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Medical devices play a crucial role in human health. These are instruments, machines or even software programs used to diagnose, treat, monitor or prevent health conditions. They are designed to help improve patients' quality of life and range from simple items, such as thermometers, to more advanced technologies, such as pacemakers. In order to guarantee the safety and efficacy of medical devices intended for use on patients, the establishment of appropriate regulatory frameworks is crucial to ascertain whether devices function as intended, comply with safety standards and offer benefits that outweigh the associated risks. Depending on the country, different regulatory agencies are responsible for the evaluation of these products. The regulatory landscape for medical devices varies significantly across major markets, including the European Union, the United States of America and Japan, reflecting diverse approaches aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical technologies. However, these regulatory differences can contribute to a "medical device lag," where disparities in approval processes and market entry timelines driven by strict regulatory requirements, increasing device complexity and the lack of global harmonization, result in delays in accessing innovative technologies. These delays impact patient access to cutting-edge medical devices and competitiveness in the market. This review aims to address the regulatory framework of medical devices and the approval requirements by the European Commission (EC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Agency (PMDA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) represent a promising technology for the much-needed medical devices of today. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to integrate multiple functions onto a single chip, thereby reducing the complexity, size, maintenance requirements, and costs. When applied to optical coherence tomography (OCT), the leading tool for state-of-the-art ophthalmic diagnosis, PICs have the potential to increase accessibility, especially in scenarios, where size, weight, or costs are limiting factors. In this paper, we present a PIC-based CMOS-compatible spectrometer for spectral domain OCT with an unprecedented level of integration. To achieve this, we co-integrated a 512-channel arrayed waveguide grating with electronics. We successfully addressed the challenge of establishing a connection from the optical waveguides to the photodiodes monolithically co-integrated on the chip with minimal losses achieving a coupling efficiency of 70%. With this fully integrated PIC-based spectrometer interfaced to a spectral domain OCT system, we reached a sensitivity of 92dB at an imaging speed of 55kHz, with a 6dB signal roll-off occurring at 2mm. We successfully applied this innovative technology to obtain 3D in vivo tomograms of zebrafish larvae and human skin. This ground-breaking fully integrated spectrometer represents a significant step towards a miniaturised, cost-effective, and maintenance-free OCT system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articles in this issue of the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy explore emerging technologies, medical innovations, and shifting moral norms, expanding present discussions around topics in bioethics both old and new. Some question whether novel definitions of death and harm change the moral permissibility of killing, particularly at the hands of a physician. Others question how increased or decreased abilities affect responsibility and achievement. Another illustrates how rhetorical appeals to character have been used to justify otherwise morally illicit actions within the clinic. Together, these articles shed new light on topics in the field of bioethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern medical technology innovation is a critical safeguard for human health, while a significant number of developing nations are confronted with the challenge of biopharmaceutical technological advancement. To investigate the possible routes of technological advancement, we investigated the impact of the endogenous knowledge spillover effect on firm innovation endeavors. Our research involves a theoretical two-stage R&D game model that is built around the characteristics of pharmaceutical organizations. Theoretical studies elucidated the impact as well as the probable mechanism of the spillover effect. To verify the theoretical study, we conducted econometric analysis using data from the pharmaceutical sector of Chinese enterprise listed on the A-share market. The study's findings indicate that endogenous knowledge spillovers impede organizations' innovation endeavors. This phenomenon may be attributed to the existence of the patent race paradigm and high concentration of enterprises' R&D endeavors in specific areas. Additional examination of heterogeneity demonstrates that private firms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and non-high-tech enterprises experience a larger adverse impact from the spillover effect. Hence, we suggest implementing "loser's subsidies", reallocating R&D resources, and making modifications to competition policies as measures to enhance the innovation performance of biopharmaceutical markets. These policies will facilitate the technical advancement of medicines in developing nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly evolving landscapes of healthtech and medtech present unique challenges for entrepreneurship education, necessitating a specialized pedagogical approach. This paper explores pedagogical frameworks and the multifaceted barriers faced by educators in these domains. The cases presented emphasize the complexity and regulatory environment, the need for interdisciplinary knowledge, and the fast-paced technological advancements. Moreover, the convergence of medical knowledge with technological expertise demands a cross-disciplinary teaching strategy, complicating the traditional entrepreneurial education model. Additionally, the accelerated pace of technological change in healthtech and medtech outstrips conventional teaching methodologies, necessitating continuous curriculum updates and the incorporation of real-time industry developments. By addressing the current pedagogical challenges, entrepreneurship education in healthtech and medtech can more effectively equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to innovate and succeed in these highly specialized fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The rapid advancement of technology and the integration of innovative medical devices are significantly transforming medical education. This review examines the impact of these changes and the importance of adapting educational strategies to leverage these advancements. Areas covered: This narrative review employs a qualitative approach. From an initial pool of 294 articles, researchers conducted independent screenings and identified 134 studies relevant to innovations in technology and their impact on medical education. Following a comprehensive review and consensus, studies deemed to be of low relevance were excluded, resulting in a final selection of 74 articles. An expert panel discussion was held, and the study concludes with a final section that presents the findings and offers brief, clear recommendations. Expert opinion: This study indicates that the utilization of Innovative medical technologies has the potential to enhance learning outcomes. The use of simulations allows students to engage in hands-on practice without risking patient harm. Mobile devices afford students uninterrupted access to educational resources, thereby enabling efficient learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to personalize education, enhance diagnostic skills, and foster critical thinking. Further research in this field has the potential to yield significant insights [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their pursuit of public health goals, policymakers increasingly turn to innovative apps to complement existing health measures. However, findings from previous research in non-IT health contexts indicate that individuals may compensate for new interventions (e.g., start exercising) by reducing existing preventive health behaviors (e.g., eating fewer healthy foods). However, the findings are inconclusive, and it is unknown when people tend to engage in behavioral compensation. Building on this observation, we draw on rational choice theory to substantiate the subjective rationality of compensation behavior and develop a utility maximization model that suggests circumstances under which adoption of technological innovation may lead to users reducing existing preventive