The way we work, play, study, shop, travel, and connect with others has all altered as a result of technological advancement. Our lives now include a lot of technology, and healthcare is no exception.
Not only do we use technology to connect with one another and access information, but we also use it to monitor our health, diagnose illnesses, cure injuries, and even extend our lives.
In the section below, we go through some of the major ways that technology has affected the healthcare sector currently and what could in the future.
Limitations of the Earlier Medical Technology
The medical industry has long played a significant role in our lives. We are exposed to a variety of medical technology from the moment we are born till the moment we pass away. These consist of:
X-rays are devices that assist medical professionals identify illnesses by identifying anomalies in the body. Similar to mammography, they employ radiation to produce pictures that can be used for diagnosis.
These devices use ultrasound to generate sound waves that bounce off the surface of the body. This aids in the detection of internal organs including the liver, heart, and kidneys.
There are several scans; MRI and PET scans, two of the most popular, provide pictures of various body regions using magnetic fields and radioactive isotopes, respectively.
All of these technologies have drawbacks, though. For instance, they are unable to offer details on the spinal cord or brain’s health. They are also unable to offer information on the state of the bone structure. Fortunately, hospitals and medical professionals now have the capacity to improve on previous discoveries. And acquire new procedures and ways for diagnosing thanks to technological developments and ground-breaking medical technologies.
A recent advancement in technology called artificial intelligence (AI) enables computers to learn from data and make judgments based on those lessons. Here are some examples of how AI technology is now employed in several sectors, including healthcare.
Future technological developments that could occur
What was formerly deemed a limitation may no longer be so as technology advances year after year. Who can predict what the future holds for medical advancements and gadgets at the rate at which healthcare technology is developing? Here are some potential developments that we could witness soon:
Medical equipment is printed in 3D.
Long considered a science fiction concept, layer-by-layer item printing is now a possibility. A prototype of a 3D printer that can produce items out of liquid metals was produced by MIT researchers in 2016. The potential of making our own unique prostheses, implants, and other medical equipment may not be too far-fetched if included in expanding healthcare research.
Soon to Be Bioengineered Blood?
What would have sounded like a crazy idea 20 years ago might soon become a reality. Researchers from the University of Minnesota were awarded a $3 million plus grant in July 2022 to test artificial blood arteries on volunteers. A successful study might pave the way for a future treatment option for young children.
Currently, robotic arms can aid surgeons in procedures that they would typically perform manually. The Da Vinci Surgical System, a surgical robot, can now function independently of its human controller. The surgeon still controls the equipment, but they no longer need to scrub in to do it.
Risks Associated with Increasing Technology Use in Healthcare
While incorporating technology into healthcare has numerous advantages. There are also hazards to consider. Doctors will struggle to stay up with the newest innovations as medical gadgets become more sophisticated.
Final Reflections
Technology is still developing at a rapid rate. As these developments take place, society frequently undergoes profound shifts. Humanity is currently confronting various difficulties, particularly those involving health and safety issues. However, if we continue to advance, these same technologies should eventually result in a world where everyone is healthier and safer.
