Over the past decade, healthcare has seen some dramatic changes, allowing us to be more advanced than ever before. While there have certainly been some bumps in the road, when putting into perspective how far we have come, it’s incredible to think about what things will be like at the start of 2030.
In this article, we are going to look at six ways that healthcare has changed over the last ten years. Interested? Then keep on reading!
Advanced Machinery
Every single year, healthcare machinery continues to get upgraded and updated. From x-ray and MRI machines to computer software and tracking systems, everything works more efficiently than ever before. The fact is, technology and healthcare go hand in hand in the world, and it has shaped our system to what it is today. Tests are becoming less invasive and more accurate, saving time and stress for healthcare workers and patients.
New Organizations to Help with Mental Health
While mental health has always been a priority in the healthcare industry, it is now more openly discussed. With new organizations built to cater to those facing certain mental conditions such as anxiety and depression, individuals are focusing more on its importance. These various organizations are helping us get closer to ending the stigma of mental illness.
Digital Health Careers
As mentioned above, technology is now playing a significant role in healthcare. However, it’s not just with machinery and software changes. Digital health careers are now being offered across the world as a way for individuals to be diagnosed online or over the phone. Not only is this reducing capacity in hospitals and medical centers, but it is also reducing the spread of infectious diseases that don’t require immediate attention.
Improved Medical Research
Medical research has definitely come a long way in the last decade, with more and more information being collected about a range of different health problems. With the help and support of medical foundations, research is being conducted at an entirely new level, leading to new innovations and improvements.
New Drug Advancements
In the past ten years, the FDA has approved more drugs and therapies than ever before, including a total of 55 in 2017. According to preclinical, areas such as gene therapy, immunotherapy, HIV, neurology, and rare diseases have all shown significant promising treatments. With more and more drugs being tested every day, it will be interesting to see what is developed next.
Pandemic Changes
Since 2014 we have seen four notable outbreaks that have caused much concern across the world, including Ebola, Zika virus, Acute flaccid, Myelitis, and Measles. Most recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has taken over with a current total of 55.1 million cases worldwide and a total of 1.33. million deaths (13 November 2020). This has resulted in many policy and procedure changes, with some hospitals unable to cope with the overwhelming capacity. While the end of this is still uncertain, it has resulted in many decisions that may shape the future of healthcare.
And that’s it. These were six ways that healthcare has changed over the past ten years. What do you think its future will be?