health behaviors. This research provides evidence from a multi-wave study on COVID-19 contact-tracing apps that confirms the existence of what we term the technology-behavioral compensation effect : Individuals who perceive the app to be highly useful or actively use it reduce other preventive health behaviors (e.g., social distancing) after app adoption. Ironically, this technology-behavioral compensation effect indicates a hitherto-overlooked tension between two established IS design goals (i.e., perceived usefulness and active use) and the successful exploitation of technology to support users' health. We expand research on dark side effects of IS use by revealing a previously neglected type of unintended consequence and elaborate on its implications for research well beyond the health context. Our findings also will help policymakers make decisions on the design of societal technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain technology (BCT) is an emerging technology that has been used mainly in supply chain and financial technology. However, the use of this technology in Medical Imaging (MI) is still limited. This study investigates the acceptability of BCT in MI in public hospitals in Iraq. Based on relevant theories, the study proposed that Effort Expectancy (EE), Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Condition (FC) significantly affect the acceptability of BCT in MI. Similarly, EE, PE, SI, and FC are expected to affect Initial Trust (IT), which in turn is proposed to mediate the effect of EE, PE, SI, and FC on the acceptability of BCT in MI. Data were collected from 136 doctors from public hospitals in Iraq. The results indicated that EE, PE, and SI positively affected the acceptability of BCT in MI. EE and PE positively affected IT. Furthermore, IT positively affected the acceptability of BCT in MI and mediated the effect of EE and PE. The study offers valuable insights for both theoretical and practical implementations, can guide future research, and informs strategies for the effective acceptability of BCT in MI in public hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research looks into the revolutionary potential of Industry 5.0, healthcare, sustainability and the metaverse, with a focus on the transformation of healthcare firms through cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). The study emphasizes the significance of sustainability, human-machine collaboration and Industry 5.0 in the development of a technologically advanced, inclusive and immersive healthcare system. Design/methodology/approach: The study surveyed 354 medical professionals and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate healthcare sustainability, Industry 5.0 and the metaverse, emphasizing the integration of modern technology while maintaining ethical issues. Findings: The findings highlight Industry 5.0's and the metaverse's transformational potential in healthcare firms. The study finds that human centricity (HC) has only a minor direct impact on healthcare sustainability, whereas intelligent automation (IA) and innovation (INN) play important roles that are regulated by external factors. Practical implications: Utilizing IA inside healthcare organizations can result in significant industrial advancements. However, these organizations must recognize the importance of moderating factors and attempt to find a balance between INN and thesev restraints. Originality/value: This study makes a substantial contribution to the field by investigating the potential of Industry 5.0, healthcare, sustainability and the metaverse. It discusses how these advances can transform healthcare firms, with an emphasis on patient-centered treatment, environmental sustainability and data ethics. The study emphasizes the importance of having a thorough awareness of these trends and their implications for healthcare practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medical education is a rapidly evolving field, necessitating adaptation to shifts in student demographics and societal needs. Balancing the demand for more healthcare providers must be accompanied by a focus on maintaining the quality of education. As certain conventional teaching methods lose favour, there is a continuous influx of new technologies that can be harnessed for the education of future doctors. Purpose of the study: The objective of this study was to gather and analyse literature on the utilization of new technologies in medical education and their influence on students, educators, and the overall quality of medical instruction. Material and methods: A review of the literature available on PubMed and a grey literature search was performed. We used such keywords like: "medical education", "physician training", "medical students", "technology", "elearning", "new learning methods". We also applied Bolean logical operators such as "AND", "OR". Results: Examining the gathered publications leads to the conclusion that a variety of new technologies are being employed in medical education, such as e-learning, telehealth, and virtual or augmented reality. While some function as alternatives to existing methods, others introduce entirely novel approaches. In general, these new technologies positively impact education by enhancing outcomes, increasing accessibility to education, and reducing the costs associated with the teaching process. Conclusions: The integration of emerging technologies has become essential in the preparation of future medical professionals. Despite the overall positive impact, there are apprehensions regarding potential long-term consequences for healthcare delivery. Subsequent studies are crucial to assess lasting effects, delving into how the integration of technology may shape the skills of healthcare professionals over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements have led to the development of wearable devices that can be integrated into everyday accessories, clothing, or be attached to the skin. These devices serve as electronic monitoring tools that wirelessly synchronize with smartphones or computers for long-term data tracking. Wearable devices find applications not only in healthcare but also in sports and clothing industries, allowing for easy tracking of various tasks and storing personal data. The increasing adoption of wearable technologies offers benefits such as improved clinical trials, reduced healthcare costs, and better control of health. The development of computer systems and technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence, and Bluetooth has further advanced the integration and practicality of wearable devices. The devices now range from smart eyeglasses to glucose monitors, enabling measurements of clinical findings, overall fitness, and quality of life. The applications of wearable devices can be categorized into individual measurement devices for personal health monitoring and advanced patient tracking systems for use under healthcare professionals' supervision. The data collected by wearable devices can help compare different treatments and improve their effectiveness. Moreover, wearable technologies have gained importance during the COVID-19 pandemic for remote patient monitoring and social isolation. In the future, wearable devices are expected to play a crucial role in providing personalized preventive health services based on the data they collect. The review article aims to provide a general understanding of wearable technologies that will continue to advance and address consumer needs, particularly in the healthcare field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review examines groundbreaking advancements in hand rehabilitation, driven by significant progress in medical technology. