Few areas are as innovative and influential as technology and healthcare, where new discoveries are made every day. However, when you combine the two, the potential for life-changing innovations seems endless. With the latest technology, health organizations can work more efficiently and provide better care. 

key Trends: Diagnostic and medical instruments. Convergence of artificial intelligence and digital health technologies; Focus on cyber security for the Internet of Things (IoMT); New surgical methods and increasing use of robotics; And expand drug delivery with a focus on reusable devices.

All of these trends largely continued over the years, as expected. An insight of 2021 and hope to live after Covid, we consider the other long-term effects of this pandemic on the healthcare and medical technology world.

The key effects of 2021:

• Increasing demand for consumables and protective fans
• Cancel non-emergency procedures
• Expand diagnostic test facilities
• Accelerate Digital Health / Deliver Remote Health
• Increase funding for vaccine research

With the aim of tracking and controlling this virus, governments around the world have become one of the leading innovators in research. In its most basic form, this includes the purchase of large diagnostic equipment, reagents and testing equipment, but the government has entered the innovation sector by donating to new technologies related to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. By In May 2020, the European Commission approved 117 million euros in grants for Medtech related projects COVID-19. This is expected to continue as the government seeks to find solutions to some of the problems facing their health. work.

What is also important is the rapid adoption of new tests and treatment modalities. In the United States, the FDA has provided an increased number of emergency use permits (EUA) for new devices in exchange with EU regulators.

A new trend in pharmaceutical robotics is nanotechnology or microbots. These tiny robots can range from 1 millimeter to about a centimeter. One researcher, Dr Kang Liang of the University of South Wales in Australia, is working on programmed microrobots that would be sufficient to penetrate the capillaries of the human body. Once there, these robots can repair damaged tissue or attack bacteria or dangerous diseases, including cancer. The ultimate goal? To collect microbots in the form of pills, a patient in need of treatment should swallow the pill and program robots begin to solve the problem, in order to promote treatment.

The global shortage of PPE and ICU equipment in the early days of the pandemic highlighted some global supply chain and inventory system vulnerabilities. With global fares rising by as much as 300%, many companies are rethinking these supply chains and embarking on the process of transferring or outsourcing part of their production. As for the development of new appliances, the majority of appliances are likely to approach the final market, and more clean rooms and investment in high-tech manufacturing are expected to be seen in the United States and Europe.

In addition to wearable devices dedicated to medical devices, consumer wearables such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit fitness trackers are also increasingly used for health monitoring. The current Apple Watch Series 6 has a blood oxygen monitor, although it is not registered as a medical device, it is clear that these devices have all the capabilities to measure these health indicators. Last year, a study with Fitbit wearables was conducted that detected 50% of coronavirus infections one day before symptoms were reported, and whoop wearables were used to monitor patients participating in phase III vaccine studies. Sinopharm COVID-19, reducing costs and contact needed to monitor trial participants.

Looking ahead over the next few years, it is clear that consumer wearables will increasingly enter the medical realm. Improved availability and functionality will see increased use of wearable devices to encourage active lifestyles and prevent disease, and companies such as UK health insurance provider Vitality Health will offer an Apple Watch and a dedicated tracking app for policy titles. With FDA guidelines on software as a medical device (SaMD) and EU MDR regulations, it is likely that more consumer wearables will be classified as medical devices.

Similarly with medical devices worn, artificial intelligence (AI) is not a new phenomenon, but technology is advancing faster than ever. AI and machine learning technology are changing health as they are used to diagnose and diagnose diseases, diagnose processes and develop performance both in the laboratory and in the laboratory.

The FDA believes AI and machine learning have great potential to deliver even customized drugs and treatments targeted to patients. For this reason, they have developed guidelines to encourage the development of digital healthcare devices, but also to ensure that appropriate monitoring is made as these advances are made.

Do you think virtual reality is only for video games and movies? Think again. “Relevant truths”, including virtual reality, embedded truth and mixed truth, have found their way to health. According to a BIS study, the global augmented reality with virtual reality in the healthcare market is expected to reach $ 11.4 billion by 2025. These tools are widely used in surgical surgery, as well as in full-time patient care.

Virtual reality, or VR, is used during psychotherapy and demonstrates promise in the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even eating disorders. Virtual reality works by using content designed to support exposure therapy, in which patients reveal stressors that cause stress in the memory environment and management. During this treatment, patients learn that the “fear” they perceive is not really dangerous, so their reaction is appropriate to the situation.

Augmented Reality, or AR, helps surgeons, their patients, and even families of patients. AR allows surgeons to collect data in 3D, making it easier to organize surgery and treat patients. It also helps providers explain medical conditions and complex procedures to patients and their families. In addition, AR has the potential to improve the way doctors conduct medical and scientific examinations.

Combined reality, or MR, works the same way AR. It is an extension of the embedded reality that allows real and virtual objects to interact with the environment. Using MRI, doctors can collect complex image information and complex eye health data, both before and during the procedure. It is another way to help caregivers provide quality and unique care.

The future of healthcare is here and it is driven by technology. Artificial intelligence and telemedicine, once more conceptual than practical, are becoming standard tools for reaching people in health-safe social distancing. Innovations with a longer history, such as virtual reality and wearable healthcare devices, are also evolving to meet the needs of both providers and patients.

We can't be sure what will happen next, but you can be sure Penrod will have the key information you need to keep up. Augmented reality, or AR, helps surgeons, their patients, and even patients' families. AR allows surgeons to collect data in 3D format, which helps plan surgery and patient treatment. It also helps providers explain complex medical situations and procedures to patients and their families. Additionally, AR has the potential to improve the way doctors conduct medical and scientific research.

Mixed reality, or MR, works in a similar way to AR. It is an extension of augmented reality that allows real and virtual elements to interact in an environment. With MRI, doctors can gather key information about complex visual medical images and data, both before and during procedures. It's another way to help providers deliver exceptional and efficient care.