From the discovery of penicillin to organ transplants to the latest stem cell treatments and robotic surgeons, technology has enabled humans to live longer, healthier lives. A decade from now, what breaking trends and technologies will change the way we approach our own health and how doctors provide care? In this week’s Check-Up, we power up the Flux Capacitor, hit the accelerator in the DeLorean, and take a look at what Digital Health will be like…in the future.
Tablets in the Exam Room
While hospitals have made laptops and tablet computers available to doctors for years, many of these machines were heavy, had short battery life and interfaces designed for a mouse and keyboard. Today’s tablets have changed this dynamic as they can accompany a physician throughout the day without running out of juice or being a burden to carry around. These characteristics have made tablets a convenient way for doctors to show patients x-ray images, explain disease and, perhaps most importantly, access medical records without leaving the patient’s side. This year, several hospitals began providing tablets to physicians on a trial basis. Ten years later, physicians won’t know how they used to get around without using a tablet.
Telepresence and Remote Surgery
Many patients are willing to travel to world-renowned hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic to consult with their highly skilled physicians and undergo specialized procedures. In ten years, however, it won’t always be necessary to travel for consultations or surgery. Robotic telepresence will enable physicians to remotely communicate with patients via mobile platforms that boast two-way audio and video communications capability. In the meantime, robot surgeons will continue to evolve and become the preferred instrument for an increasing variety of procedures. This year physicians in Canada performed the first all-robot surgery, where robots (guided by a surgical team) administered anesthesia and performed a prostatectomy. A decade from now, high speed data connections will enable surgeons to perform similar procedures for patients around the world – without having to travel.
Patient Directed Medical Records
Even today, as many hospitals are making the leap from paper medical records to digital records, many patients may have no idea what is in “their file.” A number of personal health platforms, including Google Health, Microsoft HealthVault (client) and Keas provide ways for individuals to keep track of information like current and past medications, health problems, recent procedures, test results and much more. This presents a significant change in the way medical records are managed. In 2020, most people will be well versed in managing their personal information online through platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn (client). Taking a more active role in managing their personal health information will be as natural as posting to a friend’s wall or adding a professional contact to their network.
Expanding Role of Genomics
Currently services like 23andMe provide direct-to-consumer genetic testing that allows consumers to learn more about their risk of various diseases and discuss their findings with other members of the site. While this information may help some people understand whether they are vulnerable for certain diseases, it is not yet accurate enough to be widely used for diagnostic purposes. However, in ten years the cost for sequencing an individual’s genome will be affordable for many people, and will provide a far more precise look at what diseases a person may be at risk for. This will give rise to a new field of preventative medicine, as genetic counselors interpret genome data and work with patients on strategies to minimize health risks.
Image credit: isemantics
