- Epson survey suggests 67% of British health workers think big data will ‘significantly improve’ diagnosis and treatment success
- Over half (57%) highlighted 3D printing as ‘revolutionary’. However, there is concern that liability issues could inhibit innovation (76%)
- 70% see remote monitoring improving patient care
- 38% agree patients would be more pro-active in managing their own health, diagnosis and treatment
- 69% think virtual consultations will improve access to healthcare
UK medical workers are optimistic about innovation in healthcare over the next decade, an Epson survey released today has revealed.
With the challenges of an ageing population, technological innovation has the potential to address the most-pressing concerns facing the NHS, such as stretched resources, patient access, and waiting times
Nearly seven in 10 (67%) of medical professionals believe big data will significantly improve diagnosis and treatment success, while over half (57%) consider 3D printing a revolutionary force.
And, while 76% think liability issues could hold back implementation of technology, there is general optimism that technological evolution will have a positive impact.
With concerns over the effects of an ageing population, dwindling GP numbers and stretched resources in the NHS; the study lends added strength to arguments that embracing new technologies will be critical for the health service over the next 10 years.
Better outcomes
Along with high expectations for big data improving patient treatments, nearly three quarters believe collaborative technologies will improve knowledge sharing between specialists.
Waiting times are also expected to be cut, with 64% agreeing that 3D printing of organs and cells will speed up medical processes.
Furthermore, 70% see remote monitoring improving patient care, with people being given wearables, feeding information on heart rates and blood pressure to a central data hub for analysis.
We simply cannot afford to miss the benefits of innovation over the next 10 years, so collaboration between stakeholders to address and mitigate any potential issues is critical
And 38% agreed that patients would be more pro-active in managing their own health, diagnosis and treatment, perhaps using wearable technologies to check their own vital indicators.
There was also widespread agreement that virtual consultations would improve access to healthcare (69%), while 64% felt that printing personalised prescriptions will dramatically improve treatment outcomes.
Healthcare professionals are optimistic about the benefits of technology on the sector. 36% thought more individually-tailored medication, powered by the combination of big data and personalised printing, would also bring benefits, while the same proportion indicated that technology would improve access to medical services.
Revolutionary technologies
A majority (57%) saw 3D printing, from organ and medicine creation to solving logistical issues, as revolutionary.
Other technologies like remote monitoring (45%), surgical training via augmented reality (44%), organic and bio printing (42%), and surgery and diagnoses with the aid of robots and artificial intelligence (40%) were also identified as game-changing over the next 10 years.Barriers to implementation
While optimistic about the potential of technology, UK medical professionals did agree that there are barriers to implementation.
Along with liability concerns, the cost of implementing new equipment was a potential obstacle for 81%. 78% also agreed that patients being reluctant to use new technology could inhibit implementation, while 73% indicated belief that patients might object to being remotely monitored. 68% thought there might be ethical issues and dilemmas which delay adoption of new technologies.
To implement technology effectively, IT leaders must stay aware of the latest developments and launch consultation processes with patients and regulators
Commenting on the findings, Epson managing director for thw UK and Ireland, Rob Clark, said: “Clearly healthcare professionals agree technology will play a crucial role over the next 10 years.
“With the challenges of an ageing population, technological innovation has the potential to address the most-pressing concerns facing the NHS, such as stretched resources, patient access, and waiting times.”
“However, to implement technology effectively, IT leaders must stay aware of the latest developments and launch consultation processes with patients and regulators.
“We simply cannot afford to miss the benefits of innovation over the next 10 years, so collaboration between stakeholders to address and mitigate any potential issues is critical.”
