As we know Health care is the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions.
Broadly speaking, the term “medical technology” can be used to refer to the procedures, equipment, and processes by which medical care is delivered. Examples of changes in technology would include new medical and surgical procedures (e.g., angioplasty, joint replacements), drugs (e.g., biologic agents), medical devices (e.g., CT scanners, implantable defibrillators), and new support systems (e.g., electronic medical records and transmission of information, telemedicine). There is very little in the field of medicine that does not use some type of medical technology and that has not been affected by new technology.
Heart disease and its consequence, heart attack, is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and a good example of how new technology has changed the treatment and prevention of a disease over time. In the 1970s, cardiac care units were introduced, lidocaine was used to manage irregular heartbeat, beta-blockers were used to lower blood pressure in the first 3 hours after a heart attack, “clot buster” drugs began to be widely used, and coronary artery bypass surgery became more prevalent. In the 1980s, blood-thinning agents were used after a heart attack to prevent reoccurrences, beta-blocker therapy evolved from short-term therapy immediately after a heart attack to maintenance therapy, and angioplasty (minimally invasive surgery) was used after heart attack patients were stable. In the 1990s, more effective drugs were introduced to inhibit clot formation, angioplasty was used for treatment and revascularization along with stents to keep blood vessels open, cardiac rehabilitation programs were implemented sooner, and implantable cardiac defibrillators were used in certain patients with irregular heartbeats. In the 2000s, better tests became available to diagnose heart attack, drug-eluting stents were used, and new drug strategies were developed (aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins) for long-term management of heart attack and potential heart attack patients. From 1980-2000, the overall mortality rate from heart attack fell by almost half, from 345.2 to 186.0 per 100,000 persons.
Another example of how advances in technology have changed health outcomes over time is in the treatment of pre-term babies, for which very little could be done in 1950. But by 1990, changes in technology, including special ventilators, artificial pulmonary surfactant to help infant lungs develop, neonatal intensive care, and steroids for mother and/or baby, helped decrease mortality to one-third its 1950 level, with an overall increase in life expectancy of about 12 years per low-birthweight baby.
I do agree and ofcourse the advances in technology will also make an advance in Healthcare and so saves more lifes. Technology has also discovered more diseases and their cures, But some of the medications are expensive and some people will not be able to afford it. There are public Hospitals which uses some of this new technology and so the new technology did not only help rich people but in one way or another all kind of incomes of people. The more technology introduced in Healthcare will save more lifes and cost will decrease and so more people will be able to afford it. So what do you think of the increase of technology in healthcare?
REFERENCE
http://www.kff.org/insurance/snapshot/chcm030807oth.cfm
Broadly speaking, the term “medical technology” can be used to refer to the procedures, equipment, and processes by which medical care is delivered. Examples of changes in technology would include new medical and surgical procedures (e.g., angioplasty, joint replacements), drugs (e.g., biologic agents), medical devices (e.g., CT scanners, implantable defibrillators), and new support systems (e.g., electronic medical records and transmission of information, telemedicine). There is very little in the field of medicine that does not use some type of medical technology and that has not been affected by new technology.
Heart disease and its consequence, heart attack, is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and a good example of how new technology has changed the treatment and prevention of a disease over time. In the 1970s, cardiac care units were introduced, lidocaine was used to manage irregular heartbeat, beta-blockers were used to lower blood pressure in the first 3 hours after a heart attack, “clot buster” drugs began to be widely used, and coronary artery bypass surgery became more prevalent. In the 1980s, blood-thinning agents were used after a heart attack to prevent reoccurrences, beta-blocker therapy evolved from short-term therapy immediately after a heart attack to maintenance therapy, and angioplasty (minimally invasive surgery) was used after heart attack patients were stable. In the 1990s, more effective drugs were introduced to inhibit clot formation, angioplasty was used for treatment and revascularization along with stents to keep blood vessels open, cardiac rehabilitation programs were implemented sooner, and implantable cardiac defibrillators were used in certain patients with irregular heartbeats. In the 2000s, better tests became available to diagnose heart attack, drug-eluting stents were used, and new drug strategies were developed (aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins) for long-term management of heart attack and potential heart attack patients. From 1980-2000, the overall mortality rate from heart attack fell by almost half, from 345.2 to 186.0 per 100,000 persons.
Another example of how advances in technology have changed health outcomes over time is in the treatment of pre-term babies, for which very little could be done in 1950. But by 1990, changes in technology, including special ventilators, artificial pulmonary surfactant to help infant lungs develop, neonatal intensive care, and steroids for mother and/or baby, helped decrease mortality to one-third its 1950 level, with an overall increase in life expectancy of about 12 years per low-birthweight baby.
I do agree and ofcourse the advances in technology will also make an advance in Healthcare and so saves more lifes. Technology has also discovered more diseases and their cures, But some of the medications are expensive and some people will not be able to afford it. There are public Hospitals which uses some of this new technology and so the new technology did not only help rich people but in one way or another all kind of incomes of people. The more technology introduced in Healthcare will save more lifes and cost will decrease and so more people will be able to afford it. So what do you think of the increase of technology in healthcare?
