07.01.2019:
MONITORING OF CANCER PATIENTS WITH TECHNOLOGY Technology can help oncologists and healthcare people with continuous contacts with their cancer patients.
• Technology can help cancer patients and their families to manage their condition more effectively, faster at home upgrading the quality of their lives.
• Cancer is a chronic condition which requires long-term commitment by both healthcare professionals and patients.
• According to WHO by 2030 the number of new cancer cases will reach 21.6 million per year.
• Technology and especially digital health may play an important role in health systems as well as in early diagnosis, management of symptoms, patient deterioration and follow-up.
• Global sales of wearable self-monitoring health products are skyrocketing with an estimated cost of 18.8 billion dollars by 2019.
• It is estimated that 40% of cancer survivors donot own or use connected digital health devices.
• Here are some new ways in which digital health can help improve cancer management:
• Wearable health technology. They contain sensors that enable cancer patients to measure their heart rates, blood pressure, body temperature, sleep patterns, etc.
• Smart piezoelectric necklades. Monitor patients adherence to treatment through sensor of swallowing.
• Home blood test. Check the white blood cell, platelets, hemoglobin.
• Implantable sensors. Implanted under the skin, wireless sensors monitoring the vital signs.
• Wearable therapeutic devices. Under research for brain tumors.
• Pain-relief neuro-technology. A light-weight band that wraps around the upper culf.
• Automated home-based monitoring. Telecare management through a web-based application or interactive voice-recorded phone calls.