Hi! Thanks for the very interesting question.
First of all, the technology that will be presented here could be a
trend in the next 3 years or so but it could also be longer since when
we are discussing the future nothing is for certain, (except for the
first technology trend we will discuss later. Numerous interactions in
economics, research and development and even politics could come into
play either hastening or stopping technology development.
Our first article shall discuss a technology trend whose initial
vendors are already selling software products. In fact this will
immediately address your concerns about “integrated delivery networks”
if not in the world, at least in the US in the next 2 to 3 years.
HIPAA compliance, a government mandated directive that will make
available comprehensive patient data to US doctors nationwide.
“HIPAA compliance will be the biggest business issue the healthcare
industry will face in the next two years, say 77 percent of the
managers. Over the next 12 months, 57 percent say HIPAA compliance
will be a top priority, compared to 45 percent who put a high priority
on deploying Internet technology.”
“The biggest future technology trend may be making physicians more
mobile. The idea of going on rounds with a portable PC that is tapped
wirelessly into the hospital network, or simply having a PDA in the
exam room of a small practice, is catching on. Fifty percent of
technology managers say they will adopt wireless Internet devices
within two years, up from 29 percent last year. Similarly, 47 percent
hope to adopt hand-held PDAs, such as Palm Pilots, within two years,
up from 25 percent last year. Strong interest in speech recognition
(46 percent this year compared to 20 percent last year) also will give
physicians new-found freedom in the workplace.”
Companies and hospitals are already adapting HIPAA driven technologies
but its prevalence will be felt in the next years or so. More kinks
in its security armor must first be addressed before it could sail
smoothly.
For more on the HIPAA you may want to take a look at these articles.
HIPAA USA
http://www.hipaausa.com/overview.html
“The Impact of HIPAA on the Healthcare Industry”
http://www.hipaausa.com/impact.html
“HIPAA Regulations Guide Court in Ordering Patient Privacy Notice”
http://www.benefitslink.com/articles/hipaa010618.shtml
The next technology trends I will mention will be limited to
technologies whose initial stages have been developed so as to have at
least a chance of being felt in the next 3 to 4 years or so.
a. New Telemedicine Technologies
“Telemedicine enables a physician or specialist at one site to deliver
health care, diagnose patients, give intra-operative assistance,
provide therapy, or consult with another physician or paramedical
personnel at a remote site. Telemedicine system consists of customized
medical software integrated with computer hardware, along with medical
diagnostic instruments connected to the commercial VSAT (Very Small
Aperture Terminal) at each location or fibre optics.”
“Third-generation wireless cellular systems will offer video telephony
that can facilitate the transfer of real-time images to help with
communications between a patient or a caregiver and a health-care
professional. Interestingly, this technology offers exactly the kind
of cost effective solutions for the specific needs arise in rural area
situation. Being cost effective, it opens an innovative way to connect
rural areas to the cities that already have connectivity to the
Internet or have resources available on LAN.”
“Some of the existing (or in the process of being developed) disease
surveillance systems are as follows:”
“(a) Electronic Disease Reporting & Management System (EDRMS)”
“(b) Real-time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance (RODS)”
“(c) Lightweight Epidemiological Advanced Detection & Emergency
Response system (LEADERS)”
“Technology trends in telemedicine”
Sushil Chandra
http://www.expresshealthcaremgmt.com/20030228/tech3.shtml
b. Nanotechnology
i.) Nanobiology
“This new field, that merges mechanistic biology and morphology, is
called nanobiology. The emergence of nanobiology depended on the
invention of the scanning probe microscopy, modern optical techniques,
and micro-manipulating techniques. This concept of nanobiology was
first proposed by the Japanese Agency of Science and Technology, in a
group study named "Biological Nano-Mechanisms" in 1992-1998.”
ii.) Biomolecular imaging
“The report "Biomolcular imaging using atomic force microscopy"
published by Elsevier's Trends in Biotechnology examines how atomic
force microscopes (AFM) can be used to directly observe dynamic
biomolecular process in vivo. Explained in simple terms this implies
the ability to view macromolecules (proteins and DNA) processing in
their natural surroundings. This technology is of great importance to
the study of how cell's inner biomachinery works in the human body.”
iii.) Medical Nanoparticles, BioMEMS, Proteomics and DNA-chips
“The development of DNA-chips (lab on a chip) that first could scan
single DNA's for a genetic marker has evolved to proteomics which
initially was defined as the effort to catalog the protein complement
of cells and tissues. Proteomics has now come to include the
systematic study of the functions, interactions, cellular location,
expression and post-translational modifications of proteins on a
massively parallel scale.”
