of implementing such systems may be prohibitive for some hospitals and insurance providers. This is especially true if they have little expertise in analyzing this type of data.
Wearable Technology
Wearable technology is an emerging sector of the tech industry where devices are worn on a user’s body to monitor data. These devices range in complexity from basic data collection to utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). While most are associated with consumer electronics like smartwatches and fitness trackers, they also have many practical applications in the healthcare and sports industries.
These devices can help to track data that is important for medical and fitness purposes, such as heart rate, movement and stress levels. This can then be used to inform lifestyle changes, enabling individuals to lead a healthier life. In addition, healthcare professionals can use the data to identify trends and improve diagnosis in real-time.
Moreover, sport and performance wearables can enhance coaching and training by helping to identify early indicators of overtraining, fatigue and injury risk. This can then be used to tailor workouts and recovery times accordingly. This can significantly enhance athletic performance and reduce injuries.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine, also known as evisits, e-health, or mhealth, is the provision of healthcare services via electronic communication over distance. This may include videoconferencing, remote monitoring, or mobile applications that allow patients to communicate with their healthcare providers via phone, email or video chat.
It’s no surprise that a major driver of telemedicine adoption is convenience. Patients can consult with their doctors without having to leave the comfort of their homes, which can save them money on gas, childcare and lost work time. Additionally, telemedicine consultations are typically less expensive than in-person office visits or hospital admissions.
Those benefits have led to the rise of several tech startups that are helping patients and medical practices make use of telemedicine. For example, GoodRx runs a digital healthcare marketplace that connects consumers with cost-reducing resources for prescription medications, lab tests and doctor visits. Meanwhile, Zocdoc helps medical practices attract new customers by connecting users with doctors based on their reviews, ratings and appointment availability. Additionally, companies like Kalderos automate processes for telemedicine programs, such as identifying noncompliance and preventing revenue loss. This can help organizations improve the quality of care they deliver to their patients and the efficiency with which they serve them.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a highly technical form of minimally invasive surgery. In this type of procedure, a surgeon controls slender robotic arms that have surgical instruments attached to them, allowing them to maneuver in tight spaces inside the body. The surgeon sits at a console that has a high-definition camera and monitor. They use joysticks similar to those on a video game to move the robotic arms.
Our doctors often use this technology to remove hard-to-reach tumors or shorten surgery times. It can also help to decrease complications and speed up the recovery process.
In the past, some surgeons have been hesitant to use robotic tools because they wanted more control than what the robot was offering them. However, as the technology has evolved, many surgeons now believe it can improve surgical outcomes.
During a robotic-assisted surgery, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions in the skin and places ports (thin tubes) into them. The ports act like temporary tunnels for the robotic device.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive experience that transports users to a virtual environment. The technology has been applied to various areas in healthcare, including education, training, and therapy. It helps patients learn and explore concepts in an interactive and engaging way. VR has also been used to facilitate social interaction for people with autism and other disorders, such as PTSD. It allows them to experience triggering situations in a safe capacity. VR can also be used to help with meditation and relaxation for those who suffer from anxiety and depression.
Health tech innovations are transforming the medical industry in many ways. They are reducing hospital readmission rates, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing overall quality of life. They are also enabling preventive care with data-driven risk assessments and personalised wellness plans. This is reducing the financial burden on patients and healthcare systems.
However, the rapid development of health tech is not without its challenges. It is still in its early stages, and there are issues with interoperability, privacy protection, and equity. Despite these challenges, health tech is poised to make an even greater impact on the world. It will improve access to care, reduce costs, and empower people with the knowledge they need to take control of their health.
Artificial Voice
The medical industry demands ingenious solutions to a host of problems: cost, delivery and user experience, just to name a few. Technological innovations such as telemedicine platforms, wearable devices and AI tools are helping to streamline communication, provide access to care and improve patient outcomes.
Despite a wealth of opportunities, these new technologies often struggle to meet real-world needs. This disconnect primarily stems from a lack of clinical input during product development. This gap is a critical issue, especially considering physicians’ crucial role in championing innovation and integrating it into the healthcare system.
Innovative technology can improve the health of people and communities by empowering individuals with tools that support self-care, address global health challenges, facilitate treatment delivery and help create more inclusive and equitable systems. However, it’s important to recognize that these new tools often lag behind other industries in terms of user-friendly design, interoperability and data privacy protection, which could limit their uptake or impact. In addition, efforts must be made to embed equity into innovation and improve current perceptions, such as by ensuring that new technologies are designed for diverse populations and avoid unintentional bias. This is where Manatt Health’s Digital Health & AI Collaborative, in partnership with AAMC, comes into play.
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