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review surveyed articles from various databases, emphasizing the utilization of advanced technologies for hand rehabilitation across diverse conditions such as fractures, burns, amputations, and postoperative care. Out of the 1562 studies analyzed, ten articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Key technologies like IMES (Implantable Myoelectric Sensor) technology are scrutinized for their potential to transform prosthetic control, providing intuitive functionality and substantial physiological hand function for individuals with limb loss. Similarly, advancements in orthotic devices like the VacoHand Orthosis are showcased for their improvements in stabilizing and aiding the healing process in wrist immobilization and rehabilitation. The integration of virtual reality (VR) emerges as a pivotal convergence point, offering supplementary therapy to enhance directionspecific improvements in wrist and forearm mobility, hand function, and work-related tasks. Additional advantages include program customization, heightened engagement through interactive approaches, and improved functional outcomes such as hand strength and range of motion. While showcasing transformative potential, the review acknowledges the need for further research through larger sample sizes, standardized methodologies and more in-depth investigations to optimize these technologies. Overall, this review underlines the remarkable advancements achieved in hand rehabilitation through technological innovations, offering hope and improved outcomes for individuals grappling with various hand-related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of technology assessment in telemedicine is garnering increasing attention due to the widespread adoption of this discipline and its complex and heterogeneous system characteristics, making its application complex. As part of a national telemedicine project, the National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health at the Italian National Institute of Health played the role of promoting and utilizing technology assessment tools within partnership projects. This study aims to outline the design, development, and application of assessment methodologies within the telemedicine project proposed by the ISS team, utilizing a specific framework developed within the project. The sub-objectives include evaluating the proposed methodology's effectiveness and feasibility, gathering feedback for improvement, and assessing its impact on various project components. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of action domains and underscores the crucial role of technology assessments in telemedicine, highlighting its impact across diverse realms through iterative interaction cycles with project partners. Both the impact and the acceptance of the methodology have been assessed by means of specific computer-aided web interviewing (CAWI) tools. The proposed methodology received significant acceptance, providing valuable insights for refining future frameworks. The impact assessment revealed a consistent quality improvement trend in the project's products, evident in methodological consolidations. The overall message encourages similar initiatives in this domain, shedding light on the intricacies of technology assessment implementation. In conclusion, the study serves as a comprehensive outcome of the national telemedicine project, witnessing the success and adaptability of the technology assessment methodology and advocating for further exploration and implementation in analogous contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating modern and innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning (ML) presents new opportunities in healthcare, especially in medical spa therapies. Once considered palliative, these therapies conducted using mineral/thermal water are now recognized as a targeted and specific therapeutic modality. The peculiarity of these treatments lies in their simplicity of administration, which allows for prolonged treatments, often lasting weeks, with progressive and controlled therapeutic effects. Thanks to new technologies, it will be possible to continuously monitor the patient, both on-site and remotely, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. In this context, wearable devices, such as smartwatches, facilitate non-invasive monitoring of vital signs by collecting precise data on several key parameters, such as heart rate or blood oxygenation level, and providing a perspective of detailed treatment progress. The constant acquisition of data thanks to the IoT, combined with the advanced analytics of ML technologies, allows for data collection and precise analysis, allowing real-time monitoring and personalized treatment adaptation. This article introduces an IoT-based framework integrated with ML techniques to monitor spa treatments, providing tailored customer management and more effective results. A preliminary experimentation phase was designed and implemented to evaluate the system's performance through evaluation questionnaires. Encouraging preliminary results have shown that the innovative approach can enhance and highlight the therapeutic value of spa therapies and their significant contribution to personalized healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multisided platforms are new organizing forms that can boost innovation in the healthcare sector by empowering patients as innovators and facilitating the commercialization of innovations by and for patients. However, applying the playbook script for the platform model from other sectors may prove challenging given the distinctive nature of the healthcare services. Drawing on the case of a leading healthcare innovation platform in Europe, this article examines the platform's role in identifying and enabling the development and diffusion of patient innovations. This involves three main roles (community organizer, market matchmaker, and innovation manager) and corresponding orchestration activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of functional microsystems and microrobots that have characterized the last decade is the result of a synergistic and effective interaction between the progress of fabrication techniques and the increased availability of smart and responsive materials to be employed in the latter. Functional structures on the microscale have been relevant for a vast plethora of technologies that find application in different sectors including automotive, sensing devices, and consumer electronics, but are now also entering medical clinics. Working on or inside the human body requires increasing complexity and functionality on an ever-smaller scale, which is becoming possible as a result of emerging technology and smart materials over the past decades. In recent years, additive manufacturing has risen to the forefront of this evolution as the most prominent method to fabricate complex 3D structures. In this review, we discuss the rapid 3D manufacturing techniques that have emerged and how they have enabled a great leap in microrobotic applications. The arrival of smart materials with inherent functionalities has propelled microrobots to great complexity and complex applications. We focus on which materials are important for actuation and what the possibilities are for supplying the required energy. Furthermore, we provide an updated view of a new generation of microrobots in terms of both materials and fabrication technology. While two-photon lithography may be the state-of-the-art technology at the moment, in terms of resolution and design freedom, new methods such as two-step are on the horizon. In the more distant future, innovations like molecular motors could make microscale robots redundant and bring about nanofabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a changing world full of innovative technologies, trust and trust requirements are increasingly important for designing user-centred systems and ensuring their long-term implementation. In this study, we explored and compared the requirements of future users to build trust in the two contexts of medical and mobility technology by considering Ambient Assisted Living technologies (AAL) and Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAV). We conducted an online survey study with N = 143 participants. The results show significant differences in the evaluation of individual trust requirements in the two contexts about data sharing, data privacy and security as well as customization. Using a cluster analysis, we identified distinct user groups and trust personalities in both contexts (medicine and mobility). The clusters differ in terms of innovation openness and risk readiness, initial trust, and presence of chronic illness. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between people's initial perceived trust in technology in the two contexts and their assessment of trust requirements, as well as their behavioural intentions to use SAV or AAL systems. Our findings indicate that trust requirements are context-specific and influenced by individual characteristics. This knowledge can be used to inform developers and distributors of technologies to design, build, and manage systems that meet the needs of future users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption and acceptance of new cutting-edge technologies such as wearable sensing devices (WSDs) have been investigated for personal use in a few industries, but concerns remain about worker postadoption behavior, especially in industries known to be resistant to innovation adoption, such as construction. Information on WSD postadoption behavior is scarce, and, to our best knowledge, no study has investigated this phenomenon for construction applications. