Technology has always been a major factor in how we live, work, and play. From the first computers to the latest smartphones, innovations have helped us accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently. Some even say that technology is changing the way we think. But are there other ways it's changing our world?
Technology has dramatically changed the health care industry, too. For instance, advances in medical imaging have made diagnosis easier than ever before. Digital health technologies are also improving treatment options for those with chronic conditions or disabilities. And novel technologies like virtual reality could one day be used to treat mental illnesses like PTSD or phobias. Technology isn't just about making life easier; it's also helping to make it better!
Digital health technologies
Diagnosis
Advanced imaging technologies like MRI and CT have given physicians powerful tools to diagnose health problems, like tumors or serious infections. Imaging can also help determine whether patients are responding to medication and track disease progression. Today's imaging systems even offer opportunities for virtual reality, allowing patients to experience the experience of going through an MRI and getting the best possible care.
Medical advancements such as MRIs, CT scans, and positron emission tomography scans (PET scans) have changed the way many people get diagnosed with serious health problems. Before these scans, patients were essentially subjected to an over-long, stressful experience where their arms and legs were held to restrict movement.
Treatment
Medical devices have changed the game. Many people suffer from chronic pain or injuries that have led to chronic conditions. Modern medicine has helped with this, but with the increasing emergence of other technologies, new treatments are being developed for conditions like arthritis and Parkinson's disease. These technologies are more precise than the traditional treatments and they do more than just relieve symptoms—they treat the underlying disease itself.
We've all heard of wearable medical devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch, but what about wearable drug-delivery devices? Arthrogryposis patients, for example, are at risk of bone dislocation or joint deformity.
Mental Health Treatment
In today's world, too many people experience mental health issues. In fact, up to 22% of adults across the globe have a mental illness. That's a staggering amount of people and a serious health condition, to say the least.
Fortunately, though, technology has played a vital role in getting these people access to treatment and providing them with emotional support. Even for those who don't have access to the right medical professionals, apps like Mood Tracker and Anxiety Coach can help identify health issues, provide coping strategies, and teach patients to manage the condition. Technology is helping to make mental health treatment more accessible than ever before.
Arthritis Rehabilitation
One of the most common issues that older adults experience is arthritis.
Medical Imaging
Much like in medicine, the technology behind technology has also transformed the way we view the world. Today, medical imaging is used to diagnose physical issues and injuries. From x-rays and MRIs to the fancy scans performed by doctors, technologies have literally transformed our world.
However, while x-ray and MRI are often used to quickly and accurately diagnose and prevent diseases, medical imaging is also used to diagnose and treat chronic conditions. And as medical technology advances, more and more people are choosing to undergo scans to help ease their pain. According to a Pew Research Center study, in 2000, just 3.3% of people aged 45 to 65 went to the hospital for non-emergency medical scans. But by 2014, that figure had jumped to 11.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) has been around for a while, but it's getting closer and closer to becoming an everyday tool. Already, doctors can use VR to practice giving an injection to a patient.
However, VR isn't just about medicine and treatment. In some ways, it can be used to educate people about sexual health. The team at Ann Arbor Clinical Skills was so impressed with how VR helped them better understand the human body that they're now using the technology to show how penile tissue regenerates. "Doctors are stuck in the medical world," says digital media specialist Michael Wassel. "They can't leave. But virtual reality, they can be more accessible to the public."
One such example is the Stem, a three-dimensional exercise tool that gives users an easy-to-use way to understand bone tissue.
Conclusion
The technology has been greatly changed the world in which we live. As technology continues to evolve, our society will continue to experience these developments. Some are obvious changes — like cell phones and Facebook. Others, like virtual reality and the AI behind self-driving cars, are less obvious but will affect our lives in far more meaningful ways.
Image Source: Flickr.
Disclaimer: This is a curated post. These are statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are for the authors' and contributors only and not for the imwire or its editors. This article was initially published here.
Additional Disclosure: I am an engineer with an MBA who works in the technology industry.
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