Five Health Care Innovations That Completely Change The Industry

Robotics, design thinking, AI, and big data have earned a significant presence in all industries – but their biggest impact is possibly in health care. As innovation and technology have grown in the realm of health care, startups and hospitals have discovered ways to transform the industry. The end result? A series of applications of new technology that can permanently change how patients are treated. Let’s explore five excellent health care innovations.

Pennsylvania Hospital Changes Traditional Design

While Pennsylvania Hospital is deeply rooted in history, it has a facility that has introduced new technology and design cues. Called The Pavilion, the facility is highly cohesive, instead of being organized by department like numerous other hospitals. The goal here is to allow the departments to have ownership over their own patients – building an atmosphere that resembles a hotel, rather than a rigid hospital. Throughout the construction phases of The Pavilion, the hospital involved staff and patients to provide recommendations for the most cutting-edge health care technology.

Using 3D Models To Shorten Complicated or Long Surgeries

Major surgeries can be long and dangerous. The more time a patient spends in an operation, the bigger the risk he or she faces. Today, more hospitals, including Boston Children’s Hospital, are relying on 3D operating models that give surgeons a chance to practice complicated surgeries before entering the operating room. Practicing in advance not only helps operations go more smoothly but also allows surgeons to put innovative practices to the test. They can then be more confident when performing surgeries. 3D printing also allows hospitals to make exact models of various organs for in-depth practice.

Using Big Data To Treat Rare Illnesses

One huge challenge in creating new treatments and drugs for rare diseases is getting sufficient information to source the right treatment. Health care startup RDMD tries to solve this problem by using AI to analyze data retrieved from health records. Pharmaceutical companies will purchase the data from companies so that they can formulate the necessary treatments. RDMD’s method proves that by relying on the power of data, better treatments can be discovered in a shorter period of time.

Solving Bottlenecks In OR With Predictive Analytics

Many hospitals face the common problem of slowdowns and bottlenecks in the operating room, often bringing frustration to patients and doctors. To curb this, the University of Chicago Medical Center relies on predictive analytics to manage the movements in and out of the operating theatre. By combining an AI-powered algorithm and real-time data, the hospital has reduced turnover by 20%. The new technology improves workflows and communication in the operating room, allowing the hospital to save some $600,000 annually. This would also lead to more satisfied staff and patients.

AI Robot Assisting Heart Treatments

Advanced robotics allow for treatment and surgeries that were previously more invasive and dangerous. Developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, HeartLander is a small robot that can execute heart therapy surgeries. A doctor first makes a small incision and then instructs the robot to specific parts of the heart, where the robot attaches itself to the organ and performs therapy. HeartLander is safer, more precise, and less invasive - a huge improvement over conventional heart therapy treatments.