[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":336},["ShallowReactive",2],{"slug-digital-health-supports-fight-opioids":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":187,"relatedBooks":335},{"id":5,"date":6,"date_gmt":7,"guid":8,"modified":10,"modified_gmt":11,"slug":12,"status":13,"type":14,"link":15,"title":16,"content":18,"excerpt":21,"author":23,"featured_media":24,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":29,"categories":30,"tags":34,"project_category":50,"contact_email_category":51,"yst_prominent_words":52,"class_list":62,"better_featured_image":87,"acf":123,"yoast_meta":132,"_links":134},16640,"2017-11-14T15:00:25","2017-11-14T13:00:25",{"rendered":9},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=16640","2022-05-17T19:09:59","2022-05-17T17:09:59","digital-health-supports-fight-opioids","publish","post","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fdigital-health-supports-fight-opioids",{"rendered":17},"Digital Health Supports The Fight Against Opioids",{"rendered":19,"protected":20},"\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"5px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp style=\"color: #555;font-size: 12px;line-height: 14px\">THIS ARTICLE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 2017. THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THE ARTICLE WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME OF ITS PUBLICATION, BUT IT MAY BE OUT OF DATE NOW. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmagazine\">BROWSE OUR LATEST ARTICLES HERE\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The widespread U.S. opioid & overdose crisis is an ever-increasing tragic concern for everyone: writhing victims, family members being fain to see their relatives suffer or die, doctors prescribing opioid pain-killers which they thought before as safe, and regulators imposed to handle a tough situation. Addiction. It’s painful to even read about the skyrocketing numbers of people suffering, thus we decided to map how digital health could help tackle the opioid crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003C!--more-->\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Why is it so difficult to deal with the opioid crisis?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Once you become addicted, it sticks with you for a long time, if not for life, just as a chronic disease. You may overcome the lowest points, where nothing matters anymore, where there is only the vegetating shell of you and the stuff: drug, alcohol, medication, but even if you manage to battle the substance – and yourself, for that matter – the skeletal ruins of addiction will wait in a shadowy corner to take shape again due to a breakdown induced by psychological or environmental factors. In the worst-case scenario, addiction eats up lives, families, communities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>It takes enormous willpower coupled with professional help, a supportive social environment, and an appropriate medical infrastructure to get out of such an unbearably deep hole. The relapse rate is between 40-60 percent, meaning that treatment and rehabilitation need to be persistent and planned for long-term. Moreover, not only the psychological, physical or social but also the financial consequences are burdening. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that for example, prescription medication abuse costs the U.S. healthcare system $26 billion in 2013.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Thus, to effectively combat a serious drug crisis, plenty of resources, long-term solutions, and wide-scale cooperation is necessary over a long period of time. That’s the reason why it is painfully difficult to effectively mitigate the consequences of a full-blown drug crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"644\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002FOpioid-Crisis-Drugs-1.jpg\" alt=\"opioid crisis\" class=\"wp-image-16644\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002FOpioid-Crisis-Drugs-1.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002FOpioid-Crisis-Drugs-1-768x568.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002FOpioid-Crisis-Drugs-1-512x379.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002FOpioid-Crisis-Drugs-1-338x250.jpg 338w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Sobering statistics\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Opium is one of the strongest addictives, and opioids – synthetic drugs derived from opium – are no less dangerous. The New Yorker notes in its \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newyorker.com\u002Fmagazine\u002F2017\u002F10\u002F30\u002Fthe-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain\">breathtakingly terrifying article about the spread of opioid painkillers due to ruthless marketing tactics of the Slacker-family & Purdue Pharma\u003C\u002Fa>, that even the Romans use the poppy as a symbol of both sleep and death. The author went on to explain that for a long time, doctors had been reluctant to prescribe strong opioids except for acute cancer pain and end-of-life palliative care, because of a long-standing and well-founded fear about the addictive properties of these drugs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Yet, at the turn of the 2000s, there was a shift in the attitude towards prescribing opioids more confidently – and the consequences did not fail to follow. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.asam.org\u002Fdocs\u002Fdefault-source\u002Fadvocacy\u002Fopioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf\">The American Society of Addiction Medicine found\u003C\u002Fa> that from 1999 to 2008, overdose death rates, sales and substance use disorder treatment admissions related to prescription pain relievers increased in parallel. The overdose death rate in 2008 was nearly four times the 1999 rate; sales of prescription pain relievers in 2010 were four times higher than those in 1999; the substance use disorder treatment admission rate in 2009 was six times the 1999 rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>According to The Guardian’s \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theguardian.com\u002Fsociety\u002Fng-interactive\u002F2016\u002Fmay\u002F25\u002Fopioid-epidemic-overdose-deaths-map\">truly fascinating and terrifying visualization\u003C\u002Fa>, overdoses multiplied exponentially in the last 16 years. Today, more Americans die from drug overdoses than car crashes or gun fatalities. In all, drug overdoses have killed 47,000 people in the U.S. in 2014. That’s 130 deaths per day, on average. The majority of those deaths – 29,000, or 80 per day – involved an opioid. Currently, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newyorker.com\u002Fmagazine\u002F2017\u002F10\u002F30\u002Fthe-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain\">the American Society of Addiction Medicine says that\u003C\u002Fa> more than two and a half million Americans have an opioid-use disorder. The New Yorker notes that an addicted baby is now born every half hour. In places like Huntington, West Virginia, ten percent of newborns are dependent on opioids. District attorneys in eastern Tennessee recently filed lawsuits against Purdue, and other companies, on behalf of “Baby Doe” – a collective term for babies born addicted to opioids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"nyt_video_player\" title=\"New York Times Video - Embed Player\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fstatic01.nyt.com\u002Fvideo\u002Fplayers\u002Foffsite\u002Findex.html?videoId=100000005515818\" width=\"480\" height=\"321\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What could be done? How could digital health help?