- How is technology increasingly used in healthcare beyond electronic health records (HER)? Give some examples.
- Would you personally participate in robot assisted/telesurgery as a patient or a medical professional? Why or why not?
Resources
20 Examples Of IoT Wearables Technology Disrupting Healthcare – Avenga
How Do Neural Implants Work? – IEEE Spectrum
Can “Internet-of-Body” Thwart Cyber Attacks on Implanted Medical Devices? – IEEE Spectrum
Medical Device Hacking Worldwide: Part 2 – Orange Matter
How is technology increasingly used in healthcare beyond Electronic Health Records (EHR)?
Technology is transforming healthcare in numerous ways beyond EHR, improving patient care, diagnostics, treatment, and overall efficiency. Here are some key examples:
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Wearable Technology & IoT Devices: Devices like smartwatches, continuous glucose monitors, and fitness trackers help monitor vital signs, detect early warning signs of health issues, and encourage preventive care.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning: AI-driven diagnostic tools assist in interpreting medical imaging (e.g., detecting tumors in MRIs), predicting disease outbreaks, and streamlining administrative tasks.
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Robotic Surgery: Systems like the da Vinci Surgical System enhance precision in minimally invasive surgeries, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
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Telesurgery & Remote Monitoring: Surgeons can perform procedures remotely using robotic systems, while patients with chronic illnesses can be monitored at home using IoT devices, reducing hospital visits.
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Neural Implants & Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI): Devices like cochlear implants and deep brain stimulators help treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and even paralysis.
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3D Printing in Medicine: Prosthetics, custom implants, and even bioprinted tissues/organs are being developed using 3D printing technology.
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Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: As healthcare devices become more connected, cybersecurity measures are evolving to prevent hacking and protect patient data.
2. Would you personally participate in robot-assisted/telesurgery as a patient or a medical professional? Why or why not?
As a Patient:
I would consider robot-assisted surgery if it was performed by an experienced surgeon using a proven system. Robot-assisted procedures often result in less blood loss, reduced infection risk, smaller incisions, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery. However, I would be cautious about telesurgery, as it depends heavily on internet connectivity, cybersecurity, and real-time precision.
As a Medical Professional:
If I were a healthcare provider, I would be open to using robotic-assisted surgery due to its greater accuracy, minimized human error, and ability to reach hard-to-access areas. However, I would ensure proper training and be mindful of potential technical failures or ethical concerns (e.g., liability in case of malfunction).