Sample Essay On The Importance Of Technological Advances In Medicine

The field of medicine has witnessed the implementation of advanced technology that aims at improving the quality of care. The diagnostic and therapeutic equipment have been made better by the modern technology, and this guarantees better health care in the population. The use of technology is medicine has transformed the quality of life and reduced health risks observed in the past. Although the advantages of application of technology in medicine outweigh the disadvantages, it is associated with high costs that had made it difficult for developing countries to implement the technology.
Before the adoption of any technological advancement, health care professionals are expected to assess the impact. An effective technology must introduce an element that lacked in the previous situation. With this in mind, the physicians will be in a position to introduce technologies that will benefit the patient (Tan & Ong, 2002). In the past, health institutions have rushed to implement costly diagnostic and therapeutic health care facilities without evaluating the benefits they will introduce. This has made it hard for such professionals to balance between the medical necessity, social justice and cost effectiveness.
The treatment of heart attacks had been boosted by modern technology. The technology has made it possible to introduce bypass surgery, angioplasty, clot-dissolving drugs, and long-term drug therapies that lessen the impact of heart attacks. It should be noted that tis technology guarantee 70% of survival improvement in heart attacks (Tan & Ong, 2002). The technology is associated with high costs but the quality improvement imposed justifies the high costs. Moreover, technology has also boosted breast cancer treatment in the population. Screening had made it possible for physicians to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage thus acting at the right time (Cutler & McClellan, 2001).
The introduction of telemedicine has also improved medical services within the population. The application of this communication technology has made it possible for care providers to communicate directly with the patients despite the geographical barriers. The physician-patient encounter is made possible since they can communicate from where they are. Although the cost of implementation is expensive, both parties have benefited a lot from the technology (Hjelm, 2005). The patients who come from areas that are marginalized can seek for care and treatment through telemedicine at their homes. Telemedicine is cost-effective, and it should be encouraged in any health care setting.
Medical technologies are also associated with unnecessary usage and increased cost. For instance, United States has implemented multiple technologies in medicine, but this has not guaranteed better public health. Despite the technologies, it is ranked tenth in neonatal mortality, low birth percentage weight, years of potential life lost, and life expectancy. The problem arises since most physicians assume that any new technology results to improved health. As noted earlier, the assessment of these technologies will help the health care professionals to implement the most effective technology that will improve the quality of care (Cutler, 2007).
In conclusion, the growth of technology does not guarantee positive impacts in the field of medicine. Health care providers and the beneficiaries must assess the situation to determine whether the technologies are cost effective. The future impact of advancement of technology will be shaped by the current investment in research, development and education. Stakeholders must coordinate so that they can transform the health care system to the better. The high costs associated with modern technology should not scare individuals because the quality of life will be improved.

References

Cutler, D. M. (2007). The lifetime costs and benefits of medical technology. Journal of Health Economics, 26(6), 1081-1100.
Cutler, D. M., & McClellan, M. (2001). Is technological change in medicine worth it?. Health affairs, 20(5), 11-29.
Hjelm, N. M. (2005). Benefits and drawbacks of telemedicine. Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 11(2), 60-70.
Shekelle, P., Morton, S. C., & Keeler, E. B. (2006). Costs and benefits of health information technology.
Tan, L. T. H., & Ong, K. L. (2002). The impact of medical technology on healthcare today. Hong Kong Journal of Emergency Medicine, 9(4), 231-236.