8 New Military Health Technologies in 2023

1. Virtual Health

Virtual health technologies have bridged the gap between remote locations and specialized medical expertise. Telemedicine platforms allow military personnel and their families all over the globe to connect with healthcare professionals for real-time consultations. This technology not only expedites diagnosis and treatment but also improves military readiness.

One of the standout innovations in military healthcare is the Outpatient App, a Digital Health Workflow Automation Platform. Designed to streamline medical tasks and healthcare processes, this coordination and collaboration system excels in scheduling, tracking, notifying, and reporting on various medical activities.

2. Wearables: Enhancing Health Monitoring

Wearable devices have evolved from simple fitness trackers to powerful tools for monitoring and improving military health. These devices collect real-time data on vital signs, activity levels, and stress indicators. For example, the Oura Ring is a wearable health tracker that helps women track their postpartum health, fitness and cycles. The Oura Ring provides critical and secure information that allows these women to fast-track their training and heal their bodies safely.

3. Robotic Surgery: Precision and Innovation

Robotic Surgical Systems (RSS) are revolutionizing the way surgeries are performed in military medical facilities. These advanced systems offer unmatched precision, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with increased accuracy and minimal invasiveness. The integration of robotics into military healthcare enhances surgical outcomes and shortens recovery times for military personnel.

Robotic surgery has transformed the field of military medicine by enabling precision procedures in austere environments. Surgeons can remotely control robotic surgical systems, enhancing dexterity and minimizing the risk of human error. These systems also include new “trauma pods.” These pods are drones that can be remotely controlled by a surgeon to quickly stabilize personnel without the need to transport the individual.

4. Next-Generation Patient-Centered Care

The concept of patient-centered care has been elevated to new heights with the integration of technology. In 2023, military health systems are adopting personalized approaches to treatment, focusing on the individual needs and preferences of each patient. This shift towards patient-centered care ensures that military personnel receive tailored and effective medical interventions.

Next-generation patient-centered care focuses on personalized, holistic approaches to military health. It considers physical, psychological, emotional, and social factors that contribute to a service member’s overall health. The next-generation aspect of patient-centered care centers around an individual’s ownership of their medical data. Instead of waiting for medical records to transfer between facilities, patients have full access to and proprietorship of their medical data.

5. Augmented Intelligence: Empowering Healthcare Professionals

Augmented intelligence, a hybrid of human expertise and artificial intelligence, is changing the dynamics of military healthcare. This technology aids healthcare professionals in making more informed decisions by providing real-time insights and data-driven recommendations. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify trends, predict health risks, and recommend treatment strategies. AI also includes the use of software for medical and military training. From diagnosis to treatment planning, augmented intelligence is bolstering the capabilities of military medical staff.

6. Blockchain: Ensuring Data Security and Interoperability

In an era where data security and interoperability are paramount, blockchain technology has found its way into military healthcare. Blockchain ensures the secure and tamper-proof storage of medical records, facilitating seamless data sharing between military health systems, and veterans’ healthcare providers. This technology is valuable for maintaining the privacy and accuracy of sensitive medical information.

7. Precision Medicine: Tailoring Treatment Strategies

Precision medicine tailors medical interventions to individual characteristics, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. This approach can lead to more effective treatments and interventions, including better prediction and prevention of health issues. By understanding the unique profiles of military personnel, precision medicine optimizes health outcomes and reduces the risk of injury.

8. Regenerative Medicine: Accelerating Healing

Regenerative medicine promises to heal injuries and restore function by harnessing the body’s regenerative capabilities. Stem cell therapies, tissue engineering, and other regenerative approaches are transforming military personnel’s recovery from injuries sustained in combat. These technologies accelerate healing, reduce recovery times, and improve long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

The convergence of technology and military health has given rise to a new era of healthcare innovation. The eight groundbreaking technologies highlighted in this article are reshaping the landscape of military healthcare, enhancing patient outcomes, and streamlining medical processes. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the promise of not only improving the lives of military personnel but also paving the way for advancements in the broader healthcare sector. They also raise crucial considerations regarding ethics, privacy, and responsible implementation. Striking the right balance between technological advancement, security and ethical concerns is essential to ensure that these innovations truly benefit the well-being of military personnel and their families.

For more, check this out from Deloitte which inspired this article:
Deloitte Insights: Innovation in the Military Health System

Oura Ring: ouraring.com

Outpatient App: Military Health Automation