Emerging Technology in Health

In today's post, we will be talking about emerging technologies in the 21st century that has or will redefine health care.

1. E-prescribing 

With electronic prescribing, or “e-Prescribing,” health care providers can enter prescription information into a computer device – like a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer – and securely transmit the prescription to pharmacies using a special software program and connectivity to a transmission network. 

When a pharmacy receives a request, he/she can begin filling the medication right away.

The Benefits of e-Prescribing

e-Prescribing can:

• Help improve health care quality and patient safety by reducing medication errors and checking for drug interactions

• Make care more convenient by allowing providers to electronically request prescription refills.

In short, e-Prescribing is more convenient, cheaper, and safer for doctors, pharmacies, and patients.

What do you think about e-prescribing

2. Artificial Pancreas

In 2014 researchers at Yale University announced  the first successful trial of an ‘ artificial  pancreas ’ controlled by an iPhone. Fifty-two  diabetics took part in the experiment. Each patient had a tiny sensor and a tiny pump implanted in his or her stomach. 

The pump was connected to small tubes of insulin and glucagon, two  hormones that together regulate sugar levels in the blood. 

The sensor constantly measured the sugar  level, transmitting the data to an iPhone. 

The iPhone hosted an application that analysed the information, and whenever necessary gave orders to the pump, which injected measured amounts of either insulin or glucagon – without any need of human intervention.

3. Wearable Tech

Many other people who suffer from no serious  illnesses have begun to use wearable sensors and computers to monitor their health and activities.  

The devices – incorporated into anything from smartphones and wristwatches to armbands and underwear – record diverse biometric data such as blood pressure. The data is then fed into sophisticated computer programs, which advise you how to change your diet and daily routines so as to enjoy improved health and a longer and more  productive life. 

Google, together with the drug giant Novartis, are developing a contact lens that  checks glucose levels in the blood every few  seconds, by testing tear contents.

Pixie Scientific sells ‘ smart diapers ’that analyse baby poop for clues about the baby’s medical condition.  

Microsoft has launched the Microsoft Band in November 2014 – a smart armband that monitors among other things your heart beat, the quality of your sleep and the number of steps you take each day. An application called Deadline goes a step further, telling you how many years of life you have left, given your current habits .

4. Microparticulate oxygen pump 

A nanoparticulate oxygen pump that can be injected into the bloodstream to keep patient deprived of oxygen alive.