“Nanomedicine and the Future of Healthcare”
http://plausible.custompublish.com/cparticle54173-5911.html
Here are some medical devices being developed experimentally in
different hospitals.
a.) Artificial Pancreas
“At present, patients at Mercy are using the Continuous Glucose
Monitoring System developed by Northridge, Calif.-based MiniMed Inc.
(slated for acquisition this year by Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis). A
sensor placed under the skin records glucose levels. Data, downloaded
to an external computer, is analyzed periodically to check insulin
dosing.”
“In a step toward automated insulin delivery, MiniMed's affiliate
Medical Research Group, Sylmar, Calif., is developing a semi-permanent
system in which a glucose sensor implanted in the central vein leading
to the heart works in conjunction with a hockey puck?size insulin pump
implanted in the abdomen.”
b.) Diagnostic Wristwatch
“Researchers at Ireland's Dublin City University's National Centre for
Sensor Research are completing work on a wristwatch that uses external
sensor technology to diagnose cystic fibrosis.”
c.) Camera Capsule
“Scientists at Given Imaging Ltd., Yoqneam, Israel, have developed a
wireless digital camera about the size of a pill (11 x 30 mm). It's
sealed in a capsule, which patients swallow, and it takes high-quality
color images while passing through the digestive system--including
areas that traditional endoscopy methods have trouble viewing.”
d.) Medical Robots
“The project involves use of cooperative ("steady hand") manipulation
devices and automation of low-level mechanical actions to accomplish
high-precision tasks, such as moving a needle or catheter to an exact
position.”
“Healthcare Informatics: FUTURE Tech Devices”
http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/issues/2001/09_01/cover.htm
Search terms used:
healthcare "technology trends"
I hope these links would help you in your research. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.
Thanks for visiting us.
Regards,
Easterangel-ga
Google Answers Researcher |
Request for Answer Clarification by
yuen-ga
on
05 Mar 2003 19:11 PST
you've pulled out just a few key items, in an otherwise broad field.
what you've highlighted are the NEW technologies.
i wanted to know trends in technology, not just what new technology
will affect healthcare. e.g. increased implementation of
e-prescriptions to improve patient safety, which is a big initiative
both in the states and globally, which would affect healthcare
implementations in a big way.
go to http://www.leapfroggroup.com for more info about that example.
are there more trends in the way healthcare is practiced?
also you seem to have missed out a big area, which is genomics.
|
Clarification of Answer by
easterangel-ga
on
05 Mar 2003 19:24 PST
Hi again yuen-ga! Thanks for asking a clarification before making a
rating. I will check out other trends to provide a more comprehensive
answer.
It seems that the link http://www.leapfroggroup.com isn't working yet
and is a website under construction.
I will try to find more. Thank you for your patience.
|
Clarification of Answer by
easterangel-ga
on
05 Mar 2003 23:28 PST
Thanks for being so patient. The link you provided is still under
construction so I will try to find the info you provided through other
sources. Here are some sources of E-prescription and genomics.
E-Prescription (I it will be included in the system of HIPAA
technology as well)
“The system's ability to offer physicians easily accessible
information from HMSA's drug formulary on potential less costly
generic substitutions could amount to substantial savings for health
insurers and patients, says Nickel,.
“The device allows physicians to enter relevant information about
their patients into a database cutting down the likelihood of errors.”
“E-prescription technology passing tests”
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2000/12/25/story8.html
Genomics
“How does genomics differ from genetics?”
“Genetics looks at single genes, one at a time, as a snapshot.
Genomics is trying to look at all the genes as a dynamic system, over
time, to determine how they interact and influence biological
pathways, networks and physiology, in a much more global sense. A
dynamic process, 2D vs. 3D and 4D.”
