When the Internet became commonplace, it changed the way average people approached their healthcare needs. Rather than calling their doctor, many would attempt to self-diagnose and even treat themselves after conducting an Internet search. Essentially, this technology put individuals in the driver’s seat where their health was concerned.
This experience may soon be a thing of the past thanks to more innovative technology. New healthcare technology enables remote monitoring, diagnostic solutions and more, and some of these technologies are already available for end users. One example of a healthcare application currently being used by doctors and patients is the Babylon Health app.
With the medical technology industry currently valued at more than $100 billion, it is clear that these and other related innovations may become even more prevalent in the near future. With their increased use, they have the potential to disrupt the way individuals approach personal healthcare.
Disease Prevention
Many of the current health apps and wearables available today are designed to detect or prevent health conditions. In some cases, safety monitoring solutions can be used to identify potential problems or to prevent them from developing altogether. They are also used to keep known conditions under control through proper care and medication management.
At home eyesight tests, and blood tests that are available and easy to do, can encourage people to take more care of their own health, without leaving the house. Heart monitoring at home with ECG technology became modern and casual, and it allows patients to continue with their lifestyle while taking care of their health. When individuals have available information through these technologies and share it with their doctors, they can potentially prevent many conditions or even improve underlying conditions that they previously were not aware of.
Body Healing
Even with advanced technology available to prevent serious health conditions from developing, some conditions will still become problematic for patients. Modern technology is also available to improve body healing in different ways, and this is changing the approach to treating minor and serious issues. For example, health technology can use an innovative approach for wounds and burns care through laser healing. To speed up healing with home care, there are smart pill containers available to reduce the chance that patients may forget to take their medication. These containers can be lifesavers for individuals who have to take their medication regularly for ongoing health problems.
Advanced healing technologies are also already in use. Highly customized 3D printed bones are substantially improving healing and recovery needs. 3D printing revolution made possible to produce complex parts such as bones, where other technologies did not. As additive manufacturing develops, titanium printed hips may be replaced with other materials. Although 3D printed bone replacements are not available at every hospital, its successful use in isolated cases lays the path for expansion. 3D printing can even be used to print bio-tissue that may be used for burns recovery and other health problems.
Taking a step further, scientists from Chonnam National University in Korea have introduced the nanotechnology and bacteriobots that are effective at treating some types of cancers. They are meant to serve as an alternative for chemotherapy, because they can attack only the tumorous cells, leaving the surrounding tissues untouched. Development of this technology could potentially save countless lives as it becomes more commonplace.
Upgrading the Health
Innovative technology is also useful to those who want to take their physical health to the next level. Strengthening the muscles and improving the body’s condition is a great first step. Health apps and wearables can help people to be more aware of their physical fitness and find the most suitable exercise.
Our habits can be monitored and improved as well. A company Kolibree has introduced a smart toothbrush Ara that can help you to improve your brushing habits. Oral health plays a big role in total body health, so this technology has considerable benefits.
With health technology development, a new market emerged, and there is a new buzzword in digital health technologies – fem tech or feminine technology. There are companies focused on the development of specialized health applications for women only. For example, the Bloomlife app is used to monitor contractions and woman’s health during the third trimester of pregnancy. Some apps focus on women that just became moms. By wearing smart underwear, women can identify and prevent incontinence issues that are often after giving birth.
These and other types of wearable health technologies are already available. Some may be relatively expensive to use at this time. However, as they become more popular and prevalent in the marketplace, the costs are expected to decrease. As this type of technology becomes more commonplace, and the digital health networks grow, there may be additional issues to overcome. They relate to government regulations, user policies and patient’s privacy.