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the adaptation and infusion of WSDs for construction safety and health monitoring. Using a multiphase mixed-method approach, this study develops and validates a conceptual model to examine the factors that influence the adaptation and infusion of WSDs for construction safety and health monitoring. The findings of the study reveal that construction workers' behaviors and acceptance antecedents are important factors that significantly influence their adaptation and coping behavior, which in turn predict the extended use of WSDs. The main contribution of this study is in the understanding of the impact of coping behavior on workers' continuous use of safety and health technology. Theoretically, this study extends the coping theory by incorporating implementation characteristics, providing a novel approach for understanding, explaining, and possibly enhancing the adoption and use of emerging technologies in construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological innovation has greatly aided modern medicine, and anaesthesiology in particular, but also contributes to dehumanising influences that promote physician burnout and dissatisfaction among patients. Here we advocate for a profound reaffirmation of humanistic principles—empathy, compassion, and communication—in perioperative medicine. We propose adaptable strategies to bolster humanism in practice, such as curricular offerings, simulation training, role modelling, and recognition. As perioperative technologies continue to evolve, the threat of depersonalisation in anaesthetic care looms, making commitments to humanism a crucial precondition for healing in the communities in which we work and live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel and emerging technologies can provide users with new kinds and unprecedented amounts of information about themselves, such as autobiographical information, neurodata, health information, or characteristics inferred from online behavior. Technology that provides extensive personal information (PI technology) can impact who we understand ourselves to be, how we constitute ourselves, and indeed who we are. This paper analyzes how PI technology's external, quantified perspective on us affects identity based on a narrative identity theory. Disclosing the intimate relationship between PI technology and identity sheds light on a whole new range of ethical issues that have received insufficient attention so far. Personal information provided by technology is not just information that belongs to individuals but also changes them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a framework for developing a Learning Health System (LHS) to provide means to a computerized clinical decision support system for allied healthcare and/or nursing professionals. LHSs are well suited to transform healthcare systems in a mission-oriented approach, and is being adopted by an increasing number of countries. Our theoretical framework provides a blueprint for organizing such a transformation with help of evidence based state of the art methodologies and techniques to eventually optimize personalized health and healthcare. Learning via health information technologies using LHS enables users to learn both individually and collectively, and independent of their location. These developments demand healthcare innovations beyond a disease focused orientation since clinical decision making in allied healthcare and nursing is mainly based on aspects of individuals' functioning, wellbeing and (dis)abilities. Developing LHSs depends heavily on intertwined social and technological innovation, and research and development. Crucial factors may be the transformation of the Internet of Things into the Internet of FAIR data & services. However, Electronic Health Record (EHR) data is in up to 80% unstructured including free text narratives and stored in various inaccessible data warehouses. Enabling the use of data as a driver for learning is challenged by interoperability and reusability. To address technical needs, key enabling technologies are suitable to convert relevant health data into machine actionable data and to develop algorithms for computerized decision support. To enable data conversions, existing classification and terminology systems serve as definition providers for natural language processing through (un)supervised learning. To facilitate clinical reasoning and personalized healthcare using LHSs, the development of personomics and functionomics are useful in allied healthcare and nursing. Developing these omics will be determined via text and data mining. This will focus on the relationships between social, psychological, cultural, behavioral and economic determinants, and human functioning. Furthermore, multiparty collaboration is crucial to develop LHSs, and man-machine interaction studies are required to develop a functional design and prototype. During development, validation and maintenance of the LHS continuous attention for challenges like data-drift, ethical, technical and practical implementation difficulties is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of micro- and nanotechnology for biomedical applications has defined the cutting edge of medical technology for over three decades, as advancements in fabrication technology developed originally in the semiconductor industry have been applied to solving ever-more complex problems in medicine and biology. These technologies are ideally suited to interfacing with life sciences, since they are on the scale lengths as cells (microns) and biomacromolecules (nanometers). In this paper, we review the state of the art in bionanotechnology and bioMEMS (collectively BNM), including developments and challenges in the areas of BNM, such as microfluidic organ-on-chip devices, oral drug delivery, emerging technologies for managing infectious diseases, 3D printed microfluidic devices, AC electrokinetics, flexible MEMS devices, implantable microdevices, paper-based microfluidic platforms for cellular analysis, and wearable sensors for point-of-care testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging technological advances hold potential to assist the long-term care (LTC) workforce in caring for an aging population in the home and LTC settings. Technology may alter workforce needs and mitigate rising workforce demand. This study identified and assessed emerging technologies that may assist, replace, and/or support recruitment and retention of the LTC workforce and identified barriers and facilitators to their implementation. We identified a variety of technologies with applications for LTC, created a taxonomy of technology types and functions across LTC settings, and conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of company leaders to assess perceived impact of their products and services on the LTC workforce. Thematic analysis of those interviews found that technology is not currently positioned to replace the LTC workforce but may facilitate work and support worker recruitment and retention. More rigorous evaluation of technologies in LTC and financing mechanisms are needed to support widespread adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The success of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has expanded its use for a broader range of shoulder indications worldwide. Evidence regarding the relative efficacy and long-term safety of medical technologies used in RTSA is subjected to rigorous assessment. Nonetheless, substantial challenges impede market access for innovative shoulder implant technologies for RTSA in Australia, resulting in delayed patient access. Approach: This paper addresses the key challenges associated with generating evidence for the health technology assessments of innovative medical technologies for RTSA that are required for access to the Australian market. The transition to value-based care requires establishing a benchmarking reference that incorporates patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and combines revision outcomes with additional clinical outcomes to increase patient cohort sizes. Establishing the benchmark would require agreement on the outcome measures to be collected for each indication, and investment in reporting patient-reported outcomes for RTSA to the national orthopaedic registry. Implications for practice: The need for increased flexibility in developing evidence for health technology assessment of RTSA medical technologies is required. Optimised approaches for benchmarking RTSA require extensive stakeholder discussions, including the agreement on evidence requirements and follow-up periods, selection of clinical outcomes, as well as preoperative and post-operative PROMs as a value assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare has been