smarter healthcare: how technology is shaping the future of medicine

Technology is changing everything, especially healthcare. Scientists are working with new gadgets in new facilities that have made provision of healthcare easier than ever.

Advancements such as the application of microsampling have made the process of blood collection easy and comfortable, in many cases replacing traditional methods of venipuncture. Through microsampling, patients can take their own blood samples at home, away from clinics and waiting rooms. This is a process also known as remote or at home blood collection. The process also improves the patient’s experience as compared to other methods.

Here are other groundbreaking innovations that are shaping the future of healthcare.

3D Organ Printing

With high-tech 3D printing, there is the possibility of creating not only drugs and prosthesis but also human organs and tissues. These organs and tissues will bring very exciting solutions to many diseases including chronic ones. This is because patients will be receiving bioartificial organs needed for transplant. For instance, Vanderbilt University has an undergoing project to develop a bioartificial kidney.

Patient-Physician Communication

At times, patients may be living in inaccessible areas or where they hardly access healthcare. Technological advancement has the potential to improve accessibility in these cases. One of these advancements is telemedicine, which enables a virtual exchange of information between the patients and the medics. This will also enable the doctors to use video conferencing to treat their patients. This will not only save on the cost of commuting but will maximize on patients’ comfort.

Health Information Technology

Clinics and hospitals are now adopting electronic information-keeping and doing away with the traditional paper record-keeping. This is improving and streamlining the healthcare process. Doctors can easily trace the history of patients’ illnesses and treat them accordingly. This will reduce the inconsistencies in healthcare service making the process easy for the doctors.

Human Genomic Information

The treatment of some of the chronic diseases is gaining great benefits from the genetic sequencing of the patients. The doctors are able to determine the kind of medication procedures to be applied for a particular patient, which brings more improved outcomes.

There is more to be hopeful about in the field of healthcare as technology continues to advance. The future of healthcare is likely to become easier and highly appreciated. Microsampling is just one example of what to look forward to in the coming years.