KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA ‫المملكة العربية السعودية‬

Ministry Of Higher Education ‫وزارة التعليم‬

University of Hail ‫جامعة حائل‬

College of Nursing ‫كلية التمريض‬

https://wtspee.com/967716954868

Course: Information Technology

Title: Emerging trends in health information technologyy

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Outlines

 Introduction

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

 Blockchain technology

 Mental health technology https://wtspee.com/967716954868

 Telemedicine

 Virtual reality in health systems

 Robotics in healthcare

 Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

 Nanomedicine
Introduction

Health informatics is an interdisciplinary field that combines medicine,

information technology, and data science to optimize the delivery of healthcare

services. This includes the systematic use of electronic medical records, medical

algorithms, and other digital tools to improve clinical decision-making and patient

outcomes. Experts in the field collaborate to develop and implement innovative

solutions that solve complex problems facing the healthcare industry.

Emerging trends in health information technology:

In recent years, the healthcare sector has seen the emergence of innovative technologies

such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and blockchain. This year promises

to be equally extraordinary in terms of innovation and progress. In addition to the continued

evolution of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, many other major trends

in medical technology are expected to take healthcare by storm.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):

 Artificial intelligence is developing in several sectors, including healthcare. Healthcare and

artificial intelligence are drastically changing the industry, with many applications

including examining patient information and other data, developing new medicines, and

improving the efficiency of diagnostic procedures.

 Machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence, is having a significant impact on the

healthcare industry. For example, machine learning-based medical technology has made it

possible to analyze CT scans to treat the effects of COVID-19. But AI has many other uses

beyond treating infectious diseases. For example, artificial intelligence improves cancer

diagnosis.
 AI also is used for early diagnosis of diseases, such as identifying tumors in radiological

examinations and predicting diseases such as heart disease.

 AI has the potential to reduce human errors, speed up diagnoses, and provide personalized,

data-driven treatment plans.

 Key Innovators: Geoffrey Hinton (University of Toronto) Known as one of the pioneers

of deep learning, Hinton's work laid the foundation for AI algorithms in healthcare, Fei-Fei

Li (Stanford University) Known for her work in computer vision, and companies like Zebra

Medical Vision and Google Health.

Drug discovery:

Advances in health information technology have also had an impact on the

pharmaceutical industry: here, artificial intelligence is used to predict 3D protein structures,

simulate the structures of biomolecules, and determine the proper composition and stability of

medicines. Artificial intelligence facilitates the discovery of new drug formulations that could

become treatments for rare diseases. Additionally, this more advanced medical technology

reduces the time and cost of drug development. Prominent examples of AI used by large

pharmaceutical companies include the AtomNet drug discovery platform to create a deep drug
pipeline, the Exscientia platform to help design molecules, Cradle's generative AI solution for

protein engineering, and more .

Cloud computing:

These cloud computing also facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence, machine

learning and data analytics into healthcare applications, improving diagnostic capabilities,

treatment planning and overall patient care. The rise of encrypted cloud computing is another

noteworthy trend, known for its powerful disaster recovery mechanisms, fighting phishing

attacks, and keeping patient information safe. Its dual functionality increases the level of

security and facilitates transparent work against possible threats.

2. Blockchain for data security:

 Blockchain technology, one of the biggest IT trends in the healthcare sector, allows more

digital information to be stored while taking up much less space. As the fight against

ransomware becomes a top priority, healthcare providers need a robust infrastructure to

better mitigate risks. Since blockchain security is one of the potential ways to improve

cybersecurity and data security issues, this type of storage can be an ideal approach to

preserve the authenticity of information.

 Patient data, medical records, insurance claims and treatment plans need to be better

protected than today, and fortunately, a solution is emerging in the form of blockchain-

based data storage. Using blockchain-based storage, healthcare providers can now

significantly improve the privacy and integrity of healthcare data, minimizing the risks

associated with unauthorized access and breaches.

 Key Innovators: Dr. Ramesh Babu, Founder of Solve.Care, which uses

blockchain for healthcare management, thereby improving the efficiency and

security of the healthcare process, and Dr. James Onate: Founder of Health Nexus,

a company working on blockchain applications for managing healthcare data.