a popular topic in recent years. This article provides a comprehensive review of the medical IoT for healthcare, emphasizing the state of the art, the enabling technologies to adopt virtuality and reality interaction, and human-centered communication for healthcare (the Metaverse, Extended Reality (XR), blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics). In particular, we assess the number of scientific articles and patents within the period 2015–2022. We then use the two-stage process following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and screening techniques. From that, the relations among the published papers can be visualized. This study examines the insights by evaluating the weights and connections of the nodes in the bibliometric networks. The reviewed papers showcase the rapid growth of IoT-related studies and intellectual property developments, reflecting the burgeoning interest and investment in this domain. As this paper delves into the network of interconnections between these works, it fosters a deeper understanding of the current state of IoT applications in healthcare and uncovers potential research gaps and areas for future exploration. This paper also provides a brief view of the role of IoT in healthcare research and application in combination with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, the IoT-enabled Metaverse, robotics, and cloud computing. The article can serve as a guideline and inspiration for both researchers and practitioners in the smart health service sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the possibility of significantly increasing the quality of the learning process by using innovative tools in the students' curriculum. Modern technologies have the potential to help create quality lasting knowledge in learners. An entrance test was made to establish the knowledge the students had before the training. The group of student volunteers was then randomly divided into two groups: a control group that was trained using traditional methods (giving a lecture) and an experimental group that was trained using the innovative training methodology created. A study of the acquired knowledge of the two studied groups was carried out according to a previously prepared test and knowledge assessment methodology. The degree of assimilation of new knowledge was assessed by absorption rate and a comparison was made between the studied groups of students. The study shows a significantly better acquisition of the learning material by the students whose education included innovative means of the studied subject. The obtained results show that modern innovative interactive technologies can be used in the educational process of health care students, as a supplement and continuation of classical pedagogical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has emerged as a revolutionary technique in the field of reproductive medicine, allowing for the selection and transfer of healthy embryos, thus reducing the risk of transmitting genetic diseases. However, despite remarkable advancements, the implementation of PGT faces a series of limitations and challenges that require careful consideration. This review aims to foster a comprehensive reflection on the constraints of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, encouraging a broader discussion about its utility and implications. The objective is to inform and guide medical professionals, patients, and society overall in the conscious and responsible adoption of this innovative technology, taking into account its potential benefits and the ethical and practical challenges that it presents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging technology (ET) for laboratory medicine can be defined as an analytical method (including biomarkers) or device (software, applications, and algorithms) that by its stage of development, translation into broad routine clinical practice, or geographical adoption and implementation has the potential to add value to clinical diagnostics. Considering the laboratory medicine-specific definition, this document examines eight key tools, encompassing clinical, analytical, operational, and financial aspects, used throughout the life cycle of ET implementation. The tools provide a systematic approach starting with identifying the unmet need or identifying opportunities for improvement (Tool 1), forecasting (Tool 2), technology readiness assessment (Tool 3), health technology assessment (Tool 4), organizational impact map (Tool 5), change management (Tool 6), total pathway to method evaluation checklist (Tool 7), and green procurement (Tool 8). Whilst there are differences in clinical priorities between different settings, the use of this set of tools will help support the overall quality and sustainability of the emerging technology implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a disparity between low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) in translating medical device innovations to the market, affecting health care service delivery. Whereas medical technologies developed in HICs face substantial challenges in getting to the bedside, there are at least clear pathways in most of the major markets, such as the UK, the EU, and the USA. Much less is known about the challenges that innovators of medical technologies face in LMICs. The aim of this study was to map out current bottlenecks in medical device innovation in Uganda, a LMIC in Sub-Saharan East Africa. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a digital questionnaire. Twenty-one individuals completed the questionnaire, with the majority being medical device innovators (n = 12). Only one of these had undertaken all the innovation stages, up to clinical validation. Very few innovators had established companies, and/or acquired intellectual property. It is evident from similar studies that challenges in medical device translations are multidimensional, and hence interdisciplinary collaborations are key to accelerating translation processes, especially for LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate the incremental health benefits of pharmaceutical innovations approved between 2011 and 2021 and the share that would surpass the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) "size of benefit" decision weight thresholds. We identified all US-approved drugs between 2011 and 2021. Health benefits, in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for each treatment, were extracted from published cost-effectiveness analyses. Summary statistics by therapeutic area and cell/gene therapy status identified the treatments with the largest QALY gains. The Food and Drug Administration approved 483 new therapies between 2011 and 2021 and of these 252 had a published cost-effectiveness analysis meeting our inclusion criteria. The average incremental health benefits produced by these treatments were 1.04 QALYs (SD = 2.00) relative to standard of care, with wide variation by therapeutic area. Pulmonary and ophthalmologic therapies produced the highest health benefits with 1.47 (SD = 2.17, n = 13) and 1.41 QALYs gained (SD = 3.53, n = 7), respectively; anesthesiology and urology had the lowest gains (< 0.1 QALYs). Cell and gene therapies produced an average health benefit that was 4 times greater than noncell and gene therapies (4.13 vs 0.96). Among the top treatments in terms of incremental QALYs gained, half (10 of 20) were oncology therapies. Three of 252 treatments (1.2%) met NICE's threshold for a "size of benefit" multiplier. Treatments for rare disease, oncology, and cell and gene therapies produced some of the highest level of health innovation relative to previous standard of care, but few therapies would have qualified for NICE's "size of benefit" multiplier as currently constructed. • Some health technology assessment bodies have considered increasing the willingness to pay per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) threshold for therapies that provide "significant" QALY gains relative to standard of care. This article identifies which treatments would meet the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's "size of benefit" multiplier. • Our study found that, on average, treatments approved between 2011 and 2021 produced incremental health gains of 1.04 incremental QALYs over the standard of care. Cell and gene therapies produced >4 times greater health benefits than noncell and gene therapy treatments. • A total of 1.2% of therapies approved in the last decade would qualify for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's "size of benefit" multiplier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital health technologies (DHTs) can optimise healthcare costs and improve quality and efficiency of care. However, the fast-paced rate of innovation and varying evidence standards can make it difficult for decision-makers to assess these technologies in an efficient and evidence-based manner. We sought to develop a comprehensive framework to assess the value of novel patient-facing DHTs used to manage chronic diseases by eliciting stakeholder value preferences. Literature review and primary data collection from a three-round web-Delphi exercise was utilized. 