10 Technologies Driving the Future of Healthcare

Healthcare is not what it used to be. Technological advances from artificial intelligence to robotics are changing how we are treated. If you want to understand what healthcare will look like in the future, then you have to examine how technology is transforming the industry.

But what are the main ways technology is shaping healthcare? What are those transformative technologies and how should you prepare for them? Here is a look at ten of the most influential technologies changing the future of healthcare.

1. Artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being used in scientific research. These have helped identify better cures for common illnesses and identifying cancers.

In fact, AI algorithms have identified cancerous cells faster than our current tests which could be huge in terms of curing people as well. As AI continues to develop in the future, new ways of using it will certainly be on the horizon from treatment to diagnosis.

2. Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) is likely to change the way we visit the doctor. You might not need to come face-to-face with your doctor any longer, as VR spaces give you the option to meet without being in the same room.

Not to mention how VR in medicine is used to train current doctors and surgeons. These more realistic models can help ensure doctors’ performance is top-notch once they start treating real humans.

3. Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is a close relative of VR and another game-changer in the industry.

AR is another tool doctors and surgeons can use to make a diagnosis and operation easier and safer. Doctors could be able to receive real-time tips and information without losing sight of the real issue at hand.

4. Unique wearables

There are already plenty of wearables people use to track their health. Things like the Apple Smartwatch are also bringing in new features, such as the ability to test blood oxygen levels.

These tools will continue to develop in the future and have a huge potential to act as preventative tools.

You can track your data and ensure you are making healthier life choices. This can trickle down to things like health insurance costs, as insurers are able to monitor your data and keep premiums low for those who are living healthier.

5. Medical Tricorder

Tricorders are not something out of a sci-fi movie any longer. There are already certain small devices that can scan multiple things at once and without huge intervention.

Creating these machines will make healthcare more accessible and available, especially in remote and poor communities.

6. Genome Sequencing

The discovery of DNA sequencing has been one of the biggest medical breakthroughs of the last century. But full genome sequencing is still rather expensive and the cheaper versions don’t always provide the full picture.

This is all slowly changing and the next few years are undoubtedly going to improve the sequencing even further. This could mean that most people would be able to receive accurate records with just a few dollars.

7. Enhanced Drug Development

Developing new drugs isn’t easy, as the coronavirus pandemic has shown us. Therefore, one of the main areas where future technologies can really advance healthcare is the development of new drugs.

As mentioned, things like AI can boost the speed at which new drugs are developed, bringing down not just the development time but also the cost of the drugs.

8. Nanotechnology

Non-invasive drugs, treatments, and surgeries are going to get a huge boost in the future from nanotechnology.

It is only a matter of time before small chips will become a way to deliver drugs in a more targeted way and help diagnose, cure, and treat various illnesses from diabetes to cancer.

9. Robotics

Of course, it’s not just about the treatments and cures but also about who does the caring. In the future, health care is most likely going to involve a lot more robotics, meaning that things like surgeries and other procedures are not done by another human.

Furthermore, robotics can help with issues such as paralysis or loss of limbs, creating a lot more opportunities for the disabled.

10. 3D-Printing

Finally, similarly to the opportunities robotics can bring, 3D printing will be huge. In the future, we can simply print a new organ or limb to replace damaged ones. This means that problems such as kidney failure are not necessarily fatal any longer.

Far-reaching implications

These ten technological advances have far-reaching implications when it comes to healthcare. Many of these technologies are not just going to improve healthcare and result in less death of treatable diseases, but do so in an affordable manner.

From group health insurance to localized healthcare, people can expect affordable care that delivers results. Staying healthy and getting treatment won’t just be for the rich but for the whole world.