3. Mental health technology:

 Today, mental health support is accessible from any electronic device, representing a

significant change from previous decades. Balancing quality of care and the intersection of

clinical science and technology entrepreneurship remains a challenge, but recent

innovations and the emergence of artificial intelligence and robotics offer promising

solutions. A typical example of the use of artificial intelligence in the treatment of mental

illnesses is the Woebot Health platform. Designed for professionals, this program helps

improve patient engagement and identify changes in mental health needs. Current

innovations in mental health technology include:

a) Video game therapy: Since the pandemic, the United States has primarily focused on

mental health solutions. Their efforts paid off when EndeavorRX was launched for

children ages 8 to 12 with ADHD. Playing games helps children improve their mental

skills by focusing on multiple things at the same time.

b) Smartphone therapy: Today's smartphones come with built-in assistants and artificial

intelligence features. The same algorithm creates chatbots capable of recording and

analyzing speech to detect abnormalities or mental illnesses. Bots can also connect

patients with healthcare providers who can provide care 24/7.

c) Electronic symptom monitoring: Digital systems track symptoms and allow patients to

share daily health data. AI algorithms then analyze this information to identify patterns

and immediately notify healthcare providers of problems or emergencies.

4. Telemedicine:

 Telemedicine has become a powerful tool in modern healthcare, providing countless

benefits to patients and healthcare professionals. First, it improves access to health care by

eliminating geographic barriers. This accessibility also leads to greater patient engagement,

greater satisfaction and better health outcomes. Telemedicine offers patients unprecedented

convenience. By using video conferencing or secure messaging to communicate with

healthcare providers, patients can avoid travel and crowded clinics. This saves time, reduces

stress and allows people to see a doctor in a timely manner without disrupting their daily

lives. Additionally, telemedicine is cost-effective and eliminates the costs of transportation,

child care, and time off work. Another important benefit of telemedicine is the potential to

reduce hospital readmissions. Healthcare professionals can monitor patients remotely,

perform virtual exams, track progress, identify problems and intervene quickly. This

approach reduces the burden on hospitals, improves patient safety and avoids unnecessary

hospitalizations.

 Key Innovators: Dr. Ron Cohen, founder of Insulet, which develops insulin pumps and

remote monitoring solutions for diabetes, and Dr. John Halamka (Harvard Medical

School): A leader in digital health, his work has helped develop guidelines for remote

telemedicine.
5. Virtual reality in health systems:

 The applications of virtual reality in healthcare are diverse and continue to grow as

technology advances. Telemedicine has made it possible to treat patients who previously

only needed hospital care. For example, one of the most innovative uses of VR technology

is the use of robotic exoskeletons to allow doctors to see what is happening to a patient's

limbs despite being miles away from them.

 Virtual reality is also widely used in surgical training and planning. Surgeons are now

trained on surgical simulators that allow them to visualize all aspects of surgery before

making a single incision, potentially reducing the risk of complications. Virtual reality

for education has already been implemented in several clinics around the world.

 A good example is Stanford University, which has been using surgical simulators for

17 years. The simulator includes haptic technology to provide sensory feedback to

students during the simulation. The university's endoscopic breast surgery simulation

uses CT scans of real patients to develop 3D models on which students can practice.
 As I already mentioned, virtual reality is also useful in treating pain, In particular, it can

be used as a distraction tool. SnowWorld, a game developed by the University of

Washington to manage pain in burn victims, is a good example. In the game, users throw

snowballs at virtual penguins while listening to Paul Simon, making the experience

relaxing and fun.

6. Robotics in healthcare:

 Robotics has become a valuable tool for healthcare professionals, allowing them to improve

precision, simplify procedures, and push the boundaries of what is possible in medicine.

Healthcare robotics refers to the integration of advanced medical robotics technologies and

systems into medical and healthcare environments to support a variety of tasks, procedures

and functions related to patient care, diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation. These medical

robotic systems range from simple automated instruments to very complex and

sophisticated machines designed to work collaboratively or independently with healthcare

professionals.
 Japan: Japan is one of the leading countries in the development and use of robotics in

healthcare. In 2020, the Japanese government announced a plan to invest $10 billion in

robot research and development, focusing on healthcare. Some examples of robotics in

healthcare in Japan: The PARO therapeutic robot provides support and therapy to elderly

patients and people with dementia, and The Wakamaru robot performs tasks such as

delivering food and medicine to hospital patients.

 Singapore: Singapore is another country at the forefront of robotics in healthcare. In 2018,

the Singapore government announced a plan to invest $2 billion in robotics research and

development, focusing on healthcare. One of the most famous examples of medical robotics

in Singapore is the Handle robot, which transports patients and equipment in hospitals. The

Handle robot can navigate autonomously and avoid obstacles, which can help reduce the

risk of accidents. Other examples of medical robotics in Singapore include: The Mbot robot

performs tasks such as cleaning and disinfecting hospital rooms.

 United States: The United States is also a leading country in the field of medical robotics.

