Emerging Technologies Revolutionizing Healthcare in 2022

In this blog, we will learn about the emerging technologies that are bringing a revolution in the field of medicines and healthcare.

 

The 'e' in Earth stands for electronic, the following 'a' proudly smiles for Artificial Intelligence, ‘r’ for research, ‘t’ for technology, and ‘h’ ends with Health. Aren’t these the vitals of the earth in the present-day? Health is uniting all realms of science and technology in one large sphere. 

 

The globe is dynamically shifting towards technologies and innovations. The 21st century witnessed a remarkable change in the field of science and technology. Every day we hear about an invention or innovation. And, the most interesting fact about this dynamic is that each new technology is a master of its previous form. 

 

Whether it's about retail, education or healthcare, artificial intelligence has updated everything to be simpler. In recent times, healthcare facilities are gradually upgrading. Even at the time of the pandemic, COVID-19, healthcare has gone through major change globally. The main man behind all this venture is SCIENCE. 

 

 

What is the importance of innovations and technologies in healthcare?

 

The advent of technologies not only modernizes the global status of an individual but also eases our lifestyle. Advanced medical science has improved global health better than ever. e-Pharmacy made drugs and medicines feasible for all. 

 

The concept of Artificial intelligence made it easier for scientists to analyze the human brain and its activity. Online consultancy services have ditched the long queues at hospital receptions. 

 

The 3D drug printers have created some efficient life-saving drugs. Nanomedicines, robotics, bioprinting, etc., together have supported the building of healthcare.

 

For the top 9 healthcare technologies, check out top healthcare technologies.

 

 

What are the emerging technologies in healthcare?

 

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Top Emerging Healthcare Technologies

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Technologies emerge and modify every single second for the betterment of human society. Even at this hour of the day, scientists and researchers are working on innovations.

 

Here are the few technologies that have strengthened our healthcare system in recent years:

 

1. 3D DRUG PRINTING

 

3D drug printing helps to print the pills with complex structures. It is more efficient than normal drugs as it has a more accurate dosage. Also, 3D printing controls the distribution of drugs in different extracellular and intracellular spaces. 

 

The improved rate of release control of 3D drugs has beaten the traditional drug system in every way. This also helps in the prevention of several dangerous drug interactions. Aprecia pharmaceuticals have recently printed the first and only 3D anti-epileptic drug. It was approved by the FDA in 2015.

 

Read more about the first and only 3D printed drug, the first 3D drug

 

2. NANOMEDICINES

 

This branch deals with the use of nanotechnology in the field of medicines. Referred to as future medicine, nanomedicines promise to improve the rate of drug delivery. These medicines are especially used to treat tumors and cancer. 

 

The unique optical, magnetic and radical character of Nanomedicines makes it different from other tools. Currently, they are in use for detecting the presence of tumors inside the human body.

 

Nanomedicines not only refer to medicines but also the application of nanomaterials and biological devices in healthcare. If you want to check how Nanotechnology works in the case of Nanomedicines, please refer to Nanotechnology

 

Researchers around the globe are currently inviting ideas and innovations for this application. If you have any idea in mind that you believe can mark excellence in Nanomedicines, you can simply apply for your journal.

 

3. 3D BIOPRINTING

 

Bioprinting is the advanced version of ancient 3D printing. Bioprinting enables scientists to produce tissues, bones, blood vessels, etc. Even scientists claim to develop a whole organ using 3D bioprinting. 

 

This technology is a blessing for medical students and trainees. In the future, this will help to prevent animal killing for clinical and pharmacological trials. 

 

Also, if scientists fully succeed in mimicking the original human organ, it can be used in transfer therapies. FDA-approved Sprintam is one of the branches of this application.

 

4. CLOUD COMPUTING

 

Cloud Computing helps in analyzing and organizing a patient's data. It also increases the patient's participation in decision-making and gives him control of his health. 

 

With functions like post-hospitalization plans, virtual medication, and consultants, telemedicine, etc. Cloud computing has filled the needs of the healthcare sector. 

 

Cloud computing not only maintains a particular data but also helps in organizing the global data. The stats and data from top hospitals of the globe are sent to the prestigious research center to analyze health indexes, common diseases, causative agents, etc.

 

( Also, refer, cloud computing in nursing )

 

5. DIGITAL HEALTH TRACKERS

 

The development of gadgets such as step counters, BP trackers, breathing rate trackers is itself a revolution in the healthcare sector. Even on a general morning, we can see a bunch of people, jogging in the park wearing the latest wristwatch, counting their steps in between. 

 

Even many such trackers apps are available on Google Play and i-Stores. It created general awareness in the local public about health and fitness. Also, it served as the first aid for minor body rate issues. 

 

6. e-PHARMACY

 

The introduction of e-Pharmacy stores has made drugs and medicines available even at remote corners. For example, PharmEasy, Netmeds, these applications not only help in finding critical drugs but also a time-saving approach. 

 

You can yourself consider if your dear one is ill, what would you prefer the most, either roaming around and searching medicines for him or taking care of him by uploading the prescription online. You’ll opt for the second option, right? 

 

7. ONLINE CONSULTANCY SERVICES

 

Services like Practo, Mfine, Tata Health, etc., have made Doctors available for patients for every single second of the day. This system is helpful for busy patients and those who don’t want to wait in long queues. According to stats, Tata Health is leading in this field.

 

8. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

 

Artificial Intelligence in healthcare helps to identify the human brain and to analyze its algorithm. 

 

A hospital in London is using AI for retinal analysis. It further helps scientists to study pre-clinical drug effects, which ultimately led to discover and develop drugs more precisely. AI has been in use in cardiology, neurology, and other branches of healthcare.

 

( Recommended blogs : Use of AI in healthcare, and AI in cardiology. )

 

 

What are the challenges in the field of the healthcare sector?

 

Now, the question is that even after having so many technologies in healthcare, why are we still facing medical issues? Why do people die out of diseases even if we have the cure? 

 

Though we have so many innovations in healthcare, there is still a need for the proper implication of the same. Technical errors and communication lag are some of the major drawbacks.

 

1. COST FACTOR

 

The major drawback of healthcare is the expensive cost factor. For example, we are having therapies like radiation and chemo for cancer treatment, but a middle-class person can’t choose it easily as the average cost is around 35 lacs INR.

 

2. INTERNET UNAVAILABILITY

 

Next, not every town or village on the map is connected to a stable internet connection. This makes it almost next to impossible for everyone to access facilities such as e-Pharmacy and online consultancy. Also, the lack of transportation facilities debars the use of e-Pharmacy stores by a large proportion of the population.

 

3. LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Having advanced types of equipment won’t solve problems unless we have sufficient and modern space to operate them. Infrastructure plays a key role in leading the healthcare system of any country.

 

4. UNAWARENESS

 

Due to gaps in communication and other reasons, a number of people are still not aware of the technologies and facilities they have.

 

5. SHORTAGE OF TRAINED MANPOWER

 

This is one of the key reasons particularly in India, that capable people are moving outside the country, this may help in achieving globalization. But drastically affecting the development scale of India.

 

( Suggested Read : What is Globalisation )

 

For more brief information, please refer to National Health Policy 2017: nhp.gov.in

 

By improving these major effects, we could achieve the goal that we are chasing. We have the plans, just need to search for the proper order of their execution. Scientists and researchers around the globe are working day and night for the betterment of mankind. 

 

And, in the coming days, we can expect a world where any disease can be cured in a fraction of seconds. And, no matter where you stand, there is always a process called improvement. Improvement is the sign of life. We will soon have a world, where we can have blind trust in our hospitals, their machines, and their bills.