SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) Impact on Medicine

These terms all relate to the impact of technology on medicine and healthcare:

- Access to Information: Refers to the ability for individuals and healthcare providers to obtain medical knowledge, patient records, and research easily through digital platforms.

- Telemedicine: The practice of providing remote medical consultations and treatment through digital communication tools, such as video calls or messaging.

- eHealth: Encompasses digital healthcare services, including online medical records, virtual consultations, and health management apps.

- Increase in Self-Diagnosis: With widespread access to health information online, more people attempt to diagnose their own conditions without consulting a doctor.

- Easy Access to Medical Expertise in Distant Locations: Technology enables patients in remote or underserved areas to connect with medical professionals via digital platforms for treatment and advice.

Economic Impact

• Cost Reduction: Digital records and automated systems reduce administrative costs and improve efficiency in hospitals.

• Medical Research Advancements: AI and big data accelerate drug discovery and disease analysis, leading to faster innovations.

• Job Creation: The demand for IT professionals in healthcare has increased, creating new career opportunities in medical technology.

Technology has revolutionized medicine in numerous ways, enhancing diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.

- Prosthetics: Advanced prosthetic limbs now incorporate robotics and AI, allowing for more natural movement and improved functionality.

- Nano Therapy for Cancer: Nanotechnology enables targeted drug delivery, reducing side effects and improving treatment effectiveness.

- DNA Testing: Used for genetic screening, ancestry tracing, and diagnosing hereditary diseases.

- Scans: MRI, CT, and ultrasound scans provide detailed imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

- Medical Research: AI and big data help analyze vast amounts of medical data, accelerating discoveries in disease treatment and prevention.

- Expert Systems (Artificial Intelligence): AI-powered diagnostic tools assist doctors in identifying diseases and recommending treatments.

- Medical Models: 3D printing allows for the creation of anatomical models for surgical planning and education.

- Virtual Reality Simulations: Used for medical training, allowing students and professionals to practice procedures in a risk-free environment.