It’s hard to believe, but healthcare is about to experience another huge shift. In the next 10 years, there will be massive advances in technology and biotech that will change how we access and receive care. Here are five healthcare advances you can expect to become commonplace:
Technology Advances Driving Health Outcomes
1. The dramatic increase in the use of AI
Artificial Intelligence is advancing at a rapid pace, so it’s no surprise that it’s finding its way into healthcare. On the macro scale, AI’s deep learning algorithms are scanning millions of health records to uncover disease trends and the most effective treatments. These will inform hospital and government programs on the best investments they can make to improve public health.
On the personal side, AI will surpass doctors’ ability to detect many diseases. Everything from reading patient x-rays to diagnosing mental health conditions will be done more accurately by machines.
This doesn’t mean we’ll all be replaced by robots, but AI will help free up doctors’ time so they can focus on more complex cases and provide better care.
2. The rise of virtual reality
Virtual reality is already being used for everything from training new surgeons to providing therapy for patients with PTSD, phobias and chronic pain. As the technology improves, it will become a more common approach to care.
One big advance will be using virtual reality as a tool for remote surgery. This will enable surgeons to operate on patients in other parts of the country or even the world. The first successful remote surgery was performed in 2001, but the technology has come a long way since then.
3. Telemedicine will become the norm
Telemedicine is already becoming more popular. In the next decade, it will become commonplace. This is because it’s more convenient and often more affordable than traditional in-person care.
We saw its benefits during the Covid pandemic lockdowns when hospitals were overloaded and in-person visits became risky. Health systems learned basic care could easily be handled remotely via a video call. AI also will begin monitoring these calls to help the doctor gather information like respiration rate, eye dilation, skin conditions and more to help diagnosis.
With advances in technology, you also will be able to consult with specialists from anywhere in the world and receive a broader spectrum of care. All without ever leaving your home.
Biotech Advances will Bring Care to the Genetic Level
4. Genetic sequencing of patients
The use of cutting-edge technology such as genetic sequencing and machine-learning algorithms allows researchers to gain new insights into diseases and create innovative treatments that were not previously possible. For example, through advanced sequencing techniques, doctors can now better understand how and why certain individuals are more prone to certain diseases.
5. Personalized medicines
Armed with with this knowledge, doctors will tailor treatments to a patient’s unique genetic profile, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced side effects. The potential benefits of these targeted therapies are wide-ranging, from new treatment options for rare diseases to more effective cancer prevention strategies.
Additionally, there has been much progress made in developing new diagnostic tools that can help clinicians better identify risk factors and disease markers, allowing them to provide a more targeted approach to care.
Overall, it is clear that technology and biotech advancements will continue to drive dramatic improvements in the healthcare landscape in the years ahead. These advances will not only make healthcare more effective and efficient, but also more accessible and affordable for everyone.
