Description
This VTT transcript captures a presentation by Liba Sheeran, a physiotherapy clinician and researcher, where she addresses advancements in health technologies, particularly in rehabilitation and chronic condition management during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sheeran begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak in a more traditional, in-person setting, emphasizing the shift in technological interactions due to the pandemic. She discusses her focus on developing health technologies like wearables and video technologies that can aid in identifying biomarkers for musculoskeletal health.
Throughout the presentation, Sheeran highlights the significant rise in technology use among adults, noting that a large percentage own smartphones and regularly seek health information online. She also acknowledges challenges such as low IT literacy among older adults, but recognizes their increasing engagement with technology. Sheeran mentions initiatives like NHS Digital, established to improve digital health care delivery and connect clinical practice with research.
Sheeran delves into the implications of health technologies, explaining how technologies such as mHealth applications, telehealth, and wearables can provide vital support for patients with conditions like arthritis. She provides examples of specific applications and discusses the role of artificial intelligence and blockchain in health care technology. Sheeran emphasizes the importance of addressing patient heterogeneity when developing tech solutions.
Addressing potential inequalities in access to health technologies, Sheeran warns that advances may inadvertently exacerbate disparities, especially among lower socioeconomic groups. She stresses the need for responsible innovation that focuses on equity in health care access and personalized treatments.
Towards the end of her talk, she outlines the planned steps for future technology development, emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches, collaboration with early adopters, and consideration of commercial viability as integral to successful outcomes. She concludes by acknowledging her interdisciplinary team that contributes to the development of these technologies.