• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Medtech Makers
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Eitan Medical Receives FDA Clearance for Sapphire Infusion System

    Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial

    RSIP Vision Announces Versatile Medical Image Segmentation Tool

    Vance Street Capital Adds Operating Partner

    Haemonetics to Acquire Cardiva for Up to $510M
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products

    The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech

    The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review

    Extrusion Evolution

    Little Big Parts: Micromolding Under the Microscope
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    Fixing Face Mask Form and Function

    The Heart of the Matter: Trends in Cardiology

    Virtually the Same? The Challenges of Online Conferences

    Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

    Advanced Technology for Staking and Swaging Medical Plastics
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    Orthopedics
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Concise Engineering

    maxon

    K-Tube Technologies

    Element
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Meeting Critical Ventilator Product Requirements Amid Pandemic

    Impact of COVID-19 on the Medtech Supply Chain

    Finding the Upside to a Challenging Year

    Preparing Your Design Controls for FDA Approval

    A 'Trial and Error' Approach to Micromolded Parts
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Qosina Corp.

    Concise Engineering

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Element

    Unicep
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
      • Orthopedics
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Columns

    Hospital Advances in Digital Health Medical Technology

    It's been stated, “What the world would have taken five years to achieve was accomplished in five weeks,” regarding virtual care and the U.S. population.

    Hospital Advances in Digital Health Medical Technology
    Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage06.04.20
    The World Medical Innovation Forum (WMIF) hosted its first ever virtual forum,1 and as always, the information presented was of high value from its usual mix of clinician and medical device industry experts. In its 2019 F2F meeting in Boston, the WMIF registered a global mix of more than 1,700 senior healthcare leaders. This year, almost 11,000 registrants took time out of their busy schedules to attend virtually. The founding belief of the WMIF is the center of healthcare change needs to be a shared commitment to collaborative innovation between the medical device and pharmaceutical industries along with academia to improve patients’ health and lives. Notable leaders such as Anne Klibanski, M.D., president and CEO of Mass General Brigham; Stephane Bancel, CEO of Moderna Pharmaceuticals; Mike Mahoney, CEO of Boston Scientific; and Kieran Murphy, CEO of GE Healthcare were on hand to share their wisdom on the future of healthcare and thoughts about the current COVID-19 situation.

    In its first virtual meeting, MDG Boston2 crushed it with a panel discussing innovative MIS medical technologies. In the first part of the panel, Dr. Sajani Shah, chief, Division of MIS/Bariatric Surgery at Tufts Medical Center, discussed the Tufts transformation from open surgery to laparoscopy to surgical robotics and its future change to Surgery 4.0 Digital/Hybrid.3 These advances will reduce technical complexity, cut costs, and increase efficiency while potentially altering the point of care for some MIS procedures. Bryce Klontz, CEO of New View Surgical4 moderated the panel, which also included a CTO from a robotics company and an MDG Boston board member who is a subject matter expert in orthopedic surgery.

    Why This Is Important
    During the WMIF, it was estimated about two percent of all healthcare visits were virtual pre-pandemic; this number grew to approximately 60 percent since the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. It was also stated, “What the world would have taken five years to achieve was accomplished in five weeks,” regarding virtual care and the U.S. patient population. It was further explained, post-COVID, the percent of telehealth visits would decline, but not by much, and estimated in the future, 50 percent of healthcare would be performed virtually (Table 1).


    Table 1: Comparison of number of virtual healthcare visits before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.1

    Expect Change at the Hospital Bedside
    We all agree that digital technology will transform healthcare, but one important area will be at the bedside—where patients recover from surgery or are treated for acute health conditions. Large flat-screen TVs will be used for multiple forms of communication. Using video conferencing, patients can be monitored by their physicians, physicians can communicate with clinical staff or families, and families can check in and speak with patients. In a welcome change to the electronic medical record (EMR), audio will be deployed at the bedside, recording clinician orders for medication, a change in patient care, or instructions regarding lab work. Ambient voice technology means clinicians will no longer have to multi-task, speaking with patients while typing on a keyboard. This behavior is one of the biggest complaints from clinicians about the EMR. Many miss the patient interaction they require to provide an enhanced level of care.

