We often hear the phrase “double-edged sword” when talking about new and emerging technologies. For example, any praise applied to the benefits that smartphones have brought to our lives is usually followed by audible concerns about their potential to destroy concentration spans or adversely affect children. Any celebration of electric cars for helping with global CO2 emissions is closely followed by concerns about the environmental impact of their batteries. And so on. The situation is usually the same within the world of healthcare.
The reason for this is that the novelty of new technologies often blinds us to their potential drawbacks, which are only noticed once the technology starts to be used. Another reason is that commerce and healthcare are, far too often in the U.S., conflated. Many Americans have serious reservations about the price of prescription medication, and they are not at all convinced that all this extra revenue is actually leading to the research that brings us revolutionary new treatments and drugs. In fact, it could even be said that the big pharma debate has made us somewhat cynical toward medical science and what it produces. This is a great shame.
The Impact of Emerging Technologies
There is no doubt though that the forefront of medical research is currently playing host to several emerging technologies that are full of promise. Pure intentions in the world of medical science may often seem to be compromised by the imperative to make a profit, but we can indeed identify the emerging technologies that seem certain to make a positive impact.
Health Jobs Nationwide, a healthcare jobs recruitment service, notes that many of these new technologies will have a positive impact on the job market too. The market would benefit from new healthcare roles surrounding this technology, such as technicians to operate new machinery or surgeons trained in the new types of operations this machinery makes possible. The advent of telehealth has also opened all sorts of new healthcare roles.
The Coming Technologies
So, the best way to get an overview of just what new and advanced technology has in store and how it will impact the healthcare world is to look at a few examples. Each of the following technologies are just around the proverbial corner (if not already here) and each is sure to have a revolutionary and positive impact.
Gene Editing
Gene editing sounds a lot like science fiction (and not a little sinister), but it is one area of medical science that has enormous potential. Genetically modified organisms can be created in order to spread positive genetic variations throughout a population. This has the potential, for example, to eliminate a range of genetically determined diseases and conditions.
AI Exoskeletons
For those who are paralyzed, a combination of AI, neurotechnology, and robotics gives hope for movement. Advanced robotic exoskeletons are currently being developed, which could end up being a “miracle” for patients with paraplegia. They could also help stroke victims and those with other degenerative conditions.
AI Diagnosis
There has recently been researching conducted with AI mammography machines that detected a number of pathologic conditions that were missed by human analysts. AI is now believed to have revolutionary potential within the field of diagnosis and patient care.
When it comes to healthcare, there is no sentimentality about the past. It has always been one area in which the latest scientific breakthroughs are always welcomed and appreciated. Given the technologies that now seem to be just around the corner, it appears as if we can look forward to welcoming many more life-saving breakthroughs.