REFERENCE
http://www.kff.org/insurance/snapshot/chcm030807oth.cfm
13 comments:
Technology in health care has grown , back in the old days people would use traditional methods to solve disease and other medicinal problems and people would be afraid of using technology in medicine because they are afraid that the machine would not be precise but in the 21st century such as Surgery is often fraught with risk. It is generally perceived that the risks of these are because of anesthesia risk, long stay in hospital (where cross infections could be hazardous) and size of incisions.
Robotic Surgical Systems are becoming prevalent because they offer the potential to reduce the complications of surgery. This basically consists of three interactive robotic arms placed at the operating table, a computer controller and an ergonomically designed surgeon's console. One robotic arm is used to position the endoscope (device for minimal access surgery) and the other two terms manipulate surgical instruments.
The surgeon's arms and hands have been improved in the robotic arms and this results in precise, minimally invasive surgical procedures. The surgeon continuously views the Operation Site in 2 or 3 Dimensions and operates this device continuously using voice commands.
The above techniques began with minor surgeries but has quickly progressed to major surgeries including gall bladder removals, pacemaker implantation etc and it is estimated that over 70% of all surgeries will be performed in a minimally invasive manner, which will ensure that patients are exposed to less risk in surgical interventions.
New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems enable the surgeon to see inside the body in real time. Needle biopsies and catheters can be under MRI guidance and this is often used to administer laser therapy in situ to destroy local tumors. This is effective and safer than irradiating the entire area with radiation.
So you see the technology that has impact on medicine today is quite remarkable.
taken from:http://www.pharmabiz.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=22231§ionid=46)
Can i ask a question? Anuar, you seems like know a lots of medical's things. Why don't you quit business and take medical as your course? Just a suggestion, hope you don't mind.
Technology have bring a lots of convinence to human. For example, a got a Malay friends that have broke his arm while he is playing football. After some medical treatment and surgeon, he could move and use his arm like nothing has happen. Imagine! That is technology.
Advanced technology really give impact in health care, these day people break their neck then after surgery they walk out from hospital and act like nothing happen with them. Technology so advanced and easier for people to more concern about their health, such as: nowadays people can have digital home health control to monitoring their wellness services and have online consultations.
Technology development new concepts, procedures and devices associated with the use of technology in medicine are presented to a readership with a widespread background in engineering and/or medicine.
Health information technologies can be tools that help individuals maintain their health through better management of their health information. Health information technologies will help consumers gather all of their health information in one place so they can thoroughly understand it and share it securely with their health care providers so they get the care that best fits their individual needs.
Technology growth give the advantage and disadvantage of health,as we know the technology help us to find the thealth problem and the same time technology make some problem with our health,examle when you play computer long time you feel uncomfortable about your neck.
Nour, mouf.Technology advancement in health care to me is the most essential of all technology.It provides the opportunity to transform health care and improve patient safety by better leveraging information technology to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of our healthcare system. But adoption has been slow, and the results have been mixed. If deployed incorrectly, without well conceived process improvements, IT systems can do just the reverse, leading to critical delays or mistakes. Cultural roadblocks within organizations are the most common reason that health care technology projects fail.
Increase in health care technology is great. Technologies can do wonders and to a certain extent, MIRACLE. Technologies save lives that never had been saved before the 20th century like cancer patients. These high-end technologies are invented for extreme cases of health care where immediate attention is needed. However, it applies a lot for many rich people due to the money that they have, but for people who are not capable to provide the fund, they might die. Having good technologies is one thing but charging a high price for a life is another.
Well, it seems that you have given the whole advantages, so let me just give my opinions as the disadvantages of improvement of technology on health care.
Nowadays the world has encountered to the shortage of food and the unlimited wants that must be utilized by the governments. The demand pull inflation has slides the countries in to stagflation due to the shortages of the food. Just take a look at the streets, thousands of young people are around, just imagine 30 years latter. These people will be added to the senior people who are contributing the middle ages of the society. There will be too much of population who got the unlimited wants, too much of advanced technology to cure them and increase keep their life. In my opinion increasing the average of age and keeping people (which is occurred by improved technology) is not that good, since we don’t want to see the 100 year old still contributing in the society and take the place, food and money of the new generations. It sounds really tough but unfortunately I have to say my opinion: giving the chance to people to live longer is disaster due to the scarce resources. That’s why I’m not that pro technology person in some cases.
Yes, of course advancement in technology plays a vital role in Healthcare. Today improving healthcare and staying healthy is one of the most discussed and important issues in our society. Technology has played and will play an important role in many aspects of the healthcare system, and it offers new and better ways to solve the key health problems of the new century. Browsing on the internet in came through this article which shows understanding Technology advancement to play a vital role in Healthcare, newly elected president of United States Sen. Barack Obama’s administration will invest $10 billion a year over the next five years to move the U.S. health care system to broad adoption of standards-based electronic health information systems, including electronic health records. They will also phase in standards for full implementation of health IT and commit the necessary federal resources to make it happen.
Article Source:- http://www.spineuniverse.com/article/presidential-election-health-care-questions-4462.html
Yes,I do agree that technology have grown the health care.But sometimes,with one careless mistakes it can take the life of a patient.Therefore,the user of these technologies which is usually Doctors will need to know well about these technologies.