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As with any other disease, combatting addiction necessitates the appropriate treatment, in the form of medication, rehabilitation programs, and psychological guidance. As most of the victims of drug addiction often only realize the problems when they are hitting „rock bottom”, recognizing the early signs of the condition does not necessarily mean the first step towards rehabilitation. Thus, the most effective way of dealing with addiction is prevention, but if the house is already on fire, rehabilitation programs are the way to go, and in the worst-case scenario, delivering resources – for example, naloxone doses – to those in need is of utmost importance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Although disruptive technologies cannot replace medical treatment or psychological guidance, it could offer help for both victims and physicians in the area of prevention, reactive treatment, and emergency care. We collected here the most useful means to aid the fight in the opioid crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fmobile-phone-with-health-application-open-with-hand.-vector-mode.jpg\" alt=\"opioid crisis\" class=\"wp-image-16642\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fmobile-phone-with-health-application-open-with-hand.-vector-mode.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fmobile-phone-with-health-application-open-with-hand.-vector-mode-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fmobile-phone-with-health-application-open-with-hand.-vector-mode-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fmobile-phone-with-health-application-open-with-hand.-vector-mode-512x512.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fmobile-phone-with-health-application-open-with-hand.-vector-mode-250x250.jpg 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>1) Data analytics & IBM Watson\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Several states launched so-called \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fhealthtechmagazine.net\u002Farticle\u002F2017\u002F06\u002Fhealth-it-s-role-curbing-opioid-crisis\">prescription-drug monitoring programs (PDMP), which tap into databases to identify patients\u003C\u002Fa> that may be seeing multiple doctors for the same drug. The NarxCare tool goes one step further: it connects the PDMP with electronic medical records in order to aid doctors to identify those at risk of addiction or overdose by providing visuals, such as graphs and risk scores, alongside a quick summary of the patient’s prescription history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Recently, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fthisismap.com\u002F\">MAP Health Management\u003C\u002Fa>, which aims to leverage on unstructured and isolated healthcare data – in electronic medical records, paper charts, and conversations with no standardized mechanism – to deliver better treatment, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ibm.com\u002Fblogs\u002Fthink\u002F2017\u002F05\u002Ftackling-substance-abuse-watson\u002F\">partnered with IBM Watson\u003C\u002Fa>. In May 2017, the company said their partnership with the artificial narrow intelligence program would help tackle a gap in addiction treatment by using data and technology to understand which patients are at the greatest risk of relapse. MAP Health Management can then empower its platform users with relevant treatment and intervention resources, with the goal of ultimately helping treatment experts, care managers, and others take action before addiction victims relapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"336\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fibm-watson.jpg\" alt=\"Opioid Crisis\" class=\"wp-image-16643\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fibm-watson.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fibm-watson-768x297.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fibm-watson-512x198.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fibm-watson-458x177.jpg 458w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>2) Digital maps\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>In order to somehow make sense of the devastating phenomenon, the Washington\u002FBaltimore High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area decided to create a tool that would give law enforcement and health officials the data they need to respond to the public health crisis as swiftly as possible. The result was a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wired.com\u002Fstory\u002Fbaltimore-built-an-app-to-map-opioid-overdoses-in-real-time\u002F\">web app called ODMAP\u003C\u002Fa> that combines street-level data with tools from \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.esri.com\u002Fen-us\u002Fhome\">Esri, the digital mapping company\u003C\u002Fa>, to help public health officials, police departments, and first responders track and respond to overdoses in real time. While there are many apps tracking the opioid crisis, ODMAP is particular as it tracks specifically overdoses and does so throughout the entire U.S.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The app visualizes the geographic correlations of overdose cases, what also led to useful conclusions. For example, it turned out that overdoses happen in a similar manner as epidemics spread around. Thus, if overdoses happen in one community, officials get a tip-off from ODMAP where the “epidemic” could spread in the next 8-10 hours. So, health, as well as law enforcement officers, get the chance to prevent tragedies. The tool is so powerful and spreads so quickly that since its launch in January 2017, 70 counties across 19 states have been actively contributing data to the system. And that’s just the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fesri_digital-map.jpg\" alt=\"Opioid Crisis\" class=\"wp-image-16645\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fesri_digital-map.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fesri_digital-map-768x373.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fesri_digital-map-512x248.