Remote doctor visits, wearable devices, artificial intelligence . . . these are just some of the emerging health technologies affecting all Canadians, particularly seniors.
Renaissance magazine explored these technologies with Chris Kamel, director of health technologies assessments at Canada’s Drug Agency. Kamel oversees publication of an annual Watch List; the 2022 list focused on new and emerging health technologies.
Remote care
One of the most impactful technologies: remote healthcare allowing seniors and others to talk with a doctor about test results and diagnoses via videoconferencing. “Remote care could impact seniors who live in rural or remote communities, as well as seniors who may have lower mobility, since they could receive care without having to travel to see a specialist,” Kamel says. “Remote care can also help manage chronic conditions like heart failure and diabetes.”
But Kamel cautions that these technologies may come with challenges, such as limited internet bandwidth and ensuring provision of care that’s culturally appropriate.
Health apps and wearables
Mobile or wearable health apps such as activity trackers and fall detectors are also technologies to watch. These apps can store health information, issue periodic reminders or motivational guidance, and provide GPS tracking if you fall and need help. “These trackers and detectors can provide health updates to the patient and their healthcare provider in real time, which may lead to more timely interventions and improved data to inform treatments,” Kamel says.
These devices and apps can also provide a platform for care delivery to people facing barriers to accessing care in traditional in-person settings, including stigma faced by many seeking mental health care.
The technology can provide better cardiovascular monitoring, too, and have a huge impact on diabetes management, Kamel says. “Wearables may make it easier to manage diabetes, with apps that provide glucose monitoring or help with cardiovascular monitoring for people living with, or at risk of developing, heart conditions.”
Portable diabetes machine
Although home-based dialysis isn’t new, the latest portable devices are smaller and more mobile, Kamel says. “Patients can undergo dialysis while on vacation, or in another location other than their home, which allows greater flexibility.”
As well, advanced “closed-loop” insulin pumps provide closed-loop communication between sensors that check blood sugar levels and combine this with insulin delivery and an algorithm to streamline and automate glucose management. “These pumps can allow people living with diabetes to participate in daily activities without worrying about severe hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, which can be life-threatening,” Kamel says. “This can also reduce other diabetes-related complications like heart disease, chronic renal failure, vision issues and amputation.”
Point-of-care testing
Another emerging health technology is point-of-care laboratory testing, including home self-testing, for such things as glucose levels, hemoglobin levels (for type 2 diabetes), pregnancy status and infectious disease detection. This convenient, flexible and potentially cost-saving option can ease demand on central laboratories and provide timely guidance about treatment.
Another area to watch is genomic tests that can detect your unique genetic makeup, which may enhance early diagnosis of such things as dementia.
The bottom line
These promising technologies will not only improve the lives of Canadians but ease the enormous stresses on healthcare systems as the population ages, Kamel says. “They have the potential to shift the way care is provided and accessed and provide better health outcomes by improved access to screening, diagnosis and treatments.”
