Emerged Tech Technology that's gaining traction and becoming popular. We are already starting to see their legal, social, cultural and ethical implications.
Emerging Tech "Up and coming" technology that we can't visualize the potential implications of... yet.
iPad App Used to Assist Surgeries This changes the limitations of surgery leading to: - More precise procedures - Better decisions in less time
This could scale to affect: - We could see "the human" taken out of medicine. - Artificial intelligence will replace surgeons. - Fewer limitations to surgery.
Bioelectronic Medicine for Chronic Conditions and Restoring the NS - This challenges pharmacological assumptions. - This could scale to affect patient life style and the use of technology in medicine.
Source: (Incomprehensible writing)
Smartphone Ultrasound Technology So what: Your smart phone is now a medical device.
This could scale to affect: - Could take jobs (ultrasound techs) away. - Cheaper alternatives to expensive equipments now possible.
Similar Example: Mobile Stethoscope App (Using Microphone)
Similar Example: NETRA App Can Detect Problems of the Eye (eg. hyperopia) with a $200 attachment
Malpractice by Computers - When diagnostic algorithms become mainstream, doctors will be replaced by algorithms. - There will be changes in the legal ramifications of malpractice; are the programs at fault or the program users?
Source: medicalfuturist.com
When Computers Cut Your Insurance - When this becomes mainstream, people will be treated as data points rather than multidimensional beings. - It will also become difficult to get transparency & dispute the computer's decisions.
Source: The Verge
Amazon & Medical Data - As data are sold to corporations, will they be used to improve healthcare or other unintended purposes (eg. advertising)?
Source: The Verge
Scientist Creates First Genetically Modified CRISPr Baby - This challenges ethical assumptions. - This could scale to affect future societies; potential to widen wealth gap and class divide. - When this becomes mainstream, societal views of "imperfection" will never be the same (what we consider to be "normal" now may become imperfect in the future).
Is it worth it? We are making life easier and health care more accessible. But is it worth sacrificing human interactions? With technology, the values of empathy and compassion will most likely be lost.
What happens to those replaced by tech? As technologies continue to replace human staffs, what will happen to the existing health care workers? What impact will this have on society?
What will happen to our bodies? As we begin to develop more advanced technology to replace or enhance our body, will our definition of imperfection change? Will different body composition widen wealth gaps and the class divide?
When we develop new medical technologies, did we take the time to consider the legal, ethical, and social ramifications of these advances? - Where do we draw the line; how much advancements are enough? - Could the new tech change social norms? - How will these advances change the roles of healthcare professionals?
