Rapid innovation in producing new technologies, and also in working out how to use them most efficiently, has resulted in fast-paced improvements in healthcare.
This article will discuss some key technologies that are revolutionizing healthcare. Artificial intelligence (AI), advanced imaging techniques, and the use of wearable devices are now playing key roles in disease diagnosis, health monitoring, and developing personalized treatment plans. It will also explain how new technologies are improving these key aspects of healthcare.
In recent years the evolution of new technologies has driven many sectors forward, including healthcare. These innovative technologies and techniques have been integrated into already-existing healthcare systems to enhance the abilities of doctors in processes such as accurate diagnoses or continuous health monitoring.
The use of AI is transforming healthcare. AI is being used in medical settings to improve the accuracy of diagnostics. Diagnosing the cause of a medical issue requires the analysis of medical images, lab reports, and patient data. AI not only has the ability to carry out these processes but can do so faster and more accurately than traditional methods. For example, the Google-produced AI was able to outperform human radiologists by more accurately detecting breast cancer from mammograms. AI platforms have been developed with specific diseases in mind - such as companies that can read ECGs (tests showing the electrical activity of the heart) and diagnose heart conditions within seconds. AI can also be used to diagnose complex neurological disorders.
Creating personalized treatment plans requires in-depth knowledge of the unique characteristics of an individual to optimize medical intervention. AI can quickly and accurately analyze an individual’s genetic information, lifestyle factors, and medical history and therefore identify which treatments will work best for different individuals depending on these factors. Using AI to determine the most effective treatments for an individual leads to more successful outcomes and fewer side effects.
Predictive analytics is the process of using historical and real-time medical data to identify patterns and predict future medical problems. Through using AI in predictive analytics, healthcare providers can now better anticipate patient needs. AI can be used to predict individuals who are more at risk of developing chronic conditions, or who have an increased likelihood of needing to be readmitted to hospital. This use of AI in predicting future healthcare needs allows healthcare providers to intervene at an earlier stage of disease development and through this to improve the disease outcome.
Advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI and CT scans, can detect abnormalities before symptoms have appeared making them important in the early diagnosis of health conditions. Early diagnosis of diseases allows for early intervention which gives better outcomes - intervening as soon as possible is the key to preventing a disease from progressing past the point of successful treatment. These technologies have been used in the early detection of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders, to treat the disease before it becomes more serious.
Recent advances in technology have improved access to advanced imaging techniques by making them more affordable. One such example is through using AI to accurately and quickly analyze complicated MRI data, the use of cheaper - but weaker - magnetic fields still produces equivalent MRI image quality as more expensive and stronger magnetic fields. This is predicted to lower the cost of an MRI scanner from $3 million to $100,000 making an MRI scan more affordable. Accessibility has also been increased by companies such as Ezra whose full-body MRI-scanning services are widely available to the general public.
The widespread use of advanced imaging techniques - which are now more accessible than ever - allows individuals to put preventive care into practice. Regular screenings using technologies including CT and MRI scans (such as those carried out by Ezra) enable diseases to be caught early in their progression - potentially before symptoms have appeared. Early diagnosis of diseases increases the chances of a successful treatment outcome as the earlier the disease is caught, the more likely it is to respond well to treatment.
Wearable devices, including fitness trackers, smartwatches, and continuous glucose monitors, are becoming increasingly important in healthcare. Wearable devices can be empowering as they allow individuals to take an active role and increase their responsibility in managing their health. These devices enable continuous real-time monitoring of health metrics such as vital signs and levels of activity. Monitoring outside of a clinical setting provides information and insights both for individuals and for healthcare providers.
Remote monitoring, such as through the use of wearable devices, can improve patient care. Healthcare providers can monitor and track an individual’s health continuously and from a distance, so minimizing the impact that health monitoring can have on an individual’s daily routine. For example, the use of wearable devices has been shown to reduce the need for frequent in-person appointments. Remote monitoring can also be used to detect changes in conditions early, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment plans to reduce exacerbation of conditions. This is particularly useful in the monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
The use of wearable devices produces a wealth of data on an individual’s health and behaviors. To utilize this, wearable devices are being integrated with healthcare systems, such as electronic healthcare records (EHRs), to provide detailed insights into an individual’s health. Integration with EHRs promotes efficient communication between patients and healthcare providers, drives informed clinical decisions and supports personalized treatment plans.
Recent advances in technology are revolutionizing healthcare. Technology is enabling improved accessibility, enhanced diagnostic accuracy, and earlier diagnoses, resulting in increased chances of successful treatment. The use of technological advancements, such as wearables, in monitoring health is providing more data than previously thought possible. Real-time, continuous monitoring of health conditions enables individuals and healthcare providers can keep on top of any changes or developments in disease progression and allows timely intervention to reduce the worsening of conditions.
Individuals should embrace the use of technology to proactively improve their healthcare experience. Consider how you might employ wearable technology to take an active role in managing your health, or how you could develop your own preventive healthcare plan through utilizing advanced imaging techniques in a regular screening process, such as that offered by Ezra.
If you want to use revolutionary advances in technology and become more engaged with your healthcare, why not book an Ezra full-body MRI? Our annual scan catches potential cancer earlier, leveraging AI through the screening process to make it more efficient, affordable, and faster.
