Technology in Healthcare

There’s no denying that technology is rapidly changing the world around us and healthcare is no exception. In Q1 2016, digital health funding in the US reached $981.3 million, an almost 50% year-over-year growth and the highest first quarter ever documented, according to a new Rock Health report. As we become more accustomed to technology permeating almost every other aspect of our lives, accepting and demanding the incorporation of digital innovation into our healthcare systems seems like the logical progression. According to experts, the top 3 health technology innovations that will revolutionize healthcare in the years to come include:

1. Virtual reality (VR) – Expect to see virtual reality incorporated into physician training and CME in the years ahead – according to a Decision Resources Group study, 18% of U.S. physicians have used VR professionally, 60% are interested in using VR for training and CME, and more than 50% would like to use the technology in an educational setting.

2. Nanotechnology – The global nanomedicine market is expected to reach $528 billion by 2019. The biggest barrier in nanotechnology is developing manufacturing processes to provide nanomedicines on an industrial scale.

3. 3D printing – medical device and drug makers alike have embraced 3D printing as a way of personalizing treatment in a more cost effective manner. According to a Deloitte report, 3D-printed prosthetic hands and arms could cost between $100 and $200, compared to up to $50,000 for conventional prosthetics.