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fesri_digital-map-458x222.jpg 458w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3) Electronic prescriptions\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The widespread adoption of electronic prescriptions—as opposed to the old-school, hand-written note —for certain painkillers \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Ffortune.com\u002F2017\u002F03\u002F20\u002Fopioid-addiction-digital-health\u002F\">could prevent Americans from falling prey to addictive drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin\u003C\u002Fa>, writes Dr. Atul Gawande, revered surgeon, healthcare thinker, and journalist, \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fjournals.lww.com\u002Fannalsofsurgery\u002FFulltext\u002F2017\u002F04000\u002FIt_s_Time_to_Adopt_Electronic_Prescriptions_for.12.aspx\">in a new article\u003C\u002Fa> published in the medical journal \u003Cem>Annals of Surgery. \u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>This system of prescribing could “prevent duplicate and forged prescriptions by using 2-factor authentication; reduce dosing errors; cross-reference prescription monitoring program databases; and simplify the prescription process for doctors and patients”, Gawande says. Furthermore, “electronic prescribing would make it far easier for surgeons to write smaller prescriptions that meet the needs of 80 percent of patients, or even 50 percent, knowing they could remotely order an additional supply if a patient needed it.” Moreover, the use of electronic prescriptions would limit the possibility for doctors running so-called „pill mills”, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.newyorker.com\u002Fmagazine\u002F2017\u002F10\u002F30\u002Fthe-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain\">pain clinics that thrive on a wholesale business of issuing, for example, OxyContin prescriptions\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, in the case of patients with serious drug abuse symptoms, the widespread use of electronic prescriptions could backfire if not applied thoughtfully. If these patients will not have the chance to receive their medications legally through prescriptions, they could end up buying substitutes on the black market – such as cheaper heroin. Thus, electronic prescriptions should be coupled with careful patient management and follow-up, offering effective help – even if sometimes the harsh reality only allows preventing overdose cases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fdoctor-holding-prescription-bottle-with-laptop.jpg\" alt=\"opioid criis\" class=\"wp-image-16646\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fdoctor-holding-prescription-bottle-with-laptop.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fdoctor-holding-prescription-bottle-with-laptop-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fdoctor-holding-prescription-bottle-with-laptop-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fdoctor-holding-prescription-bottle-with-laptop-375x250.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4) Smartphone apps\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As health officials, victims’ family members and the U.S. press voiced alarm, regulations on opioid painkillers started to tighten. As a consequence, it is more difficult for patients to buy opioids legally, but on the other hand, it is also \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpharmaphorum.com\u002Fnews\u002Fsmartphone-app-opioid-crisis\u002F\">more challenging for medical professionals to know what to safely prescribe their patients\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The US-based company, Avella wants to address exactly this challenge with its new Pain and Addiction Management Mobile App, offering U.S. health providers crucial information about opioids. This includes changes to regulations, clinical information about pain medication as well as addiction medication, prescribing guidelines from bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the latest industry news. The app also \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpharmaphorum.com\u002Fnews\u002Fsmartphone-app-opioid-crisis\u002F\">has an ‘opioid converter’ function\u003C\u002Fa> which can inform providers how to transition a patient from one medication to another best while maintaining the safety and efficacy of the treatment. It is truly a resourceful aid for medical professionals! In the future, we hope to see \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fchatbots-health-assistants\u002F\">chatbots and digital assistants doing similar tasks\u003C\u002Fa>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Favella-drug-app.jpg\" alt=\"opioid crisis\" class=\"wp-image-16647\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Favella-drug-app.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Favella-drug-app-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Favella-drug-app-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Favella-drug-app-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Favella-drug-app-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>5) Wearables\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Beyond tackling the current opioid crisis with tightening regulations for prescriptions, offering a wider selection of treatment options and strengthening emergency care, regulators, industry players, and patients are looking for ways to relieve chronic pain without opioids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One of the most effective solutions is the wearable device, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.quellrelief.com\u002F\">Quell\u003C\u002Fa>, produced by NeuroMetrix. Scientists, experts and techologists have spent over 15 years developing patented diagnostic technology and innovative wearable therapy solutions for people suffering from chronic pain and sleep disorders. With Quell, you can snap in the electrodes, wrap the band around your calf, click the button, and there you go: feel the healthful impact of the equipment without the need for any medication. The device can be worn 24 hours a day \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.techrepublic.com\u002Farticle\u002Fces-2015-six-cool-new-wearable-tech-devices\u002F\">to help better manage chronic pain, neurological diseases and sleep disorders\u003C\u002Fa>. It uses non-invasive neurostimulation technology to provide relief from pain, particularly neuropathic pain due to diabetes, fibromyalgia and sciatica. Wearables are one important way to cut back the use of opioid painkillers and provide something completely different than medication for chronic pain. We hope to see more innovations like Quell soon on the market!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fquell-pain-relief.jpg\" alt=\"Opioid Crisis\" class=\"wp-image-16648\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fquell-pain-relief.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fquell-pain-relief-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fquell-pain-relief-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Fquell-pain-relief-375x250.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>6) Virtual Reality\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The use of virtual reality represents another out-of-the-box solution for managing chronic pain and an effective prevention of the use of prescription opioids. Brennan Spiegel and his team at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvirtual-reality-used-clinical-practice\u002F\">experimenting with the technology and they found a significant drop in pain scores in case of VR therapies\u003C\u002Fa>. In \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fmental.jmir.org\u002F2017\u002F1\u002Fe9\u002F\">a recent clinical trial,\u003C\u002Fa> out of 100 people who self-reported persistent, daily pain, half had the chance to play a VR game called Bear Blast. The other half got to watch 2-D relaxation videos of lakes and babbling brooks. While they \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wired.com\u002Fstory\u002Fopioids-havent-solved-chronic-pain-maybe-virtual-reality-can\u002F\">experienced a small bit of relief, the VR group reported feeling 25 percent less pain than when they started.