Introduction

Healthcare and technology are more intertwined than ever, and that’s a good thing for everyone involved. From improved diagnostics to personalized treatment plans based on our DNA, I feel there is so much to do in this arena, and I want to help build these products and services. 

1. AI / ML for Better Diagnosis & Discovery

AI and machine learning help improve diagnostic accuracy. For instance, LLMs like ChatGPT can analyze the meaning and context of structured and unstructured data in clinical notes and reports. A precise diagnosis allows for a targeted treatment plan, improving the odds of a successful recovery, while also helping the layperson understand what is happening. We have reams of data from different domains, and we don’t know yet what discoveries can be made that could bring new therapies online and drastically improve outcomes.

2. Telemedicine Expands Reach

Telemedicine is making healthcare accessible to any-one, take the example of the VA’s “Telehealth Services,” which has served more than 900,000 veterans. For myself, using the therapists available online has been so much easier than trying to find the time to drive somewhere. By offering medical consultations remotely, or eventually with AI, early diagnosis and intervention become possible, improving overall healthcare outcomes.

3. Real-time Monitoring with IoT

Devices like the Apple Watch are now capable of performing an ECG to detect irregular heart rhythms. Using a CGM to monitor blood glucose levels has been very efficient and informative for myself as I wrote about here. This kind of continuous monitoring provides immediate feedback, enabling timely medical intervention. Quick action can help manage conditions more effectively, preventing them from escalating.

4. Unraveling the Mysteries of Genetics and Epigenetics

Genetic testing services like 23andMe can clue you into your genetic predispositions for certain conditions, but epigenetics takes it a step further by exploring how your genes interact with your environment. Imagine being able to know how your lifestyle—like diet, stress, or exposure to toxins—can actually switch certain genes on or off. 

One compelling example is how epigenetic information can be used in cancer treatment. Research shows that epigenetic changes can affect tumor growth. By understanding these epigenetic markers, doctors can develop more targeted cancer therapies. This is already being explored in treatments for conditions like leukemia, where epigenetic drugs are being used to reactivate genes that help to suppress tumors.

So, it’s not just about what you’re born with; it’s also about how your environment and choices can influence your genetic makeup over time. Knowing this information could allow you to make lifestyle changes that could, quite literally, change your life. That’s personalized healthcare on a whole new level, and it can significantly improve health outcomes by offering uniquely tailored treatment and prevention plans.

5. Blockchain for Keeping Records Straight

Blockchain technology has been a game-changer in ensuring data integrity and security, especially in sectors that require high trust and verifiability, like healthcare. One of the major applications is in electronic health records (EHR). A blockchain-based EHR system can offer tamper-proof records and, more importantly, make these records interoperable across different platforms and service providers.

Take Estonia, for example. The country has successfully implemented a nationwide, blockchain-based electronic health record system. What’s groundbreaking here is that it allows for data to be securely shared among hospitals, pharmacies, and even insurance companies without the risk of it being altered or tampered with.

Another use case is in the verification of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Using blockchain, it’s possible to track a drug from manufacturer to end-user, ensuring its authenticity and safety. This becomes crucial for avoiding counterfeit medicines, which is a significant global issue.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Technology is driving improvements in healthcare through more accurate diagnostics, increased accessibility, real-time monitoring, personalized treatments, and secure data handling. The future of healthcare looks promising, contact me to help make that happen.