The healthcare industry is always changing—and it’s not just the healthcare providers and providers who are changing, either. It’s the way that patients interact with their doctors and other medical professionals, as well as how information about your medical history is stored. Here are some of the most innovative technologies that will be making their way into doctors’ offices (and homes) in 2023:
Table of Contents
Orthodontic Digital X-rays
In the past, dental x-rays were taken by exposing film to radiation, which was then developed and examined. Now, with digital imaging technology, dental x-rays are captured electronically and stored on computer. This allows for immediate viewing of the image, easier storage and retrieval of images, and the ability to manipulate images for more detailed analysis.
When compared with conventional film-based systems, digital imaging has many advantages. Digital sensors provide higher resolution images than film. According to Daniel Tan, the sensitivity of digital sensors is also greater, so there is less exposure time needed for each X-ray exposure. This reduces patient dose as well as radiation exposure for dental personnel and others present in the room during treatment. Digital image processing is also much faster than scanning film strips through a reader or using an old fashioned light box.
AI Integration
AI has been used in health care for years, but its use is only going to increase. AI-powered applications are increasingly being used to make recommendations and decisions, diagnose patients, and treat them. For example, IBM’s Watson technology has been used to provide treatment plans for cancer patients—in some cases supplementing or outright replacing the advice of human doctors.
The integration of AI into health care will also be seen in monitoring patients: software or applications that automatically detects when someone needs help (like an alert sent when someone fails to respond to an email), or that knows how well they slept last night (by analyzing sleep patterns) could allow for better overall care by suggesting ways for people to improve their lives.
Genomics And Gene Editing
Genomics and gene editing are two technologies that can be used to improve patient care. Genomic sequencing is the process of determining an individual’s genetic makeup by reading the DNA sequence of their genome. This information can be used to personalize treatment plans for patients and predict their risk for certain conditions or diseases in the future.
Moreover, gene editing refers to using tools such as CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) to alter single base pairs within a genome, which makes it possible for scientists to modify living things such as plants or animals with greater precision than ever before.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is the use of technology to provide medical care remotely. Telemedicine can be used to provide access to medical care in rural areas or to get a lower-cost option for patients in urban areas.
Telemedicine can be used as an alternative or supplement to traditional medical visits and procedures, but it’s growing fast as a standalone service with its unique opportunities and challenges.
Electromyography
The Electromyography or EMG system is designed to measure the electrical activity produced by muscle fibers. It consists of a series of electrodes that are placed on the skin to pick up the electrical signals, and a computer that records and processes them into usable data. The EMG machine is used in many different applications, including research, diagnostics, and training.
Real-Time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring is the process of collecting and analyzing data from a patient’s body and transmitting it to a remote location. Common areas of use include:
- Monitoring vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature)
- Detecting infections or problems before they become serious
- Tracking the progress of treatment (e.g., cancer)
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is a healthcare technology that uses high-intensity light to treat a variety of conditions. It’s often used for cosmetic purposes, but it can also be used for medical purposes as well. For example, the Feet Mechanics where you can find a podiatrist in Hamilton use 3D imaging technology to create models of a patient’s feet and ankles, which they can then use to see how the feet will respond when certain shoes are worn or what the effects might be if surgery is performed on them.
Conclusion
The healthcare technology industry is still in its infancy and there are many things that we can look forward to. While some new technologies will succeed, others will fail. The key takeaway from this article is that we as consumers and patients need to keep up with the latest news about these advancements because they can affect us directly or indirectly.