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Josh Sackman, President of \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fappliedvr.io\u002F\">applied VR\u003C\u002Fa>, a Los Angeles-based company offering patients a non-drug escape route out of pain or panic through virtual reality, told The Medical Futurist that VR can help increase access to a low cost, yet effective pain management resource. He added that according to the CDC, even a one-day prescription medication resulted in a 6 percent chance that the patient would still be taking opioids a year later, with a 30-day initial prescription increasing that addiction percentage to 45 percent. That would completely be absent in the case of VR. Spiegel even believes the future will be VR pharmacies with specialists prescribing the appropriate VR treatment to patients. We cannot wait to be able to offer VR treatment instead of medication!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Virtual Reality | Cedars-Sinai\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FzpcNhnU-Aaw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>While digital health technologies cannot offer help in themselves, they provide viable alternatives for preventing the development of addiction (virtual reality, wearables), they show new ways of following patients and preventing them from relapse, the progression of their dependence (data analytics, IBM Watson), they represent an effective means for tackling emergency situations (digital maps) or managing prescriptions. All-in-all, we hope that new emerging technologies will help exchange the use of opioids or other addictive substances in painkillers for materials or devices free of addictives, and can effectively contribute to mitigating the impact of the current opioid crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fthemedicalfuturist.us8.list-manage.com\u002Fsubscribe?u=5b42ebb547c75ff669a6572d3&id=efd6a3cd08\">\u003Cb>Subscribe To The Medical Futurist℠ Newsletter\u003C\u002Fb>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003Cli>News shaping the future of healthcare\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Advice on taking charge of your health\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Reviews of the latest health technology\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",false,{"rendered":22,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>The widespread U.S. opioid & overdose crisis is an ever-increasing tragic concern for everyone: writhing victims, family members being fain to see their relatives suffer or die, doctors prescribing opioid pain-killers which they thought before as safe, and regulators imposed to handle a tough situation. Addiction. It’s painful to even read about the skyrocketing numbers of people suffering, thus we decided to map how digital health could help tackle the opioid crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",6,16649,"closed",true,"","standard",{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[31,32,33],511,494,514,[35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49],453,134,144,196,522,246,677,289,765,313,766,356,767,425,445,[],[],[53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61],1617,1631,1723,1725,1841,1857,1883,3037,1571,[63,14,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86],"post-16640","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bioethics","category-telemedicine","category-virtual-reality","tag-wearables-2","tag-ai","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-data-2","tag-gc3","tag-future","tag-drugs","tag-innovation","tag-opioid","tag-medicine","tag-opioid-crisis","tag-pharma-2","tag-data-analytics","tag-technology-2","tag-virtual-reality",{"id":24,"alt_text":27,"caption":27,"description":27,"media_type":88,"media_details":89,"post":5,"source_url":122},"image",{"width":90,"height":91,"file":92,"sizes":93,"image_meta":119},870,373,"2017\u002F11\u002Ffight-opioid-crisis.jpg",{"medium":94,"large":100,"thumbnail":105,"medium_large":109,"large_old_512x220":110,"medium_old_458x196":115},{"file":95,"width":96,"height":97,"mime-type":98,"source_url":99},"fight-opioid-crisis-370x208.jpg",370,208,"image\u002Fjpeg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Ffight-opioid-crisis-370x208.jpg",{"file":101,"width":102,"height":103,"mime-type":98,"source_url":104},"fight-opioid-crisis-768x329.jpg",768,329,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Ffight-opioid-crisis-768x329.jpg",{"file":106,"width":107,"height":107,"mime-type":98,"source_url":108},"fight-opioid-crisis-150x150.jpg",150,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Ffight-opioid-crisis-150x150.jpg",{"file":101,"width":102,"height":103,"mime-type":98,"source_url":104},{"file":111,"width":112,"height":113,"mime-type":98,"source_url":114},"fight-opioid-crisis-512x220.jpg",512,220,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Ffight-opioid-crisis-512x220.jpg",{"file":116,"width":117,"height":38,"mime-type":98,"source_url":118},"fight-opioid-crisis-458x196.jpg",458,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Ffight-opioid-crisis-458x196.jpg",{"aperture":120,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":120,"copyright":27,"focal_length":120,"iso":120,"shutter_speed":120,"title":27,"orientation":120,"keywords":121},"0",[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F11\u002Ffight-opioid-crisis.jpg",{"related_posts":124,"related_posts_footer":128,"cta_type":27,"cta_color":27,"subtitle":27,"related_books":20},[125,126,127],16450,16497,16433,[129,130,131],15664,16189,16269,{"yoast_wpseo_title":133,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":27,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":15},"Digital Health Supports The Fight Against Opioids - The Medical Futurist",{"self":135,"collection":141,"about":144,"author":147,"replies":150,"version-history":153,"predecessor-version":157,"wp:featuredmedia":161,"wp:attachment":164,"wp:term":167,"curies":183},[136],{"href":137,"targetHints":138},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16640",{"allow":139},[140],"GET",[142],{"href":143},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts",[145],{"href":146},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftypes\u002Fpost",[148],{"embeddable":26,"href":149},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F6",[151],{"embeddable":26,"href":152},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=16640",[154],{"count":155,"href":156},20,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16640\u002Frevisions",[158],{"id":159,"href":160},45761,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16640\u002Frevisions\u002F45761",[162],{"embeddable":26,"href":163},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F16649",[165],{"href":166},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=16640",[168,171,174,177,180],{"taxonomy":169,"embeddable":26,"href":170},"category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=16640",{"taxonomy":172,"embeddable":26,"href":173},"post_tag","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=16640