“Basic genetics & genomics”
http://www.genomicglossaries.com/content/printpage.asp?REF=/content/Basic_Genetic_Glossaries.asp
“Genomics allows greater efficiency in identifying therapeutic targets
by determining which genes are responsible for the creation or
enabling of disease processes, how these genes control these processes
and what might be done to stop them. Products provided by genomics
firms include not only databases but specialized software to search
the databases. “
“Genomics Technology”
http://www.techsectortrends.com/document_48.html
In my further hunt for other technologies that would be prevalent in
the span of time you have indicated, I was able to come up with the
following:
DNA Vaccines
“While traditional vaccines use live virus or killed organisms that
stimulate humans and animals to develop an immune response against a
specific disease, these agile vaccines will use fragments of
organisms' DNA.”
“Researchers Fight Bioterrorism With Next Generation Vaccine
Technology”
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=835
“DNA vaccines offer a new way to immunize humans (or animals) with
materials that are entirely gene-based, expressed by the recipient’s
own cells. This means that there is greater control over the
immunization process, because the investigator determines which
antigens and co-stimulants to use, where to elicit the response (e.g.,
skin or muscle), which cytokines (if any) to be co-expressed, and
whether to use immunostimulatory DNA sequences to modulate the type of
response (Th1 or Th2).”
“DNA Vaccines”
http://www.natx.com/DNAVACS.html
A technology, which has taken great, strides this year but not yet
perfect, is the AIDS Vaccine. It has raised hopes of a more effective
vaccine in the years to come.
AIDS Vaccine
“AIDSVAX is formulated to protect against the "B" strain of the virus
commonly seen in Europe and the United States. It is not expected to
be very effective against strains circulating in Africa, the continent
hardest hit by HIV.”
“AIDSVAX uses two proteins, based on the gp-120 protein found on the
outside "envelope" of the virus. The hope was the body's immune system
could become sensitized to anything carrying gp-120 and mount a
response to the virus.”
“First AIDS Vaccine May Protect Minorities-Vaxgen”
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/reuters20030224_105.html
Another trend that is in conjuncture with e-prescription is the
ability to diagnose online and for pharmacies to sell prescription
drugs online.
“YourDiagnosis.com is an innovative online medical diagnosis system
with the added benefit of producing a comprehensive personal health
summary report which becomes the basis of your Personal Health
Record.”
“Medical Diagnosis and Personal Health Record available online from
YourDiagnosis.com”
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2002/9/prweb46913.php
YourDiagnosis.com
http://www.yourdiagnosis.com/yourdiagnosis/start.htm
Online Pharmacies
“Currently, two types of legitimate online pharmacies exist, those
that require a existing prescription transfer before ordering online
and those that provide online medical consultations with licensed
physicians to issue prescriptions for a limited set of FDA approved
medications. Pharmacies that offer online medical consultations are
the most abundant online.”
“Any site that sells prescription medications should require a
prescription to do so and should not complete the sale without the
proper authorization. Some online pharmacies require a prescription
transfer and may accept a faxed prescription directly from you or the
prescribing doctor.”
“Best Pharmacy's Online Pharmacy Guide – FAQs”
http://www.best-pharmacy.com/faqs/#q1
A technology that has already began in hospitals is the digital
imaging of its graphic data like X-rays.
Digital Medical Imaging
“UPMC has created a completely "filmless," all-digital system for
handling x-ray and other medical images. The hospital system does more
than 1 million exams requiring medical images each year.”
“Putting medical images online also removes the need for expensive
courier services to shuttle x-rays, or -- as sometimes happens when
doctors are pressed -- patients themselves carrying x-rays between
doctor's offices.”
“For Hospitals, an Inevitable Path Towards an All-Digital Future”
http://cin.earthweb.com/trends/article.php/1587251
One way to secure patient data when it totally migrates online would
be the use of biometrics.
Biometrics
“In the nation's hospitals and health systems, use of biometric
solutions--fingerprint readers, iris or retina scanners, facial
recognition, voice identification--is more sparse than one might
think. Interest in biometrics is growing because of the privacy and
security requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA), industry experts say.”
“Biometric solutions gain interest”
http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/issues/2002/02_02/trends.htm
Finally another aspect gaining recognition, which is very closely
related to genomics, is bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics
“Bioinformatics merges molecular biology and genetics with advanced
computer science technology to understand the complex web of
interactions linking the individual components of a living cell to the
integrated behavior of the entire organism.”
