Technological advances are commonplace in today’s world – something new is being discovered or developed every day, specifically within the world of medicine. In addition, there have been dreams of transportation innovation throughout history. Just take the Back To The Future movies with flying cars (predicted to be around in 2015…). The truth is, there aren’t publicly available flying cars yet (although they are in the works), but many interesting advancements within the transportation world create a promising future of continued advancement in this industry. Our ever-changing society brings discoveries in all aspects of every sector, including medical transportation. The medical field is one that is constantly shifting and evolving, with new innovative research and discoveries being made in relation to healthcare, transportation, and technology – here are 5 advances currently being seen within the medical and transportation fields.
- Healthcare Technology: The pandemic catalyzed a surge in technological healthcare advances. Telehealth visits became common and continue to advance. This additional service in healthcare creates a wider variety of accessibility and flexibility for patients. Remote patient monitoring is related to telehealth and also brings new technology to home care. In terms of healthcare, the future will most likely bring about different methods of secure data-sharing between providers. This hasn’t been achieved yet due to HIPPA compliance and personal data protection. However, the next decade will surely bring about new ways to securely and safely share data between providers in order for patients to avoid unnecessary medical costs, testing, and treatments.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML methods are being explored in the healthcare world and will begin to construct utilization in preventative studies, predictive analytics, and early disease detection. Both AI and ML are providing greater insight into tracking technology and accuracy. The importance of tracking, specifically when transporting medical specimens and equipment, can’t go unnoticed. The continuation of technology in creating spot-on tracking systems is crucial in the medical and transportation fields.
- Autonomous Cars and Maglev Technology: While just emerging in the consumer market as seen in Teslas, autonomous cars already exist and continue to develop in both technology and reputation. The continued development of this technology could significantly increase productivity and safety in ground courier services for both emergency and non-emergency purposes. Patient transportation could play a role in this as well, however that won’t begin to take place until the technology is much farther along in its journey to standardized practices.
The Hyperloop vision could redefine long-distance travel for public use and goods transportation. Think of the positive implications that could have on medical transportation! The speed with which medical couriers could transport equipment, specimens, products, and supplies could be cut in half with this kind of future technology. NEMT transportation could utilize this method of transport between cities as well. Of course, it will be a while before we see what that will look like for both public and private transportation, as the use of maglev train technology isn’t seen in the USA yet, but could be within the next decade.
- Aerial Technology: UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology continues to enhance transportation prospects as well. The future of aerial transportation in the medical field will be a game-changer in transporting life-saving medical supplies or specimens as safely and efficiently as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the capabilities of UAVs in contactless delivery and transport of medical supplies and equipment. UAVs have even been used to deliver vaccines and medications in places like Malawi, Scotland, and the Pacific Islands. There are infinite uses for UAV technology in medical care which will no doubt continue to be tested and integrated into the everyday logistics of the medical field.
- Medical Treatment Technology: Incredible and promising new medical technology continues to improve, saving countless lives and taking the industry to new heights. This includes virtual reality, precision medicine, and mental health technology. Trials and testing are constantly being done for new and emerging medical treatments. Technology plays a large role in experimentation and implementing new medical treatments. The advancement in this area creates new hopes and opportunities for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Looking towards the future at tech trends and developments is always eye-opening to the innovative world we live in. Constant improvement and new ideas, specifically within the medical and transportation fields, can be seen everywhere in universities, research facilities, healthcare establishments, and transportation services. New technological advances enhance services, products, and methods. The innovations mentioned will be interesting to keep an eye on as we look towards the future of medicine, transport, and how they intertwine.