",{"taxonomy":175,"embeddable":26,"href":176},"project_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=16640",{"taxonomy":178,"embeddable":26,"href":179},"contact_email_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=16640",{"taxonomy":181,"embeddable":26,"href":182},"yst_prominent_words","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=16640",[184],{"name":185,"href":186,"templated":26},"wp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.w.org\u002F{rel}",[188],{"id":131,"date":189,"date_gmt":190,"guid":191,"modified":193,"modified_gmt":194,"slug":195,"status":13,"type":14,"link":196,"title":197,"content":199,"excerpt":201,"author":23,"featured_media":203,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":204,"categories":205,"tags":207,"project_category":215,"contact_email_category":219,"yst_prominent_words":220,"class_list":231,"better_featured_image":245,"acf":277,"yoast_meta":291,"_links":293},"2026-03-09T10:25:52","2026-03-09T09:25:52",{"rendered":192},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=16269","2026-03-09T10:25:54","2026-03-09T09:25:54","future-of-dermatology","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Ffuture-of-dermatology",{"rendered":198},"Amazing Technologies Changing The Future Of Dermatology",{"rendered":200,"protected":20},"\n\u003Cp>Smart algorithms will soon diagnose skin cancer, dermatologists consult patients online, and 3D printers will print out synthetic skin to fight tissue shortages. There is a lot going on in dermatology, and medical professionals should prepare in time for the technological changes before they start swiping through the specialty. Let’s start by familiarizing with the most amazing technologies changing the future of dermatology!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Skin cancer is too common\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>According to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.who.int\u002Fmulti-media\u002Fdetails\u002Fuv-from-the-sun-causes-over-1.5-million-skin-cancers-every-year\" target=\"_blank\">statistics from the WHO\u003C\u002Fa>, currently, some 1.5 million non-melanoma skin cancers and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.iarc.who.int\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2022\u002F03\u002Fpr311_E.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">325,000 melanoma skin cancers\u003C\u002Fa> occur globally each year. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.skincancer.org\u002Fskin-cancer-information\u002Fskin-cancer-facts\" target=\"_blank\">Data from the US Skin Cancer Foundation\u003C\u002Fa> suggests that each year over 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people only in the US. The annual cost of treating skin cancers there is estimated at $8.1 billion: about $4.8 billion for non-melanoma skin cancers and $3.3 billion for melanoma, which is an insanely huge number. And what is even scarier? For example, the fact that according to the estimations, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. And the situation is not a tiny bit better in other countries. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-16271\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"379\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer_world-map.png\" alt=\"amazing technologies changing healthcare\" class=\"wp-image-16271\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer_world-map.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer_world-map-768x335.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer_world-map-512x223.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer_world-map-458x200.png 458w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Cem>Source: Australian Melanoma Research Foundation\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Luckily, digital technologies are on their way to help dermatologists diagnose and treat skin diseases better and more effectively. Innovative solutions have a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmedical-specialties-with-the-biggest-potential-in-the-future\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">huge impact on healthcare in general\u003C\u002Fa>, but in case of certain subfields, such as \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-technological-future-of-surgery\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">surgery\u003C\u002Fa>, even the transformation of the whole specialty can be expected. Looking at dermatology, it will probably not experience such a radical turn as surgery, but the shift will still be determining. Technology has been shaping dermatology praxes for years, which will accelerate in the coming years. Here, I decided to enlist all the digital solutions which can help medical professionals truly bring dermatology into the 21\u003Csup>st\u003C\u002Fsup> century.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fartphetamin_tmf_illustration_03_smartmirror.png\" alt=\"amazing technologies changing dermatology\" class=\"wp-image-16284\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fartphetamin_tmf_illustration_03_smartmirror.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fartphetamin_tmf_illustration_03_smartmirror-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fartphetamin_tmf_illustration_03_smartmirror-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fartphetamin_tmf_illustration_03_smartmirror-512x288.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fartphetamin_tmf_illustration_03_smartmirror-444x250.png 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>1) Telemedicine\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As you can easily detect if you have a skin problem, and smartphones coupled with super-fast internet connection make it easy to send pictures or footage anywhere, telehealth solutions appeared naturally in dermatology. The options of teledermatology services are soaring. \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.firstderm.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">FirstDerm\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dermatologistoncall.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">DermatologistOnCall\u003C\u002Fa>,\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.directdermatology.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\"> Direct Dermatology\u003C\u002Fa>, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.onlineskinspecialist.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Online Skin Specialist\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.idoc24.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">iDoc24\u003C\u002Fa> and you can find many other providers. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>They all work based on the same principle: they promise patients to connect them to a dermatologist online for consultation within a very short period of time. Usually, people can load up their photos to a certain platform, and dermatologists give advice based on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The popularity of the platforms shows there was an urgent need for this solution. It also turned out that the majority of the issues were rather harmless: iDoc24 found that 70 percent of all their reviewed cases could be self-treated. They advised the patient to undertake further tests in all the remaining 30 percent of cases. It is a win-win for everyone: patients do not have to wait in crowded waiting rooms for an exam, while dermatologists can deal with the easier cases in a shorter time online.