The global pandemic COVID – 19 has shaken the world at its core, throwing several people under significant health crises. Nowadays more than ever, technology has to step in to maintain a database on the effect of COVID – 19 in various methods including health, lifestyle, livelihood, etc. Technology has proven to be an asset in the healthcare field for several years now, although it is not increasing as fast as the necessities demand. This is owing to the complex situations in different regions, societies, and people, and special conditions like war.
Artificial Intelligence Development Company says that Smartwatches that can identify a heart attack, AI to detect cancer at an early stage, using robots in the operation theaters, customize medication based on an individual's genetic and biological makeup, and edit genes to fix defects, are just some of the examples of technological advances in the past few years.
Here are some of the top technical breakthroughs in healthcare.
1. Detecting Depression with Smartphones
With abundant facilities available for physical healthcare, mental health is still taboo around the world. Depression impacts almost 300 million people all over the world every year. Suicide is the second highest reason for death in people ages 15-29.
A company in California, Mindstrong, has enabled smartphones to detect depression by how people tap and scroll through their phones. It was taken a step further by a chatbot called Woebot, which used conversational artificial intelligence to support in treating depression. The trials have been successful and the future seems promising.
2. Fixing Doctor Appointments to Detecting Cancer
How satisfied are we to discuss personal health with AI in a similar way? In May 2018, Google CEO Sundar Pichai produced a popular presentation on how AI will call and fix doctor appointments, and in 2019 spoke about Google’s AI detecting cardiovascular problems.
These services are now presented by several other companies like Watson Health by IBM, Babylon Health, and much more.
3. Blockchain in Healthcare
Information in the healthcare system has been scattered across several platforms, often leading to miscommunication or a lack of accessibility to patients or doctors. For instance, Boston alone has 26 different platforms for different critical healthcare information in different languages.
Blockchain decentralizes it and delivers transparency and autonomy of information to the patients. Micropayments like rewards for following proper and regular healthcare have been on the rise as well.
Although the government has to allow for a complete change from EMR, blockchain seems to be the only way to address the current discrepancies. Although there are several myths around blockchain, owners earn control of their own information, specifically in a sensitive industry like healthcare.
4. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
IoMT or Healthcare IoT solutions development involves connecting software appliances and medical infrastructure and building a network among all medical facilities and IT systems. IoMT decreases hospital visits and eases the job of medical specialists by maintaining the network between them and the patients.
The present market contains more wearables and monitors on the body at home and in hospital settings. As the patients progress, their real-time locations are updated and their activities are recorded accordingly.
A straightforward example of IoMT is a fitness wristband counting the number of steps connected to the smartphone, and this data can be shared with the medical expert, who can direct health guidance with the gathered data analytics dashboard development across a report to the patient. IoT software development solutions increase the possibilities of precision in treatment.
5. Editing Defective Genes
Genetic diseases are more than 10,000 in number. Some genetic conditions that used to be considered fatal can be cured by mutating the genes and preventing them from being transferred to the next generation.
Sickle cell anemia was the disease that created a breakthrough in gene alteration. In this, a genetic mutation inside RBC prevents blood circulation, which may even lead to stroke or death. The patient’s stem cells are taken and the defective genes are released in the laboratory and presented back in their body.
The future looks bright for technology in healthcare. conversational artificial intelligence solutions evolving the first line of healthcare, sensors. AR/VR technology, Quantum computing in decision making, and 5G technology allowing faster downloads and accommodating more data are some of the future applications waiting to dominate the market.