The conference I bring you today presents us a very interesting perspective on the transformation of the health systemEric Dishman, a visionary in the healthcare field, works for Intel, one of the most recognized technology companies in the world. His approach and innovative ideas are a wake-up call to traditional healthcare structures.
Eric Dishman: From patient to healthcare revolutionary
The turn that Eric Dishman's life took began with a critical episode while he was in college. After fainting, he was taken to two different medical centers, where he was finally diagnosed two rare diseases that affected his kidneysDoctors gave him a life expectancy of just 2-3 years. However, this diagnosis turned out to be incorrect, marking the beginning of his journey to transform a healthcare system he described as “outdated.”
In his talk, Dishman gives a demonstration that illustrates both his ingenuity and the use of technology to revolutionize healthcare. During his talk, he connects an ultrasound device to his smartphone to take a real time ultrasound, displaying the images on screen while your doctor, located miles away, guides you through a video conference. This example highlights how technology can drastically reduce the time and resources required to carry out certain medical evaluations.
The three pillars for transforming the healthcare model
Dishman advocates an approach based on three fundamental pillars that could revolutionize the way we understand and experience healthcare:
- Ubiquitous attention: According to Dishman, it is not always necessary to visit a hospital to receive medical care. Modern technology allows certain diagnoses and treatments to be carried out from home, which is not only more convenient for the patient but also reduces the burden on hospital facilities.
- Coordinated and networked care: One of the fundamental flaws of the system is the lack of coordination between doctors from different specialties or institutions. Dishman mentions how this disconnect almost cost him his life when, due to a lack of communication between specialists, he was prescribed multiple versions of the same medication, which could have caused him to have a heart attack.
- Personalized attention: Dishman's case is a clear example of the benefits of personalization in medicine. Thanks to the sequencing of his genome, carried out in just eight weeks, it was possible to determine that his initial diagnosis was incorrect. This technological advance offers hope not only to patients, but also to doctors and medical research in general.
Dishman's call aligns with other international efforts to change the way healthcare systems are managed. During the XXVII National Congress of General and Family Medicine, the president of SEMG, Antonio Fernández-Pro, stressed that any improvement in the model must begin with the strengthening of primary care. This is a critical link that, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic, supports a large part of the health structure.
In addition, proposals such as that of the National Health Data Space In Spain, they are seeking to centralize and use health data for research and risk prediction. This approach connects directly with personalized care and the idea of using technology to anticipate problems before they occur.
Towards a more sustainable healthcare model
The health system, especially in industrialized countries like Spain, faces constant challenges to maintain its sustainability. Experts such as Rafael Bengoa have pointed out that it is essential to transform the system beyond short-term adjustment measures to address current demographic and epidemiological challenges. socioeconomic inequality and its impact on health, for example, are factors that health systems can no longer ignore.
In this regard, health promotion programs and citizen education strategies play an essential role. Teaching patients to manage their illnesses, as proposed by global health experts, can ease the burden on the system and generate positive economic results.
The role of technology in healthcare evolution
Eric Dishman uses his personal experience to advocate for the integration of advanced technology into the healthcare system. From wearable devices to big data tools, these innovations enable better analysis of diseases and offer faster, more personalized solutions. However, these tools must be implemented in a fully coordinated environment, ensuring the privacy and security of medical data.
The digitalization of the healthcare system is not only an opportunity to improve patient care, but also a necessity to adapt to a more sustainable and equitable healthcare model.
Eric Dishman's conference, along with other international efforts, raises a crucial question: Are we ready to abandon old models and embrace a more technological and human approach to healthcare? The answers could define the future of healthcare globally.