Connected healthcare: Improving patient care using digital health technologies

Atheer Awad, Sarah J. Trenfield, Thomas D. Pollard, Jun Jie Ong, Moe Elbadawi, Laura E. McCoubrey, Alvaro Goyanes, Simon Gaisford, Abdul W. Basit

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Now more than ever, traditional healthcare models are being overhauled with digital technologies of Healthcare 4.0 increasingly adopted. Worldwide, digital devices are improving every stage of the patient care pathway. For one, sensors are being used to monitor patient metrics 24/7, permitting swift diagnosis and interventions. At the treatment stage, 3D printers are under investigation for the concept of personalised medicine by allowing patients access to on-demand, customisable therapeutics. Robots are also being explored for treatment, by empowering precision surgery, rehabilitation, or targeted drug delivery. Within medical logistics, drones are being leveraged to deliver critical treatments to remote areas, collect samples, and even provide emergency aid. To enable seamless integration within healthcare, the Internet of Things technology is being exploited to form closed-loop systems that remotely communicate with one another. This review outlines the most promising healthcare technologies and devices, their strengths, drawbacks, and opportunities for clinical adoption.

Original languageEnglish
Article number113958
JournalAdvanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Volume178
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Additive manufacturing and 3D printing
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • Digital pharmaceuticals and therapeutics
  • Fourth industrial revolution
  • Medical cyber-physical systems and robotics
  • Patient-centred smart health and medical care
  • Personalized medicines and drug delivery
  • Pharma industry 4.0
  • Wearable computing and electronics

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