The innovation in health care is an expanding field, with very promising possibilities.
Even professionals and managers of small units can benefit from this scenario. For this, however, knowing tools already available and their potential is essential.
If you are looking for information about new health technologies and want to know what to expect from innovations in clinics for 2019 and beyond, read on.
Innovation in healthcare: the future of medicine
Health innovations have always been remarkable throughout our history.
Today, for example, a kidney or corneal transplant may sound like something commonplace, but this is a type of procedure that humanity did not even imagine until much of the 20th century.
The first attempt at organ transplantation between humans was recorded in 1933 when Ukrainian surgeon Yurii Voronoy sought an alternative treatment for severe renal failure.
The experiment was unsuccessful, but it set a precedent so that, in the 1950s, organs could be transplanted safely, with rejection combated by immunosuppressive drugs.
Advances in this field continue and, soon, scientists hope to generate efficient organs with the aid of 3D printers.
The same reasoning applies to other health segments, which will be transformed by innovations.
Some of them, such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence, are already a reality in units in several countries.
Advantages of innovation in healthcare
Innovations in the health field represent a series of benefits, both for professionals in the sector and patients and society in general.
Here are the main advantages:
- Cost reduction: based on new technologies, less investment is needed for prevention, consultations, exams, and treatments. An example is the use of the internet for file sharing, which reduces or even eliminates the need for frequent commuting
- Remote patient monitoring: it already happens even in real-time, thanks to the internet
- Time reduction: innovations such as robotic surgery (minimally invasive) result in shorter operating times and reduced scarring. Thus, the patient needs a shorter recovery period
- Higher productivity: teams that rely on innovative technologies can set aside repetitive tasks and dedicate themselves to technical or strategic actions
- Simplicity: innovative tools are built to perform complex activities automatically, facilitating their understanding and handling
- Greater convenience: devices have been developed, for example, to allow patients to carry out their treatment outside health facilities
- Patient autonomy: wearables and applications allow people to monitor their health conditions and perform activities to improve quality of life. This is the case for diabetics, who can reduce their blood sugar from a balanced diet.
With new healthcare technology, it’s important to remember the importance of cybersecurity and data management. Check out the infographic below for more information on why that’s so important and how to implement it!
Infographic provided by MCRA, a global clinical research organization
