PSFK, a trends research and innovation company, recently prepared a report for Unicef titled “The Future of Health” in which they explore how advances in technology are impacting healthcare for the masses, particularly in less developed markets. PSFK also invited several leading advertising and design agencies to imagine solutions for healthcare in emerging countries by responding to a creative brief from Unicef that identified their key challenges.
The first half of the report details 15 trends that will impact health and wellness around the world, and the second half showcases the agencies’ conceptual ideas for Unicef. As this Check-up only highlights 5 of the global trends, I encourage you to read the full report for additional information.
Distance Learning
The development of faster mobile networks and improved device technology is allowing for an unprecedented level of quality content to be streamed and viewed on handheld devices, enabling “anywhere, anytime” classrooms. For instance, the Berkeley Institute of Design created short videos on maternal health for healthcare workers in India to share through their handhelds, while mobile apps like the Blausen Human Atlas are helping physicians explain conditions.
Handheld Hospital
With the development of mobile applications, peripheral devices and add-ons, patients in remote areas can receive basic services without having to travel to health clinics. One such tool is the Near-Eye Tool for Refractive Assessment project from MIT which provides an eyesight test utilizing the screen of a smartphone. The Japanese firm Scalar Corp has even developed a powerful handheld microscope called the AirMicro that can transmit video to the iPad or iPhone over wireless.
Remote Diagnostics
Web-connected devices are also being used to capture individual health data and communicate it to healthcare professionals virtually anywhere. This allows for distributed care enabling remote diagnoses. The Zargis Telemed platform streams heart and lung sounds using a web-connected stethoscope, while the sensor-equipped headband by Watermark Medical allows for sleep apnea diagnosis from the patient’s own home.
DIY Check-Up
The proliferation of consumer electronics such as mobile phones have allowed individuals to detect early warning signals related to illness or other medical conditions themselves using simple biomedical inputs. By periodically checking their personal wellness, people can better manage their own health before consulting a doctor. One app in development is designed to diagnose respiratory disease using the sound of a cough, and WebMD has created a free app that provides a symptom checker and basic drug and treatment information.
Gaming for Health
In the absence of need, people have a natural tendency to make their decisions based on positive reinforcement. By introducing game mechanics to motivate individuals to make smarter decisions about their health, designers are helping influence and reinforce positive behaviors. Switch2Health is a wearable technology that tracks fitness and provides incentives in promotions and prizes. Bayer has introduced a new blood glucose monitor – Didget – that connects to the Nintendo DS to educate kids with diabetes and rewarding them with virtual currency and access to skills within games.