79 participants from 5 stakeholder groups (patients, physicians, industry, decision makers, and influencers) and 3 countries (United States of America, United Kingdom, and Germany) took part. Likert scale data were statistically analyzed to determine intergroup differences in both country and stakeholder groups, stability of results, and overall consensus. The resulting co-created framework comprised 33 stable indicators with consensus from quantitative value judgments across domains: health inequalities, data rights and governance, technical and security, economic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and user preferences. Lack of stakeholder consensus was observed on the importance of value-based care models, optimizing resources for sustainable systems, and stakeholder involvement in DHT design, development, and implementation; however, this was because of high rates of neutrality and not negative judgments. Supply-side actors and academic experts were the most unstable stakeholder groups. Stakeholder value judgments revealed a need for a coordinated regulatory and health technology assessment policy response that updates laws to meet technological innovations, offers a pragmatic approach to evidence standards to assess DHTs, and involves stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. • Digital health technologies (DHTs) differ from traditional medical technologies because they involve widespread, and sometimes continuous, collection, analysis, and transmission of patient data after market entry. There is currently no technology-agnostic wide-reaching value framework for evaluating DHTs, capturing multiple stakeholder value preferences in different health system archetypes. Through a Delphi exercise, we incorporated diverse stakeholder viewpoints from the United Kingdom, United States, and Germany to propose an evidence-based value framework for assessing patient-facing DHTs focused on chronic disease management. • Statistically significant stakeholder consensus relates to clinical and economic characteristics, which align with current regulations and health technology assessment methodologies and around value indicators that are not reflected in current regulations and health technology assessment policies, particularly regarding personal data rights. Lack of stakeholder consensus centers around the importance of value-based care models, optimizing resources for sustainable systems, and stakeholder involvement in DHT design, development, and implementation and results from high rates of neutrality rather than negative judgments. • We have created a value framework comprising 33 stable indicators with consensus across 6 value domains, notably health inequalities, data rights and governance, technical and security, economic characteristics, clinical characteristics and user preferences. Included indicators are split between ratings of "very important" and "important" resulting from consensus between key stakeholder groups consisting of patients, physicians, supply-side actors, decision makers, and influencers. Decision makers can utilize this framework when assessing potential technologies to include in their health system packages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently completed a review of its methods for health technology assessment, involving a 2-stage public consultation. We appraise proposed methodological changes and analyze key decisions. We categorize all changes proposed in the first consultation as "critical," "moderate" or "limited" updates, considering the importance of the topic and the degree of change or the level of reinforcement. Proposals were followed through the review process, for their inclusion, exclusion, or amendment in the second consultation and the new manual. The end-of-life value modifier was replaced with a new "disease severity" modifier and other potential modifiers were rejected. The usefulness of a comprehensive evidence base was emphasized, clarifying when nonrandomized studies can be used, with further guidance on "real-world" evidence developed separately. A greater degree of uncertainty was accepted in circumstances when evidence generation raised challenges, in particular for children, rare diseases, and innovative technologies. For some topics, such as health inequality, discounting, unrelated healthcare costs, and value of information, significant changes were possibly warranted, but NICE decided not to make any revisions at present. Most of the changes to NICE's health technology assessment methods are appropriate and modest in impact. Nevertheless, some decisions were not well justified and further research is needed on several topics, including investigation of societal preferences. Ultimately, NICE's role of protecting National Health Services resources for valuable interventions that can contribute toward improving overall population health must be safeguarded, without accepting weaker evidence. • The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published its newly updated Health Technology Evaluation manual in January 2022, combining the processes and methods for all 4 Health Technology Evaluation programmes into a single document for the first time, accompanied by a topic selection manual. • We first categorize NICE's proposals by importance and offer a summary of the most critical changes. We then critique a number of key decisions that represent some of the most important updates for the wider health technology assessment community. • NICE notably introduced a new disease severity modifier, but decided not to make any revisions to its methods in the areas of health inequality, discounting, unrelated healthcare costs, and value of information. Most updates were modest and correspond to clarifications, formalization of best practice, and guidance for new challenges in line with existing principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2015, the Innovative Technology for Arctic Exploration (ITAE) program has supported maritime technology development that contributes to economic growth, ocean health, and ocean management in Alaska. The program does this in multiple ways: through public-private partnerships, platform and small-scale sensor design, and research to operations, commercialization, and application of science-driven technologies. ITAE is a high-risk, high-reward research collaborative that provides support and expertise for creative scientists pursuing highly innovative research solutions with the potential for broad impact in US Arctic marine sciences. This program is funded through NOAA to support projects that may be overlooked in the traditional peer-review process because of their inherent risk. However, not all risks lead to success, not every risk leads to failure, and not all failures eliminate success. Development and growth are nurtured by risk and temporary setbacks. The science advanced by these researchers and collaborators forges new paths of discovery. While the Arctic is an excellent testbed, in part, due to its extreme conditions, the technologies and lessons detailed here are transferable to oceanographic research outside of the Arctic. This paper reviews the ITAE program as well as the successes and failures of this dedicated Arctic innovation collaborative at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reimbursement of new technologies in inpatient care is not always linked to a requirement for evidence-based evaluation of patient benefit. In Germany, every new technology approved for market was until recently eligible for reimbursement in inpatient care unless explicitly excluded. The aim of this work was (1) to investigate the type of evidence that was available at the time of introduction of 25 innovative technologies and how this evidence evolved over time, and (2) to explore the relationship between clinical evidence and utilization for these technologies in German inpatient care. Methods: This study combined different methods. A systematic search for evidence published between 2003 and 2017 was conducted in four bibliographic databases, clinical trial registries, resources for clinical guidelines, and health technology assessment—databases. Information was also collected on funding mechanisms and safety notices. Utilization was measured by hospital procedures captured in claims data. The body of evidence, funding