Technological innovation is the key to improving human living standards.

This is especially true in healthcare, which is why research is constantly being done to discover ways that up-and-coming technology can be implemented.

In this article, we’ll explore four technologies that are shaping the future of healthcare.

  1. Artificial intelligence

Machine learning is being increasingly applied across a wide variety of industries, including healthcare. With the ability to quickly and accurately extract patterns from data using algorithms, artificial intelligence is able to sift through information more efficiently than healthcare professionals.

Moreover, artificial intelligence programs can process symptoms and patient information to suggest possible diagnoses. A doctor can use these recommendations to narrow down their choices, before referring the patient to a specialist that best fits the case.

In short, by making the use of machine learning widespread, healthcare practitioners will be able to focus on critical tasks that can’t be outsourced to algorithms.

  1. Telecare

Telecare systems are 24/7 monitoring systems that can escalate alarms to responders or emergency services. They’re designed to use a range of environmental sensors such as fire alarms, extreme temperature sensors, flood sensors, door sensors, and a range of personal sensors.

These sensor systems help keep elderly and vulnerable people safe, allowing them to live more independently and enjoy a higher quality of life.

  1. Wearable monitors

Wearable devices already exist that can deliver real-time data such as heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, and activity levels – all of which are light, compact, and convenient. Such devices could give doctors and healthcare practitioners the ability to remotely monitor patients from long distances but would require AAA batteries or some form of rechargeable batteries to keep them functioning.

Yet there’s a huge amount of research being done in this field. And it looks like wearable technology could be the area with the most potential to improve the standard of healthcare available for patients in the future.

More recent breakthroughs include a way for doctors to monitor pregnancy remotely using wearable ultrasound patches, as well as sensors that are able to monitor biomolecules in deep tissues.

  1. Augmented reality

Augmented reality allows us to integrate digital interfaces into the real world. There are several ways in which this technology can be implemented in healthcare, including the following.

  • Providing real-time data: Wearable devices could allow doctors to access patient information on the go while keeping both hands free for manual tasks.
  • Training healthcare staff: In the future, headsets could be used to deliver interactive, hands-on courses to doctors and nurses, enabling greater levels of learner engagement and knowledge retention.
  • Assisting surgery: Using augmented reality during surgery could result in increased dexterity and precision, improving surgeons’ ability to perform complex procedures and facilitating improved performance.

Which technology do you think will make the biggest impact on the standards of healthcare? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.