    Audio/video features establish a foundation for AI-based digital health. Long overdue tracking services will help locate medical devices, such as patient imaging tools like bedside MRI,5 which is still in the FDA approval cycle. These devices will be a boon that, when available, will help patients who are critically ill. In addition, although physicians will not like it, GPS locators will be useful to track them down in the hospital. Also of value will be to track the patient location in the hospital to increase efficiencies for clinical staff and to reassure concerned family members.

    Expect Change in the Medtech Supply Chain
    At the WMIF, the audience of medical device leaders was polled on a variety of topics. One of the questions asked was, “In the next three years, will domestic medical supply chains compared to international supply chains: nominally grow, shrink, significantly grow, or stay the same?” The results were impressive and directive (Table 2). Now is the chance for medtech suppliers to take advantage of this rare opportunity, because medtech purchasing is acknowledging its over-dependence on global sources. For example, the pharmaceutical industry’s goal of reducing cost in the short-term yields supply issues during emergency events like COVID-19. It is estimated 80 percent of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs are the part of any drug that produces the intended effects) come from overseas—usually China or India. Also, it is reported that India sources approximately 70 percent of APIs from China. A global catastrophe such as COVID-19 has far reaching effects when the healthcare industry is overreliant on a single source. Medtech can learn from this.


    Table 2: Results to the question, “How will the domestic supply chain grow as compared to the international supply chain?” (n=818)1

    Machine Learning and AI Will Broaden the Boundaries of Hospitals
    We are still in an infancy period with regard to hospital AI, and although the field is still emerging, AI has substantial potential to address at least four major issues in the healthcare system. First, AI will push the boundaries of human performance. For example, Google Health has developed an algorithm that predicts the onset of acute kidney injury up to 48 hours before the issue occurs. In current medical practice, these types of injuries often go undiagnosed until after the incident. During the MDG meeting, Dr. Shah provided another example. She believes robotic surgery is a stepping stone to Digital Surgery 4.0 and views it as a bridge between laparoscopic and digital surgery. She said variation in surgery is one of the biggest drivers of robotics and digital surgery will be skill agnostic. She also believes greater robotic autonomy and machine learning will help achieve these goals.

    Second, while AI supporters say AI will democratize medical knowledge and excellence, detractors say it will commoditize this expertise. No matter what you believe about the outcome, AI can share the performance and expertise of specialists to supplement the diagnoses of primary care physicians, especially those practicing in rural areas where specialists are relatively rare.

    Third, AI can automate the grind of computer tasks in medical practice. AI will assist healthcare providers who spend an enormous amount of time entering data into EMRs and typing on keyboards, especially while examining patients. Future AI programs will identify the most relevant information in EMR records and synthesize it all into structured data. This would certainly prove to be a significant time saver for healthcare providers.

    Finally, AI can manage patients and medical resources to better allocate those resources. For example, AI programs will be able to predict which service lines need additional short-term staffing. AI data management will identify patients who can benefit most from limited medical resources. It is controversial but a fact of life—how can hospitals identify revenue-maximizing practices? AI can help them accomplish this goal, which helps financially struggling hospitals stay solvent, instead of closing their doors.

    How Many U.S. Hospitals Are Closing?
    Since 2010, more than 100 rural hospitals have closed their doors in the U.S. and an additional 430 are at risk of closing.6 There are life and death implications for rural communities, who have seen mortality rates increase by 5.9 percent.

    The Medi-Vantage Perspective
    While COVID-19 has been, literally, a killler, it is also pushing us to our limits to seek out new ways to conduct the business of medical devices efficiently. Expect your hospitals to begin asking about the supply chain for your products. Be proactive and build your sales presentations with data on the supply chain of your product as compared to those of your competitors. Having a domestic supplier has become a valued feature. 