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How do skin-checking apps work? - The Medical Futurist #shorts\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002F0EMZM4_fxTA?start=1&feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>2) Skin Checking Apps\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002Fpmc\u002Farticles\u002FPMC7640800\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Multiple studies\u003C\u002Fa> compare the effectiveness of algorithms against certified professionals. The \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theweek.in\u002Fnews\u002Fhealth\u002F2021\u002F02\u002F19\u002Falgorithm-can-detect-skin-cancer-as-accurately-dermatologists.html\" target=\"_blank\">results\u003C\u002Fa> are plausible, and it seems the ever-present saying about AI in healthcare has its place here, too: “\u003Cstrong>\u003Cem>AI will not replace dermatologists. But dermatologists using AI will replace those who don’t.”\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fstrong> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nature.com\u002Farticles\u002Fs41591-020-0942-0\" target=\"_blank\">study in Nature\u003C\u002Fa> in 2020 confirmed that on cleaned data for selected lesions, AI is as good as or even superior to human experts in image-based diagnosis. Which is a good thing, considering that there’s a constant \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jaad.org\u002Farticle\u002FS0190-9622(17)30017-8\u002Ffulltext#sec3.2\" target=\"_blank\">shortage of dermatologists\u003C\u002Fa>, especially in rural areas. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Google decided to throw their hat in the ring: the \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.fiercehealthcare.com\u002Ftech\u002Fgoogle-previews-ai-dermatology-tool-to-help-consumers-identify-skin-conditions\" target=\"_blank\">tech giant launched\u003C\u002Fa> an AI-based app to diagnose skin conditions. It turns out the search titan took notice of the ten billion searches annually that were aimed at skin\u002Fhair\u002Fnail issues and acted upon. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-768x432.png\" alt=\"Emerging Trend Alert – Skin Checking Algorithms\" class=\"wp-image-34783\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-768x432.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-370x208.png 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Skin Checking Algorithms\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>But of course, Google wasn’t the first to create an A.I.-based skin checker. Pioneering the technology on the market, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.skinvision.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">SkinVision\u003C\u002Fa> started working on the technology in 2012.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Derm Assist, another company \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mobihealthnews.com\u002Fnews\u002Fapac\u002Fadvanced-human-imagings-smartphone-based-derma-ai-gets-ce-mark\" target=\"_blank\">announced that\u003C\u002Fa> it received the European CE mark for its smartphone-based dermatology A.I. component. Australian-based medical investment firm \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.advancedhumanimaging.com\u002Ftechnology\u002Fdermascan\" target=\"_blank\">Advanced Human Imaging\u003C\u002Fa> (AHI) bought a Canadian startup, Triage, to enter the market. It’s DermaScan app is capable of screening 588 skin conditions in 134 categories with a smartphone. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>3) Robotics\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Amazing high-tech machines appeared on the stage of medicine lately. The New Jersey-based company, Canfield Scientific \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.medgadget.com\u002F2017\u002F05\u002Fvectra-wb360-whole-body-skin-lesion-mapping-system.html\" target=\"_blank\">installed the first commercial Vectra WB360 whole-body skin lesion\u003C\u002Fa> mapping system. It is able to take a 360-degree scan of the entire body and identifies all the lesions on the skin. But what is even more exciting is the potential in robots helping dermatologists, especially aesthetic dermatologists in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Many skin cancer types and other skin problems are treated with laser therapies, \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fdermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com\u002Fdermatology-times\u002Fnews\u002Frobotic-guided-cosmetic-treatments-more-accurate-man\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">and a study found that robots might be able to help\u003C\u002Fa> there. Researchers compared the accuracy and consistency of laser irradiation treatments carried out by humans and robotic arms, and investigators found the robot-guided treatments to be superior to the manually guided treatments. In the future, we can expect laser therapies to be carried out by “robotic surgeons” with humans controlling the process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fvectra.jpg\" alt=\"Vectra WB360 Whole-Body Skin Lesion Mapping System\" class=\"wp-image-16288\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fvectra.jpg 770w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fvectra-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fvectra-512x384.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fvectra-333x250.jpg 333w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>4) Artificial Intelligence\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Deep learning algorithms are especially good at recognising certain images, thus they will certainly have a place in the future of medical specialties dealing with medical imaging, such as \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fthe-future-of-radiology-and-ai\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">radiology\u003C\u002Fa> or dermatology. For example, researchers at Stanford University carried out an experiment. They created \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fnews.stanford.edu\u002F2017\u002F01\u002F25\u002Fartificial-intelligence-used-identify-skin-cancer\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">an artificially intelligent diagnosis algorithm for skin cancer\u003C\u002Fa> with the help of an algorithm developed by Google that was already trained to identify 1.28 million images from 1,000 object categories. Then, they made a database of nearly 130,000 skin disease images representing over 2,000 different diseases; and trained their algorithm to visually diagnose potential cancer. From the very first test, it performed with inspiring accuracy. It performed at least as well as dermatologists participating in the research, which is very impressive! Now, the team is considering to make the algorithm smartphone compatible in the near future, bringing reliable skin cancer diagnoses to our fingertips. Mind-blowing innovation in sight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-16278\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"517\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fdeep-learning-classifying-lesions.png\" alt=\"amazing technologies changing dermatology\" class=\"wp-image-16278\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fdeep-learning-classifying-lesions.