3. What is a health technology?
"The application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of life."
In simpler terms, health technology covers a wide range of solutions in healthcare, such as:
- Prevention and rehabilitation interventions (e.g., vaccination programs).
- Healthcare systems that protect and maintain health.
- Procedures like surgery.
- Medicines and medical devices.
Health Tech, the digital side of health technology, includes products and services designed to improve health or healthcare delivery. A report by the UK Office for Life Sciences [2] divides the digital health market into four key areas:
- Telehealthcare: Remote support and assistance for patients[3].
- mHealth: Mobile apps and wearable devices.
- Health analytics: Software to assimilate big healthcare data.
- Digitised health systems: Technologies that can store digital health information and allow the exchange digitalised patient medical records.
By combining innovative tools and digital solutions, health technology plays a vital role in transforming healthcare and improving lives.
[1] Facey K. Technology. INAHTA Health Technology Assessment (HTA). Stockholm, Sweden: International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment; 2006. Available at: https://htaglossary.net/HomePage
[2] Digital Health in the UK. An industry study for the Office of Life Sciences. September 2015. Available at: Digital health in the UK: an industry study for the Office of Life Sciences (publishing.service.gov.uk)
[3] Inspiring Interns. What is Health Tech? [Internet]. London, UK: Inspiring Interns Blog; July 2018. Available at: https://www.inspiringinterns.com/blog/2018/07/what-is-health-tech/