Introduction
Healthcare is a rapidly changing field, and it’s only going to become more exciting as we continue to see new technologies and innovations come out of labs across the world. Our understanding of medicine is constantly evolving, and for many patients, this means that they can get better care than ever before. Say’s Dr. Julian Mitton, if you’re interested in learning about some of the most exciting innovations happening right now in the medical field (and how they might help you), then read on!
Telehealth
Telehealth is the use of technology to provide health care from a distance. It can be used to provide care for people who live in remote areas, or who are too sick to leave home.
Telehealth uses video, voice and other forms of electronic communication between patients and doctors. This can include:
- Video calls with doctors or specialists through apps such as Skype or FaceTime (Apple).
- Remote monitoring devices that measure vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels etc., send them wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals back to your doctor who reviews them on their computer screen while speaking with you over the phone if needed (Fitbit).
The rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning
AI and machine learning are two of the most exciting innovations in healthcare today. They have the potential to change how we diagnose and treat diseases, as well as help doctors make more effective treatment plans.
The first thing to understand about AI is that it doesn’t necessarily mean that robots will be delivering your care–at least not yet! Instead, “artificial intelligence” refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks in a way that seems intelligent: they can learn from experience, solve problems on their own (without being programmed), make decisions based on collected data or previous knowledge (also known as “intuition”), etcetera. Machine learning refers specifically to computer systems capable of acquiring new knowledge through experience without being explicitly programmed by humans; this is what makes them so adaptable and powerful in fields like medicine where there are many unknowns (i.e., things we don’t currently know).
Telepsychiatry
Telepsychiatry is the use of telecommunication technology to provide mental health services. It can be used to improve access to mental healthcare and crisis intervention, as well as treatment adherence.
Robot-assisted surgery
Robot-assisted surgery is a type of surgery that uses a robot to assist in the procedures. This can be done by performing tasks that are too complex for humans, such as suturing veins, or by performing tasks with greater precision and less risk of infection or injury to the patient. The use of robotics in healthcare has been steadily increasing over time and will continue to grow as we move into future years.
Robots are able to perform surgeries on patients who would otherwise be unable to undergo them due to age or physical limitations; they also allow doctors more time during an operation because they can work independently without as much supervision required from medical professionals working alongside them during procedures such as heart surgery (where quick thinking is necessary).
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way through special electronic devices. Virtual reality is used in many industries, including video gaming, film and television, education, architecture, engineering and medicine. It has been used by doctors to help patients overcome phobias such as heights or public speaking through exposure therapy.
3D printing in medicine
3D printing is a technology that can be used for many things, including making organs. It’s also used in healthcare to make prosthetics and implants, as well as models of body parts for training. In the future, 3D printers will become more advanced and common place in hospitals around the world.
These innovations will revolutionize healthcare
As technology continues to advance, we’re seeing more and more innovations in healthcare that will revolutionize your wellness. Here are five of the biggest:
- Telehealth: This technology allows patients to connect with doctors remotely via video chat or phone calls, which means they don’t have to travel all the way into a doctor’s office if they don’t want or need to. It also helps decrease wait times for appointments by allowing patients who live far away from their doctors’ offices (or who can’t get off work) access to medical care when needed.
- Rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning: These advancements have been making headlines lately because they’ve made huge strides toward improving diagnosis accuracy, reducing costs associated with manual labor tasks like billing and coding services at hospitals’ billing departments–and even predicting which medications may interact negatively with one another before they’re prescribed by physicians!
- Telepsychiatry: This type of treatment involves communicating back-and-forth between counselors via video chat instead of face-to-face sessions with them at their office locations; this allows people who live far away from where these professionals work (or those who simply prefer not traveling) better access to mental health counseling services without having go anywhere near them personally!
Conclusion
These innovations will revolutionize healthcare, and they’re just the beginning. As technology continues to advance at an exponential rate, we can expect even more breakthroughs in the years ahead.