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fdeep-learning-classifying-lesions-768x456.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fdeep-learning-classifying-lesions-512x304.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fdeep-learning-classifying-lesions-421x250.png 421w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003Cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u003Cem>Deep Learning Algorithm Classifying Lesions. Fig. 1b, Esteva, Kuprel et al., 2017\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Ffigcaption>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>5) Artificial Skin And 3D Printing\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The answer to organ shortages of all kinds, including skin, as well as to the increasing reluctance to test new cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical products on animals, is 3D printing and growing tissues in labs. In our case, many innovators focus on the area of artificial skin and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\u002F34576409\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">plenty of research\u003C\u002Fa> is going on both \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.mddionline.com\u002Frd\u002Fnew-artificial-skin-mimics-way-human-skin-reacts-extreme-stimuli\" target=\"_blank\">for human\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.caltech.edu\u002Fabout\u002Fnews\u002Fartificial-skin-gives-robots-sense-of-touch-and-beyond#:~:text=A%20new%20artificial%20skin%20developed,that%20attach%20to%20human%20skin.\" target=\"_blank\">non-human applications\u003C\u002Fa>. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Scientists at the Spanish Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in collaboration with the bioengineering firm BioDan Group have \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedaily.com\u002Freleases\u002F2017\u002F01\u002F170123090630.htm\" target=\"_blank\">presented a prototype for a 3D bioprinter\u003C\u002Fa> that can create an entirely functional human skin. James Yoo and his team at the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002F3dprint.com\u002F162193\u002Fwfirm-3d-printed-skin-burn-care\u002F\">Wake Forest School of Medicine\u003C\u002Fa> in the US has also developed a similar prototype that can create synthetic skin. San Diego-based bioprinting firm \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Forganovo.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">Organovo\u003C\u002Fa> teamed up with cosmetics giant L’Oréal to \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.wired.com\u002F2015\u002F05\u002Finside-loreals-plan-3-d-print-human-skin\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">supply 3D-printed skin\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"3-D skin printer\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002Fq8DnF0tF7D0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>3D printing could ensure that critical tissue shortages, which were reported for example \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.abc.net.au\u002Fnews\u002F2016-01-11\u002Fcritical-skin-donation-shortage-leaving-bushfire-victims-at-risk\u002F7076680\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in Australia in 2016\u003C\u002Fa> or \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.japantimes.co.jp\u002Fnews\u002F2017\u002F03\u002F22\u002Fnational\u002Fscience-health\u002Fjapan-facing-critical-shortage-donated-skin-life-saving-graft-operations\u002F#.WbAh0MhJY2w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in Japan in March 2017\u003C\u002Fa>, would never again hamper the tasks of medical professionals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>6) Regeneration\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Injuries of the skin take a long time to heal. For a 10 mm cut, it takes 1-2 weeks to turn into a scar and then slowly fade away. Researchers are working on various innovations for shortening the healing process and accelerating the natural responses of the human organism for more effective skin regeneration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Healthpoint Biotherapeutics developed a skin cell spray to improve conventional treatment for leg ulcers. According to a \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsingularityhub.com\u002F2012\u002F09\u002F11\u002Fnew-spray-containing-neonatal-cells-helps-skin-heal-faster\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">study\u003C\u002Fa>, applied prior to wrapping the leg with compression bandages, the spray both improved the extent of healing and did it in less time than healing with bandages alone. Another remarkable innovation is \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.acell.com\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">ACell’s\u003C\u002Fa> MatriStem, an extracellular matrix, which helps regrow tissues – it even induced the regrowth of an amputated fingertip in 2010. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>A very similar extracellular matrix helped treat a US Marine who lost 70 percent of his thigh muscle in a mortar explosion in Afghanistan. Researchers at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh applied a “cocktail of proteins” and growth factors derived from pig bladders. After a few weeks, his leg muscles started to grow back! Simply amazing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>7) Health sensors\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>As the market for wearables and health sensors is exploding, you can find all kinds of tiny gadgets measuring your vital signs and health parameters. In the future, some of these devices will not only do measurements but also offer diagnosis or participate in the treatment of certain diseases. Skin-related conditions might be the first to diagnose or treat with small, sensor-like materials or gadgets. This year, L’Oréal \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002Ffortune.com\u002F2016\u002F01\u002F06\u002Floreal-wearable-sun-exposure\u002F\" target=\"_blank\">introduced its wearable sensor\u003C\u002Fa> for measuring sun exposure and notifying the user when they are about to get sunburn. The patch changes color to warn against skin cancer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer-patch.jpg\" alt=\"amazing technologies changing healthcare\" class=\"wp-image-16282\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer-patch.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer-patch-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer-patch-512x316.