With advances in technology, the healthcare sector has flourished beyond its capabilities. From big data and artificial intelligence to AR/VR, 3D printing, and telemedicine, the future of the healthcare sector is shaping up in front of our eyes. However, in efforts to make medical services more accessible to the disabled, another branch of healthcare technology is emerging as an excellent solution.

Assistive technology in healthcare is a promising technology sector that aims to offer assistive products and services to improve a disabled individual’s functioning and independence. Thus, promoting their well-being. Assistive technology has allowed the healthcare sector and marketers to tap into a new customer segment that was previously unable to use their technologically advanced products and services due to a disability.

With a broad range of products and services in this sector, B2B marketers stand to gain a lot by exploring this area. How? Let’s see what assistive technology has to offer and what the future holds for it.

What is Assistive Technology in Healthcare?

At its core, assistive technology includes services, software, and mobility devices like wheelchairs, walkers, and other peripherals that help people with disabilities access digital healthcare technologies. It promotes higher safety and productivity by enabling disabled individuals to perform specific everyday tasks independently.

For instance, visually impaired individuals use visual alerting systems or telecommunication output devices, positioning and seating aid like standing tables and braces. Or people with hearing disabilities using text telephone devices to communicate.

By helping individuals take care of themselves, assistive technology products minimize the need for conventional caregiving, health services, and long-term medical care.

The Future of Assistive Technologies in the Healthcare Sector

Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, assistive technology has become an important investment facet and is full of opportunities for the disabled. Safe to say, there is immense scope for assistive technology products in the healthcare industry to make lives easier.

1. Emergence of AI-Based Assistive Technology

Artificial Intelligence holds the most potential to take assistive technology forward in the healthcare industry. In fact, medical investment in AI has crossed $8.5 billion in venture capital funding over the past few years, hinting at its immense capabilities.

From AI-powered wearable medical devices and robot-assisted surgery to AI-driven surgical applications, fertility cycle trackers, diabetic-tracking sweat meters, and more, AI is ruling the medical domain. In addition, many smartphone applications use AI to enable individuals to track their health and relevant medical parameters.

2. The Use of Implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces

Implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces are on the path to going mainstream, which allows an external device to exchange signals with the human brain. Thereby giving them the ability to directly to control machines.

While most BCIs are still in the early stage of development, this technology opens up a world of possibilities for patients with neuromuscular disorders or injuries. For instance, it could give such patients the ability to manage their routine activities and be productive. Or implanted electrodes can enhance memory function for people dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or head injuries.

3. Enhanced Use of Communication Technology

Assistive technology in healthcare offers a promising future when it comes to patient communication. With the help of Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps and embedded device software, the healthcare sector can offer unique communication solutions to people with hearing and learning disabilities.

Solutions like speech-generating devices, voice amplification devices, and communication software use cutting-edge technology to encourage fluent patient communication. And these solutions will only get better and more sophisticated over the coming years.

 4. Rising Scope for 3D Printing

Advances in 3D printing assistive technology have made massive changes in the healthcare field, and they will continue to do so. Some of the excellent use cases of 3D printing in healthcare include the following-

• Affordable prosthetic limbs
• Hemostats
• Customized wheelchair
• Personalized canes
• Personalized surgical models
• Corrective insoles

For patients, this technology brings new tools and methods to offer personalized treatment and a new level of comfort they didn’t have before. For doctors, this means a greater understanding of complex medical cases and more unique ways of providing the best health care to patients.

Final Words

Assistive technology undoubtedly has made thousands of lives easier with intelligence and innovation. Now, with the healthcare industry looking for new opportunities for enhanced healthcare, the latest developments in assistive technology will be a profitable venture to explore. Besides, it will only open up newer verticals for marketers looking to invest in this industry.