The market value of medical robotics in the United States was valued at $10.8 billion in

2021 and is expected to reach $24.5 billion by 2028. One of the most well-known examples

of robotics in the healthcare sector American healthcare is the intuitive surgical da Vinci

Surgical system, which is used for minimally invasive surgery. The Da Vinci System has

been used to perform more than seven million procedures worldwide and is estimated to

have saved the lives of more than a million patients.

 Robotic Surgery:

 Artificial intelligence has significantly advanced the field of surgical robotics, improving

the precision and safety of complex procedures. AI algorithms help surgical robots make

real-time decisions during surgery, ensuring every movement is precise. This reduces the

risk of human error and improves the overall safety of the intervention.

 Robotic surgery is being used in a variety of fields, including urology, cardiology and

orthopedics, and systems like the da Vinci Surgical System are revolutionizing surgical

procedures by providing better visualization and precision.

 Key innovators: Dr. Frederic Moll, co-founder of Intuitive Surgical, the company behind

the da Vinci Surgical System, a leading robotic-assisted surgery system, and Dr. Ashutosh

Tewari: A pioneer in robotic prostate cancer surgery, Tewari helped make robotic surgery

more common in urological procedures.

7. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

 An Internet of Medical Things, or IoMT, is a system network of interconnected software,

applications and medical devices. These devices connect to cloud computing systems like

Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services, where health data is collected, stored, and

analyzed for predictive purposes. Although most people have heard of the Internet of things

(e.g. smart refrigerators), these systems are only one part of the broad digital health trends

that are increasingly observed in action. Examples of this health technology include:

 Wearable health trackers, such as smartwatches, fitness bands and other wearable devices

that monitor vital signs, physical activity and health indicators . Remote health monitoring

equipment, including devices that monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, etc.

 Devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps and neurostimulators can be implanted in the

body and communicate data.

 Vending machines and pharmaceutical kiosks where patients can receive contactless

medical care, prescriptions and consultations.

 The Cleveland Clinic (USA) used IoMT as part of its healthcare management system for

remote patient monitoring. This allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients'

vital signs and condition and reduce hospital readmissions.

 Wearable Health Trackers:

 Wearable health trackers have come a long way from simply tracking steps and heart rate.

Innovative wearable devices now such as smart watches, fitness trackers, and medical-grade

devices (e.g., ECG sensors) offer comprehensive health monitoring, analysis of vital signs,

sleep patterns and even identification of potential health problems.

 These devices, which use artificial intelligence algorithms, can provide personalized health

recommendations, making them valuable tools for proactive health management.

 Key Innovators: James Park and Eric Friedman, co-founders of Fitbit, a leading wearable

health brand, and Dr. Michael Snyder (Stanford University), known for his work on using

wearable devices for monitoring health continuum and predictive analytics.

8. Nanomedicine

 Nanomedicine, or the use of nanotechnology in medicine, is transforming the medical field

by providing highly specific treatments, improving diagnostic accuracy, and developing

new approaches to solve complex medical problems. The technology uses nanorobots and

nanoparticles hundreds of times smaller than the width of a human hair for a variety of

medical applications, including:

 Targeted drug delivery: Nanoparticles can deliver drugs directly to diseased cells,

reducing side effects and improving treatment effectiveness. Detection and monitoring:

Nanosensors can detect low levels of biological markers and are therefore used for

continuous health monitoring and early diagnosis.

 Diagnosis and imaging: Nanoparticles are used to improve the clarity of MRI scans

and increase the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic imaging, helping to detect

diseases at earlier stages.

 Regenerative medicine: When it comes to tissue regeneration, nanomaterials mimic or

support biological structures. On the other hand, nanoscaffolds, a medical process used

to regenerate bones and tissues, including limbs and organs, promote the development

of replacement or repair cells.

Conclusion:

Healthcare has changed dramatically in recent years, with technology creating countless new

opportunities and demographic and social factors creating new challenges. This trend will

continue through 2025, as advances in artificial intelligence, telemedicine and biotechnology

continue to change the way healthcare is planned and delivered. Overall, the shift toward

forward-looking measures will continue as systems adapt to meet the financial challenges

associated with aging populations, population growth in developing countries, and economic

uncertainty .

References

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in Wearable Technologies: Revolutionizing Cardiovascular Medicine. Cureus, 16(5),

e61312. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.61312

McGonigle, D.,& Kathlee, G.,& Denise, D.(2024). The Electronic Health Record and Clinical

Informatics. In k. Albright,& J. Bredemeyer (eds.). Nursing Informatics and the

Foundation of Knowledge (6th edition, pp 565-590). 25 Mall Road, Burlington, USA:

Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.