and safety notices per technology were analyzed descriptively. The relationship between utilization and evidence was explored empirically using a multilevel regression analysis. Results: The number of included publications per technology ranges from two to 498. For all technologies, non-comparative studies form the bulk of the evidence. The number of randomized controlled clinical trials per technology ranges from zero to 19. Some technologies were utilized for several years without an adequate evidence base. A relationship between evidence and utilization could be shown for several but not all technologies. Conclusions: This study reveals a mixed picture regarding the evidence available for new technologies, and the relationship between the development of evidence and the use of technologies over time. Although the influence of funding and safety notices requires further investigation, these results re-emphasize the need for strengthening market approval standards and HTA pathways as well as approaches such as coverage with evidence development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to grasp the latest trends of medical textiles and discuss the future development direction, the fiber materials and forming technology of medical textiles in our country were introduced. The emerging technologies and important breakthroughs in the field of medical textiles in the past ten years were summarized.Focus on the design,composition and application of in vivo and in vitro medical textiles with medical protection,treatment, monitoring,health care,tissue repair,etc..The present situation and key problems of industrialization were analyzed. It is considered that the existing medical textiles in our country have the characteristics of diversification,but the basic research,technology development and commercial production of high-quality,intelligent and eco-friendly medical textiles are still in the initial stage.It is necessary to strengthen independent innovation,deepen in-depth cooperation in multiple fields,accelerate the integration of intelligent manufacturing technologies,improve the construction of industry norms and systems,develop science and technology enabling industry chains,and develop future medical textiles with advantages of light comfort,digitalization,intelligence,biofriendliness and biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay delves into the transformative role of technology in India's health insurance landscape. Beginning with the industry's evolution and challenges, like low penetration and insurance fraud, the study then examines the impact of technological advancements on the sector. Key technologies, such as AI, ML, blockchain, and data analytics, are discussed for their roles in risk assessment, claims processing, fraud detection, and enhancing customer experiences. The advent of telemedicine and its implications for policies are also scrutinized, supported by case studies from the Indian context. The paper projects future trends, addressing ethical concerns like data privacy and regulatory adaptations. In conclusion, the essay emphasizes technology's pivotal role in reshaping India's health insurance sector towards increased accessibility, efficiency, and customer-centricity, highlighting challenges and potential solutions. This comprehensive exploration aims to inform insurers, healthcare providers, technologists, and consumers about the industry's potential trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of wearable sensor technology and machine learning algorithms has significantly transformed the field of intelligent medical rehabilitation. These innovative technologies enable the collection of valuable movement, muscle, or nerve data during the rehabilitation process, empowering medical professionals to evaluate patient recovery and predict disease development more efficiently. This systematic review aims to study the application of wearable sensor technology and machine learning algorithms in different disease rehabilitation training programs, obtain the best sensors and algorithms that meet different disease rehabilitation conditions, and provide ideas for future research and development. A total of 1490 studies were retrieved from two databases, the Web of Science and IEEE Xplore, and finally 32 articles were selected. In this review, the selected papers employ different wearable sensors and machine learning algorithms to address different disease rehabilitation problems. Our analysis focuses on the types of wearable sensors employed, the application of machine learning algorithms, and the approach to rehabilitation training for different medical conditions. It summarizes the usage of different sensors and compares different machine learning algorithms. It can be observed that the combination of these two technologies can optimize the disease rehabilitation process and provide more possibilities for future home rehabilitation scenarios. Finally, the present limitations and suggestions for future developments are presented in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic led to health care practitioners utilizing new technologies to deliver health care, including telemedicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of rapidly proliferative use of video visits on opioid prescribing to orthopedic patients at a large academic health system that had existing procedure-specific opioid prescribing guidelines. Methods:This IRB-exempt study examined 651 opioid prescriptions written to patients who had video (visual and audio), telephone (audio only), or in-person encounters at our institution from March 1 to June 1, 2020 and compared them with 963 prescriptions written during the same months in 2019. Prescriptions were converted into daily milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) to facilitate direct comparison. Chi-square testing was used to compare categorical data, whereas analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney tests were used to compare numerical data between groups. Statistical significance was set at <0.05. Results:Six hundred fifty-one of 1,614 prescriptions analyzed (40.3%) occurred during the pandemic. Patients prescribed opioids during video visits were prescribed 53.3 ± 37 MME, significantly higher than in-person (p = 0.002) or audio visits (p < 0.001) before or during the pandemic. Prepandemic, significantly higher MME were prescribed for in-person versus audio only visits (41.6 ± 89 vs. 30.2 ± 28 MME; p = 0.026); during the pandemic, there was no difference between these groups (p = 0.91). Significantly higher MME were prescribed by Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates versus MD or DO prescribers for both time periods (51.3 ± 109 vs. 27.9 ± 42 MME; p < 0.001; 42.9 ± 70 vs. 28.2 ± 42 MME; p < 0.001). Conclusion:During crisis and with new technology, we should be vigilant about prescribing of opioid analgesics. Despite well-established protocols, patients received significantly higher MME through video than for other encounter types, including in-person encounters. In addition, significantly higher MME were prescribed by mid-level prescribers compared with DOs or MDs. Institutions should ensure these prescribers are involved during creation of opioid prescribing protocols after orthopedic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides an overview of the use of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in urogynecology, focusing on its application in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The article highlights the benefits of RAS, including improved visualization, precision, and ergonomic comfort. It also acknowledges the drawbacks of RAS, such as high costs and lack of tactile feedback. The document mentions a meta-analysis comparing RAS to laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC), which found that RAS had a longer operative time but fewer complications and a lower conversion rate. The article concludes by discussing ongoing studies on the feasibility of single-incision robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Overall, the article presents a balanced perspective on the use of RAS in urogynecological procedures. [Extracted from the article]