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fskin-cancer-patch-405x250.jpg 405w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>What’s more, a\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fsingularityhub.com\u002F2012\u002F06\u002F19\u002Fnew-patch-makes-certain-skin-cancers-disappear\u002F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> group of Indian researchers presented a unique patch\u003C\u002Fa> for treating skin cancer at the Society of Nuclear Medicine’s Annual Meeting in 2012. The patch is infused with phosphorus-32, a radioactive isotope used to treat some types of cancer. The researchers carried out a small study on the effectiveness of the patch and the results were very promising. Ten patients with skin cancer on their faces were treated with the patch, and three months after the treatment, biopsies showed no sign of their tumors. When biopsies were performed again at six months, however, the basal cell carcinomas had returned in two of the patients. I believe it is a great achievement, and I hope to hear about more similar research projects in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>8) Nanotechnology and nanoparticles\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Nanotechnology proves to be a fertile field in dermatology and especially in cosmetics, as nanoparticles make their way into UV-light absorbing sunscreens and anti-ageing products. When properly engineered, \u003Ca rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sciencedaily.com\u002Freleases\u002F2010\u002F03\u002F100306104209.htm\" target=\"_blank\">nanomaterials may be able to topically deliver retinoids, antioxidants, and drugs\u003C\u002Fa> such as botulinum toxin or growth factors for rejuvenation of the skin in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Yet, nanotechnology also has to offer a lot in the fight against cancer. Researchers also are reviewing the use of nanomaterials for the treatment of melanoma. In particular, gold, when turned into a nanomaterial called nanoshells, has been shown to be a useful treatment for melanoma in animal studies. So, perhaps skin cancer will be treated by gold in the future. Who knew that everyone’s favorite jewelry material has such beneficial traits?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fgold-microparticles.jpg\" alt=\"amazing technologies changing healthcare\" class=\"wp-image-16283\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fgold-microparticles.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fgold-microparticles-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fgold-microparticles-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fgold-microparticles-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fgold-microparticles-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Although the above list certainly has its limitations, it shows the vast potential of digital technologies to change the landscape of dermatology very soon. Thus, a student who wants to become a dermatologist might better become friends with disruptive innovations to get the most out of them when they start practicing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":202,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>From skin checking applications and AI to remote care devices and robotics, the field is going through a paradigm shift making patients more and more the point of care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",34783,{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[206,32],521,[103,208,209,48,210,35,36,37,211,212,40,213,214,42],355,377,130,517,206,727,275,[216,217,218],949,950,953,[],[221,222,223,55,224,225,59,226,227,228,229,230],2967,1721,3407,1737,1739,2133,2465,2477,2485,2487,[232,14,64,65,66,67,68,233,70,234,235,236,85,237,72,73,74,238,239,77,240,241,79,242,243,244],"post-16269","category-future-medicine","tag-nanotechnology","tag-personalized-medicine","tag-robotics-2","tag-3d-printing-2","tag-gc1","tag-digital","tag-dermatology","tag-healthcare","project_category-educators","project_category-medical-professionals","project_category-researchers",{"id":203,"alt_text":246,"caption":247,"description":27,"media_type":88,"media_details":248,"post":275,"source_url":276},"Emerging Trend Alert – Skin Checking Algorithms","Skin Checking Algorithms",{"width":249,"height":250,"file":251,"sizes":252,"image_meta":274},1920,1080,"2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01.png",{"medium":253,"large":259,"thumbnail":264,"medium_large":268,"1536x1536":269},{"file":254,"width":255,"height":256,"mime-type":257,"source_url":258},"tmf_article_274-01-370x208.png","370","208","image\u002Fpng","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-370x208.png",{"file":260,"width":261,"height":262,"mime-type":257,"source_url":263},"tmf_article_274-01-768x432.png","768","432","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-768x432.png",{"file":265,"width":266,"height":266,"mime-type":257,"source_url":267},"tmf_article_274-01-150x150.png","150","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-150x150.png",{"file":260,"width":261,"height":262,"mime-type":257,"source_url":263},{"file":270,"width":271,"height":272,"mime-type":257,"source_url":273},"tmf_article_274-01-1536x864.png","1536","864","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01-1536x864.png",{"aperture":120,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":120,"copyright":27,"focal_length":120,"iso":120,"shutter_speed":120,"title":27,"orientation":120},34743,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2021\u002F06\u002Ftmf_article_274-01.png",{"related_posts":20,"related_posts_footer":278,"cta_type":282,"cta_color":27,"subtitle":27,"related_books":283,"key_takeaways":287},[279,280,281],20711,17884,17093,"subscribe",[284,285,286],24761,24762,24759,[288,289],{"title":202},{"title":290},"\u003Cp>Smart algorithms will soon diagnose skin cancer, dermatologists consult patients online, and 3D printers will print out synthetic skin to fight tissue shortages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"yoast_wpseo_title":198,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":292,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":196},"Smart algorithms will soon diagnose skin cancer, 3D printers will print out synthetic skin to fight tissue shortages. Find out more!",{"self":294,"collection":299,"about":301,"author":303,"replies":305,"version-history":308,"predecessor-version":312,"wp:featuredmedia":316,"wp:attachment":319,"wp:term":322,"curies":333},[295],{"href":296,"targetHints":297},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16269",{"allow":298},[140],[300],{"href":143},[302],{"href":146},[304],{"embeddable":26,"href":149},[306],{"embeddable":26,"href":307},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=16269",[309],{"count":310,"href":311},41,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16269\u002Frevisions",[313],{"id":314,"href":315},58201,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16269\u002Frevisions\u002F58201",[317],{"embeddable":26,"href":318},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F34783",[320],{"href":321},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=16269",[323,325,327,329,331],{"taxonomy":169,"embeddable":26,"href":324},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=16269",{"taxonomy":172,"embeddable":26,"href":326},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=16269",{"taxonomy":175,"embeddable":26,"href":328},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=16269",{"taxonomy":178,"embeddable":26,"href":330},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=16269",{"taxonomy":181,"embeddable":26,"href":332},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=16269",[334],{"name":185,"href":186,"templated":26},[],1788949286524]