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Comments
| Innovation To Come |
 With the holidays upon us and the spirit of hope in mind, I look towards understanding how innovation will change the many facets of health care in Canada. The pace of change may sometimes seem glacial but the reality is that changes are occurring continually. It is the pace of change that is likely to astound us in the coming decades both as a result of technological circumstances but also as a result of changing need. Dawn Walton reports in a Globe and Mail article from December 18 that a device could allow cellphones to transmit vital signs. She writes that a new handheld high-tech device, developed by a technology giant in partnership with Capital Health in Edmonton and the University of Alberta will allow patients to send their physiological information wirelessly to their health-care provider. Patients with chronic illnesses may be able to send information regarding their pulse, blood pressure and glucose levels to their doctor by a home health monitoring system which could eventually be adapted to cellphone use.
It could be used by patients with diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions. For seniors it could also be a significant help. For many individuals, just getting to medical appointments can be very difficult. Transportation, parking, associated costs and waiting for their appointment can be tiring. A three year project is set to begin next month and the results could change the way patients and providers interact. Although the “laying on of hands” and the provider/patient relationship have an intangible effect on health, this device would not negate the human aspect of health care. It would merely facilitate. For example, a change in medication would not necessitate frequent visits and the follow-up in person could be reduced to ease the burden of patient and physician alike. As our population ages, and as the burden of chronic disease increases, solutions that involve innovation and flexibility will become central. They also have the potential to affect the numbers of providers that are needed but as we have more information to monitor to improve health outcomes, more providers may be required only they will work in different capacities. These types of devices will also make it possible for transmission of medical information and monitoring but the necessity of access to real life medical intervention will still be needed. The communication between patients and the medical system is changing. Flexibility and the ability to accommodate patient and provider requirements will change how care is delivered. Mechanisms to deal with the changing face of health care communications and its funding will be needed. Add your comment |