“Computational biology and Bioinformatics are opening new windows into
disease processes and leading to novel diagnostic and treatment
strategies.”
“According to industry experts, by 2005 pharmacoeconomics will impact
the first phase of pharmaceutical drug development, determining on
which disease areas companies focus their drug discovery programmes,
according to the sales potential offered by particular disease
markets. It will also impact the development of better quality drugs,
the R&D stop-go decision making process, drug pricing, and the
clinical trials process.”
“Bioinformatics Technology”
http://www.techsectortrends.com/document_86.html
I hope that this time I was able to provide information you require.
In case you would need further assistance regarding this question,
please do not hesitate to ask for another clarification.
Best Regards,
Easterangel-ga
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
yuen-ga
on
06 Mar 2003 20:15 PST
my apologies, the site is leapfroggroup.org
actually bioinformatics and medical informatics are quite different
animals. bioinformatics is very focussed in molecular/genome etc
fields, and medical are more application based. Your answer helps,
but there is just one additional clarification, which is in the area
of MEDICAL INFORMATICS, or CLINICAL INFORMATICS. If you could provide
some key trends in these areas, it would be exceedingly helpful.
|
Clarification of Answer by
easterangel-ga
on
06 Mar 2003 20:30 PST
The website is working now. I have noted your request and will try to
find some data for medical informatics. Thanks for your patience
|
Clarification of Answer by
easterangel-ga
on
06 Mar 2003 22:33 PST
In my further research, I have found that telemedicine is a part of
medical informatics, which I have already provided in my original
answer. But if you want to refer specifically to medical or clinical
informatics, I have here some resources.
I found 2 reports one from 1999 and the other for 2002.
In this 1999 report it mentions telemedicine as a dominant topic in
medical informatics.
“The dominant topic has been, undoubtedly, telemedicine and
telematics. Actually the program committee has made a separate chapter
on internet/intranet. The tremendous increase of applications in this
area shows the real need in medical practice, and the papers showed
the real advantages, despite high initial investments.”
“Actual trends in medical informatics”
http://atlas.ici.ro/ehto/MEDINF99/papers/MIHALAS/actual_trends_in_medical_informa.htm
In a more recent article, February 2002, I got the new nine trend to
look for in healthcare or medical informatics. Together with this I
was able to retrieve from the Harvard website presentation version of
this article. As you can see it is the same list from the article.
“NINE TECH TRENDS”
February 2002 - Healthcare Informatics
http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/issues/2002/02_02/cover.htm
“Nine Trends in Medical Informatics” (Harvard website)
http://labmed.bwh.harvard.edu/pathology/Presentations/ITpresentation/tsld013.htm
This article meanwhile talks about clinical information systems.
“Clinical Information Systems: Achieving the Vision”
http://www.informatics-review.com/thoughts/vision.html
Thanks again for being so patient. I hope that you would be able to
use this information.
Best Regards,
Easterangel-ga
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
yuen-ga
on
07 Mar 2003 00:45 PST
thanks, those articles are only semi-useful, being over a year old, as
is any year old technology.
Are you able to find any more recent publications?
thanks.
|
Clarification of Answer by
easterangel-ga
on
07 Mar 2003 01:12 PST
Hi again.
I kept on looking before posting this as answer and I have not found
anything for 2003. Since this is a pronouncement of trends recognized
by experts it seems that they might hold on to it for a year or 2.
Thanks.
|
Clarification of Answer by
easterangel-ga
on
07 Mar 2003 01:21 PST
Wait hold on to your hat! Please ignore my last clarification.
Just as I was able to post that last clarification, I found a 2003
version of the nine tech trends! Here is the link:
"Nine Tech Trends"
February 2003 - Healthcare Informatics
http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/issues/2003/02_03/cover.htm
I'm sorry for the confusion. I hope you get to catch this.
Thanks! :)
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Request for Answer Clarification by
yuen-ga
on
09 Mar 2003 18:14 PST
thanks!
This article is just the thing I was looking for :)
full marks dude.
|
Clarification of Answer by
easterangel-ga
on
09 Mar 2003 18:21 PST
Thanks! I'm glad my answer was of assistance to your research. :)
|
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