    References
    1. www.worldmedicalinnovation.org
    2. www.mdgboston.org
    3. bit.ly/mpo200603
    4. www.newviewsurg.com
    5. bit.ly/mpo200605
    6. bit.ly/mpo200606


    Maria Shepherd has more than 20 years of experience in medical device marketing in small startups and top-tier companies. After her industry career, including her role as VP of marketing for Oridion Medical, where she boosted the company valuation prior to its acquisition, director of marketing for Philips Medical, and senior management roles at Boston Scientific Corp., she founded Medi-Vantage. Medi-Vantage provides marketing, business strategy, and innovation research for the medical device, diagnostic, and digital health industries. The firm quantitatively and qualitatively sizes and segments opportunities, evaluates new technologies, provides marketing services, and assesses prospective acquisitions. Shepherd has taught marketing and product development courses and is a member of the Aligo Medtech Investment Committee (www.aligo.com). She can be reached at 855-343-3100. Visit her website at www.medi-vantage.com.
    Related Searches
    • Digital Health
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Digital Health

    Related Columns

    • Digital Health
      Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

      Digital Health Delivers During a Year for the Ages

      Internet of Medical Things technologies have emerged as the key enabler of a much more holistic and complete disease-state management toolbox.
      Brad Womble, Senior Director of Strategy, Marketing, and Mergers & Acquisitions, Jabil Healthcare 11.04.20

    • Digital Health
      What’s Apple Been Up To in Healthcare?

      What’s Apple Been Up To in Healthcare?

      Apple is building its bench with teams of physicians and engineers creating software and hardware to address the healthcare market.
      Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage 07.21.20

    • Digital Health
      The Rise of Digital Medical Devices and Implications for the Supply Chain

      The Rise of Digital Medical Devices and Implications for the Supply Chain

      ...
      Tony Freeman, President, A.S. Freeman Advisors LLC 07.21.20


    • Digital Health
      To Build or To Buy? In Data Analytics, That Is the Question

      To Build or To Buy? In Data Analytics, That Is the Question

      As companies undertake new types of analytics projects that require new skills beyond simple sales reporting, it’s worth revisiting the “build vs. buy” question
      Maria Kliatchko, Principal, ZS 03.04.20

    • Digital Health
      The Next Medtech Frontier: Digital Health and Home Healthcare

      The Next Medtech Frontier: Digital Health and Home Healthcare

      U.S. health systems want to find ways to reduce costs; however, the shift to treating patients at home instead of admitting them to a hospital is new.
      Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage 01.29.20

    • Digital Health | R&D & Design
      Speed Up or Risk Stepping Down: The New Reality of the Connected Healthcare Development Cycle

      Speed Up or Risk Stepping Down: The New Reality of the Connected Healthcare Development Cycle

      Digital health and connected devices are an extraordinary new tool for delivering on improving patient outcomes.
      Joe McBeth, VP Global Supply Chain, Jabil Healthcare 01.29.20


    • Digital Health
      An Update on Digital Health

      An Update on Digital Health

      ...
      Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage 11.04.19

    • Contract Manufacturing | Digital Health | Software & IT
      Connecting the Dots in Medical Device Outsourcing

      Connecting the Dots in Medical Device Outsourcing

      ...
      MPO Staff 07.30.19

    • Digital Health | Neurological
      A Breakthrough for the Nightmarish Effects of PTSD

      A Breakthrough for the Nightmarish Effects of PTSD

      ...
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 06.13.19


    • Digital Health
      AI in Healthcare: Where Are We Now?

      AI in Healthcare: Where Are We Now?