As the world's population rises, the healthcare system experiences significant changes. Wireless body area network (WBAN) is an emerging technology that has considerable impact on medical and non-medical applications. However, two crucial challenges in WBANs are interference minimization and channel assignment. High interference may increase collision probability, transmission delay, and energy consumption. Multichannel schemes are proposed to reduce the data transmission latency and improve the system throughput by allowing simultaneous transmission of sensors in coexisting WBANs. When WBAN users move, they need to switch the channels frequently to avoid potential channel conflicts and to maintain the Quality of Service (QoS). However, frequent switching may raise energy consumption and aggravate delay. Existing multichannel assignment schemes failed to perform well in highly dynamic and densely deployed WBANs environments. In contrast to existing studies, this paper proposes a Prediction-based Channel Assignment (PCA) algorithm that selects the channels for WBANs to remain valid for future time instances and thus minimizes the delay and number of channel switches for dynamic and coexisting WBANs. When a WBAN needs to switch a channel, the proposed method predicts the future neighbors of that WBAN based on its history. It explores the channel information of present and future neighbors to select a suitable channel with higher resilience in a dynamic environment. Thus, our algorithm minimizes channel interference by avoiding unnecessary channel switching. We have used machine learning algorithms to predict the future neighbors of a WBAN. Experiment results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than an existing algorithm and random channel assignment in delay and throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of physiologic pressure helps diagnose and prevent associated health complications. From typical conventional methods to more complicated modalities, such as the estimation of intracranial pressures, numerous invasive and noninvasive tools that provide us with insight into daily physiology and aid in understanding pathology are within our grasp. Currently, our standards for estimating vital pressures, including continuous BP measurements, pulmonary capillary wedge pressures, and hepatic portal gradients, involve the use of invasive modalities. As an emerging field in medical technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has been incorporated into analyzing and predicting patterns of physiologic pressures. AI has been used to construct models that have clinical applicability both in hospital settings and at-home settings for ease of use for patients. Studies applying AI to each of these compartmental pressures were searched and shortlisted for thorough assessment and review. There are several AI-based innovations in noninvasive blood pressure estimation based on imaging, auscultation, oscillometry and wearable technology employing biosignals. The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth assessment of the involved physiologies, prevailing methodologies and emerging technologies incorporating AI in clinical practice for each type of compartmental pressure measurement. We also bring to the forefront AI-based noninvasive estimation techniques for physiologic pressure based on microwave systems that have promising potential for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Integrating digital technologies with clinical practice promises to improve access and enhance care in the context of high service demand and constrained capacity. Method: We outline the emerging research in the integration of digital tools in clinical care, known as blended care, and provide case examples of mental health technology platforms currently in use, summarise findings regarding novel technologies such as virtual reality, and outline real-world implementation challenges and potential solutions. Results: Recent evidence shows that blended care approaches are clinically effective and improve service efficiency. Youth-specific technologies such as moderated online social therapy (MOST) are achieving a range of positive clinical and functional outcomes, while emerging technologies like virtual reality have strong evidence in anxiety disorder, and accumulating evidence in psychotic conditions. Implementation science frameworks show promise in helping overcome the common challenges faced in real-world adoption and ongoing use. Conclusion: The integrated, blended use of digital mental health technologies with face-to-face clinical care has the potential to improve care quality for young people while helping overcome the growing challenges faced by youth mental health service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements have allowed for the design and development of multiple intelligent devices that monitor the health and safety status of workers in the industry in general. This paper reviews and describes the alternative technologies and their potential for monitoring risk situations, vital signs, physical variables, worker positions, and behavioral trends of workers in their work activities in the workplace. A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA ScR in which information was extracted from 99 scientific articles related to these technological advances. The operational characteristics and utilities of devices whose primary function is to control better and monitor worker safety and health were identified. It was concluded that technology strongly improves the acquisition and sending of information. This information can be used to provide alerts and feedback to workers so that they act more safely and protect their health. In addition, technological developments have resulted in devices that eliminate operational risks by replacing manual activities with automated and autonomous tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: As the informational technology raising, 3D printing is applied widely in digital medicine. The importance of research and application of medical 3D printing focuses on the following perspectives: (1) printing organ pathology models and guid plate to aid in preoperative planning and adjuvant therapy; (2) creating custom prosthesis or implant scaffolds; and (3) creating personalized orthoses and braces; (4) fabricating viable tissues or organoids. OBJECTIVE: This paper described the application and advantages of 3D printing in digital medical industry, and summarized the current construction situations for 3D printing digital medical center in domestic and foreign market, as well as the registration approval of 3D printing medical devices, to provide experiences for the development of 3D printing digital medical industry. METHODS: Databases of Wanfang, CNKI and PubMed were searched for relevant articles published from January 2010 to February 2022 with the key words of “3D printing technology, 3D printed orthoses, 3D bioprinting, medical applications, medical center” in Chinese or English. A few classic early articles were included. By reading the titles and abstracts, repetitive studies, low-quality or irrelevant articles were excluded. Finally, 60 articles were included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: 3D printing technology and clinical medicine are tightly combined, and the cross-innovation of “medicine-industrial integration” has been realized through interdisciplinary innovative applications, and many scientific research innovations have been achieved. The construction of the 3D printing digital medical center will systematically train medical-engineering personnel for the hospital, and provide services such as image processing and cloud service system construction, and medical device printing, which also integrates digital medical technology and pushes the application of 3D printing to a new height in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health is gold, and good health is a matter of survival for humanity. The development of the healthcare industry aligns with the development of humans throughout history. Nowadays, along with the strong growth of science and technology, the medical domain in general and the healthcare industry have achieved many breakthroughs, such as remote medical examination and treatment applications, pandemic prediction, and remote patient health monitoring. The advent of 5th generation communication networks in the early 2020s led to the Internet of Things concept. Moreover, the 6th generation communication networks (so-called 6G) expected to launch in 2030 will be the next revolution of the IoT era, and will include autonomous IoT systems and form a series of endogenous intelligent applications that serve humanity. One of the domains that receives the most attention is smart healthcare. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive survey of IoT-based technologies and solutions in the medical field. Then, we propose an all-in-one computing architecture for real-time IoHT applications and present possible solutions to achieving the proposed architecture. Finally, we discuss challenges, open issues, and future research directions. We hope that the results of this study will serve as essential guidelines for further research in the human healthcare domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]