Man kind basic needs to survival is food, water and sleep. In other words,
GOOD HEALTH.
Which leads to this week's topic of discussion, Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences the Past, Present and Future.Class started off this week with yet another exciting video that blew my mind. The picture below is a summary of the video.
It was about the future vision of healthcare whereby it envisions integrating healthcare services with internet service providers which will bring healthcare and cure within the palm of our hands. It connects people allowing patients to have constant access to doctors and health care service providers or vice versa anytime, anywhere. Our biometric data is monitored in real time by doctors through watches, table tops, handphones seamlessly integrating into our everyday lives.
Prof mentioned in class this week that makes a lot of sense. "Why do we wait for people to fall sick to treat them? Instead we should ensure they don't fall ill. For example, if you see yourself growing fat, lose weight! Don't wait for it to worsen, leading to some sickness."
With this integrated health care system, doctors can monitor a patient's health regularly from afar and give necessary advice or prescription if necessary. This would also save a lot of time for the patient without the need of driving all the way down, queue and wait to see the doctor. In addition, diseases can be controlled and prevented before it occurs. Research has shown that chronic diseases are main cause of mortality in the world. Examples are cancer, aids and HIV. With constant updates and easy access, people will be more aware of their health condition and have greater control over it.
All this, is expected to happen in 2020. While majority of my classmates do not think it would happen in 9 years, I do. It is definitely possible as the world is advancing very quickly. With printers that allows you to print 3D objects and softwares that allow you to talk to computer avatars, anything is possible.
It just depends on how readily people are willing to accept the change. Are the hospitals, government and other commerce industries willing to work together and adopt this new technology? Just like the article in the Harvard Business Review, a great invention of a portable, low intensity X-ray machine was made but it was immediately crushed as it threatened the large X-ray equipment suppliers and it was too much risk for the government, insurance companies and hospitals to take up.
Man kind are selfish, always placing their own self interest first. Because of this reason, they become Ostriches, keeping their heads buried underground as change arrives which will in turn lead them to be left out in this ever progressing world. Thus it really depends on how the society and the businesses affected react to such to this revolutionary healthcare system. Hopefully, they would be like the Eagle who can see further ahead, adapt to the change and they together with the society can enjoy the benefits of this revolutionary integrated healthcare system.
Overall, I find this class extremely insightful, giving it 8 out of 10!
Can't wait for more,
Selene
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