      ...
      Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage 06.13.19

    • Cardiovascular | Diagnostics | Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      Cardiac Care on the Can

      Cardiac Care on the Can

      ...
      Sam Brusco, Associate Editor 04.03.19

    • Digital Health | Patient Monitoring
      Converging Goals: How a Focus on the Patient Drives Stronger Healthcare Partnerships

      Converging Goals: How a Focus on the Patient Drives Stronger Healthcare Partnerships

      ...
      Vicki Anastasi, VP and Global Head—Medical Device and Diagnostics Research & Real World Evidence Late Phase Research, ICON 04.03.19


    • Diagnostics | Digital Health
      Google’s Search for Direction in Healthcare

      Google’s Search for Direction in Healthcare

      ...
      Michael Barbella, Managing Editor 03.07.19

    • 3D/Additive Manufacturing | Digital Health
      Discerning Medtech’s Path in 2019

      Discerning Medtech’s Path in 2019

      ...
      Mark Bonifacio, President, BCS LLC 01.31.19

    • Digital Health
      A Primer for Manufacturers Adjusting to Value-Based Healthcare

      A Primer for Manufacturers Adjusting to Value-Based Healthcare

      ...
      Vicki Anastasi, VP and Global Head, Medical Device and Diagnostics Research, ICON 01.31.19


    Trending
    • Telemedicine, Regulatory Changes To Characterize Medtech Industry In 2021
    • Philips Buys Capsule Technologies In $635M Deal
    • Cytotron Gains Breakthrough Status To Treat Breast, Liver, And Pancreatic Cancers
    • Top 10 Trends In The Medical Device And Equipment Industry
    • Haemonetics To Acquire Cardiva For Up To $510M
    Breaking News
    • Eitan Medical Receives FDA Clearance for Sapphire Infusion System
    • Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial
    • RSIP Vision Announces Versatile Medical Image Segmentation Tool
    • Vance Street Capital Adds Operating Partner
    • Haemonetics to Acquire Cardiva for Up to $510M
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Pharmaceutical Focus: A Look at Combination Products
    • The Printed World: Additive Manufacturing in Medtech
    • The Lost Year: 2020 Year in Review
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Ingredient Manufacturers Discuss the E-Sports Market
    Euromonitor Names Top Ten Trends for 2021
    Study Highlights Differences Between EPA's and DHA's Effect on Sleep
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    IGL Coatings Launches Graphene Reinforced Dual System Ceramic Coating
    Miller Paint Declares Simple Serenity its 2021 Color of the Year
    TAUBMANS Paint by PPG Releases ‘Chromatic Joy’ Palettes
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Eitan Medical Receives FDA Clearance for Sapphire Infusion System
    Researchers Successfully ‘Fine Tune’ New Thermoplastic Biomaterial
    RSIP Vision Announces Versatile Medical Image Segmentation Tool
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Global Biosciences Co. Selects ValGenesis VLMS
    Eisai Appoints Chief Clinical Officer of Oncology Biz
    Nexelis Acquires GSK Vax Lab in Marburg
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Top Beauty Brands in the World—And Most Loved Fragrances
    P&G Reports Q2 Results
    A Lacquering Technique Makes Very Good Girl by Carolina Herrera Shine
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Flow Launches Collagen Waters
    Associations Congratulate Biden & Harris
    David Stanko Joins JPMS
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Morancé Soudure France Adds Comexi F2 MC 10-color Flexo Press
    THIMM Group Installs 1st Koenig & Bauer CorruFLEX
    Cowan Graphics Adds Fujifilm Inca OnsetX3 HS
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Domino grows installation and service teams
    ABG keeps pace with demand with recruitment drive
    Acucote expands FSC-certified portfolio
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    First Quality Launches Incognito by Prevail
    Essity Launches Reusable Underwear Product
    Honeywell Delivered 225 Million Masks in December
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    DJO Acquires Trilliant Surgical
    FDA Breakthrough Device Designation Granted to Spiderwort's Spinal Cord Technology
    Bioventus Appoints SVP of Operations
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Roadsimple Modernizes Warehouse Ops with Zebra Technologies
    Graphene Flagship Launches Redesigned Website

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login