For example, Wiscousin Technology Network mentioned that 'We have the opportunity to transform health care and improve patient safety by better leveraging information technology to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of our health care system. But adoption has been slow, and the results have been mixed. If deployed incorrectly, without well conceived process improvements, IT systems can do just the reverse, leading to critical delays or mistakes. Cultural roadblocks within organizations are the most common reason that health care technology projects fail'.
http://wistechnology.com/articles/2961/
Nevertheless,almost all the treatment that we get in the hospitals and clinics uses TECHNOLOGY.Therefore, technology does important in health care but people have to realized that life is not depended only on the TECHNOLOGIES but Faith and Belief to the ONE.
Technology has improved and enhanced the health care only in positive ways…Like our friend Nimesh mentioned “it offers new and better ways to solve the key health problems of the new century”.
Technology has impacted in developments of new vital medicines, clinical devices and many other aspects which have helped to cure millions of lives...Unlike Brad I am pro technology type a person!!!
Technology will save health care, and it’s true that IT is quickly becoming a medical resource: Google, which recently launched an online medical records service, claims that online search is where consumers turn first for health information. Computerization can eliminate much of the 30 percent of medical costs that are due to inefficiency, according to Dr. Dean Ornish, founder of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute. And advanced diagnostics will encourage prevention and reduce costly reactive treatment.
Two weeks ago, a small green box showed up in my mail. Inside was a “spit kit” my wife had ordered me from DNA sequencing startup 23andme. Within a few minutes, I’d completed and returned the sample. In a few weeks, I’ll be able to analyze my DNA online. What if I find something I don’t like?
Thanks to technology, such diagnostics are now within the reach of consumers. As more people test themselves, doctors and insurers may face the additional burden of just-in-case surgery and a “previvor” mentality. So, will technology cure health care, or kill it?
Normally, doctors prescribe tests when patients report symptoms. Occasionally, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force decides to recommend blanket testing, particularly for diseases that are hard to detect until they’re fairly advanced. Sometimes the task force actually recommends against testing, partly because treating the condition is unlikely to prolong life. But increasingly, we can ignore their advice and just test ourselves.
The cost of diagnostics is dropping fast, particularly for DNA. 23andme’s service recently fell from $999 to $399. “We always knew the technology cost would drop,” said Linda Avey, the company’s co-founder. “The decline in genotyping costs surpasses that of Moore’s Law.”
Testing can get as low as $60, as Familybuilder recently showed. Founded in 2007, the company received a $1.5M Series A funding from DN Capital in February 2008. While the company only analyzes enough DNA to trace genealogy, it stores the raw samples for two years, so CEO Ilya Nikolayev hasn’t ruled out the possibility of selling additional analysis to customers in future.
By slashing prices, DNA-testing companies hope to build big databases of customers’ DNA sequences. For Familybuilder, this means more chances to find its clients’ relatives. For 23andme, it means better research. “It’s about getting statistical power,” said Avey. “As we get enough people with a certain phenotype, we can get them to enter data on when they contracted the disease and what drugs they’re on, and we can do genome-wide studies.”
But will widespread diagnostics increase the burden on healthcare? Somewhere between 10 and 50 percent of autopsies reveal diseases other than the one that killed the patient. If consumers test themselves, then tell their doctors, the medical system could wind up treating 50 percent more diseases than it does today — even those that wouldn’t have killed the patient.
Avey believes some patients will want to get tested for everything, but says she hopes that their doctor will be there to talk to them about it. “The data isn’t that definitive. Your risk [of having a disease] might be 12 percent, someone else’s 8 percent,” she points out. Understanding these finer points of diagnostic analysis is something medical professionals are trained to do, and a skill most of us lack.
DNA testing has also raised concerns that insurers or employers might use a person’s knowledge of genetic conditions against them, but recent legislation makes this illegal. According to Avey, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, passed in May, says that if you know about your genetics, your insurer and employer can’t discriminate based on that knowledge. The FDA is watching consumer diagnostics closely: It recently sent a warning to Laboratory Corporation of America that one of its customers, Ovasure, is illegally marketing a DNA test for ovarian cancer without the administration’s approval.
Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andme and wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, says she thinks widespread DNA research will help, not harm, the medical system by encouraging prevention. “17 percent of [U.S.] GDP goes to health care but we need a radical change,” she said. “We are a country that has really been focused on reactive care; now, we’re at an inflection point where we’re transitioning to a preventative model.” She points out that DNA research can also improve treatment by showing which medication will work best for a particular genotype.
Advances in technology may well strain the healthcare system. But in the end, they may also be our best hope for fixing it.
http://gigaom.com/2008/10/21/will-technology-cure-health-care-or-kill-it/
Technology is not improving only in one field. Technology in medical is also improving day by day and it grows rapidly. Scientists are inventing many medicines to save peoples life and they can do it for technology. Without technology we can not imagine improves in medical also. technology improves health care quality, prevent medical errors, reduce health care costs, increase administrative efficiencies, decrease paper work and expand access to affordable care.
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