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Awad A, Trenfield SJ, Pollard TD, Ong JJ, Elbadawi M, McCoubrey LE, Goyanes A, Gaisford S, Basit AW. Connected healthcare: Improving patient care using digital health technologies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 178:113958. [PMID: 34478781 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Now more than ever, traditional healthcare models are being overhauled with digital technologies of Healthcare 4.0 increasingly adopted. Worldwide, digital devices are improving every stage of the patient care pathway. For one, sensors are being used to monitor patient metrics 24/7, permitting swift diagnosis and interventions. At the treatment stage, 3D printers are under investigation for the concept of personalised medicine by allowing patients access to on-demand, customisable therapeutics. Robots are also being explored for treatment, by empowering precision surgery, rehabilitation, or targeted drug delivery. Within medical logistics, drones are being leveraged to deliver critical treatments to remote areas, collect samples, and even provide emergency aid. To enable seamless integration within healthcare, the Internet of Things technology is being exploited to form closed-loop systems that remotely communicate with one another. This review outlines the most promising healthcare technologies and devices, their strengths, drawbacks, and opportunities for clinical adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atheer Awad
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Sarah J Trenfield
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Thomas D Pollard
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jun Jie Ong
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Moe Elbadawi
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Laura E McCoubrey
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Alvaro Goyanes
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; FabRx Ltd., Henwood House, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH, UK; Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, I+D Farma (GI-1645), Facultad de Farmacia, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
| | - Simon Gaisford
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; FabRx Ltd., Henwood House, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH, UK
| | - Abdul W Basit
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; FabRx Ltd., Henwood House, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH, UK.
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