DNP Role Development for Doctoral Advanced Nursing Practice, Second Edition

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TABLE 14.4 Key Emerging Technologies With Predicted Impact on Health Care

Technology Impact

Artificial intelligence

Affective computing

Robotics

The characteristics of intelligence, ability to perceive

emotions and affects will permit expressive behavior by

computers or artificial agents; sophisticated motor function

will lay the groundwork for surrogate support for

caregiving and reducing personnel costs while providing

round-the-clock support, assistance, and services for elderly

or disabled.

Bioelectronics

Human– machine symbiosis

Neuroelectronics

The miniaturization and complexity of these technologies

will blur the boundaries between machine and human

with improved monitoring and treatment capabilities. For

example, less invasive, more comprehensive diagnostic

capabilities; improved treatments for individuals with

brain injuries, impairments, or diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s or

Alzheimer’s); and improved prosthetics, rehabilitative and

assistive devices.

Future Internet The future Internet is expected to be more pervasive and

ubiquitous, setting the stage for greater accessibility,

information sharing, and interoperability, which will increase

real- time data collection from expanded data collection

points enhancing surveillance capabilities and information

access for patients and health care providers.

Quantum computing Much faster and more powerful computing for special

purposes that will enable faster data analytics, increased

capability to manage and analyze “big data” repositories

as well as simulation of various phenomena to contribute

toward understanding of these phenomena. Quantum

computing will also enhance surveillance capabilities.

Ambient intelligence Ambient Intelligence brings forth a novel human- technology

interaction via the ability to customize, built- in adaptive

environmental responsiveness to individual needs such as

change in body temperature, lighting adjustment.

Virtual/ augmented reality Physical/ mental immersion and synthetic sensory

stimulation can provide new treatment technologies for

mental health, behavioral and rehabilitative therapies

and services (e.g., posttraumatic stress therapy and other

disorders).

Three- dimensional (3D) bio

printing

This technology will transform health care by providing

the capability of creating interchangeable body parts for

transplant and defect repair.

Holographic images The use of holographic images to project instrument panels,

such as keyboards or infusion pump controls, onto easily

sanitized solid surfaces will significantly reduce infection

transmission, reducing incidence of hospital- acquired

infections.

3- D Laser scan This technology will allow “real- time” three- dimensional

imaging to accurately capture and document patient data

such as wound measurements.

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