At The Medical Futurist (TMF), and especially at The Medical Futurist Institute, we don’t usually deal with investment-related news and announcements. We receive many press releases coming from incubators and venture capital firms each week, but we never share them on our channels. Even though we focus on technologies and trends rather than companies of interest to investors, this doesn’t mean that we don’t keep a close eye on all these developments.
We are in close contact with many digital health startup founders, analyze the technologies they work on, and objectively share news relevant to investors. Above all, The Medical Futurist team is a fierce advocate for proper digital health adoption; and for that, we need good investments in good digital health companies. This will help shape an optimistic healthcare landscape that can better deal with crises like COVID-19 and form a future better fit to solve the major problems.
Growth in the Traditional Health Industry is Unsustainable
Analysts seem to agree on an important point. The overall size of the global health industry ($7.9 trillion in 2023) is on an upward trajectory. However, this growth and, more importantly, its share related to GDP seems unsustainable – as it is projected to reach $10 trillion by 2027. According to this Deloitte forecast, it will amount to 26% of the global GDP by 2040. And here is when digital health is seen as the greatest promise.
Although somewhat more slowly, eventually, the healthcare sector seems to be catching up with other, more consumer-focused areas, like banking, consumer finances, retail, and so on, which have already gone through paramount changes regarding efficiency. Analysts forecast similar landslides in many health-related areas, including ‘bordering’ sectors, like fitness, wellness, prevention, mental health, and nutrition among others.
Healthcare is a slow-moving animal, but it is in dire need of change. This could open the door to health tech companies that can tackle specific parts of the value chain. Which are the niches health tech can address? Many!
Generative AI Has Arrived and Will Transform Medicine
Although we’ve been predicting for years that AI will transform healthcare, it suddenly became very obvious in the past year. ChatGPT, the first widely available solution for interacting with AI was released at the end of 2022 and it has changed everything. Artificial intelligence, which was the mystic tool available only to a select few, became an everyday tool for anyone – overnight.
And with it, large language models (LLMs) moved into the spotlight. Although using LLMs in patient-facing roles without solid regulatory safeguards is a no-go, the field is developing with impressive speed and healthcare-specific models are being tested.
But despite the sudden popularity, LLMs are not the only promising AI algorithms. In fact, there are already over 700 AI-based medical devices that have FDA approval, and we see many promising ventures in drug design, clinical documentation, and medical coding. And of course, we wonder about the black-box nature of this amazing technology when AI has curious medical discoveries, detecting things that – to the best of our human knowledge – should not be detectable from the input data. Like knowing the race of the patient from chest X-rays alone.
AI has amazing potential to improve medicine. It will be a major tool to address shortages in healthcare personnel, relieve professionals from most of the administrative burden, and assist us in diagnosing cases, in designing new drugs and devices.
Digital Health Has Matured Enough by Now
Before the 2010s, the digital health market was simply not mature enough. Startups were still finding their footing and solutions weren’t refined, resulting in a flawed perception and slow adoption rates. As such, it might have been too early to invest in this industry.
However, now the landscape is wildly different, and we found that the opportune time to invest in digital health has arrived. Technologies that digital health startups work with have been fine-tuned. The cultural transformation required for digital health adoption is taking place; countries like Germany and Denmark have national digital health strategies to address the industry.
Meanwhile, many mature digital health solutions have hit the markets in recent years, delivering tangible, measurable results, like the teletherapy program for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) patients, which was found to reduce symptoms by 43.4% with patients maintaining the results for up to a year later.
Such approaches prepare policymakers, patients, and physicians to be ready to adopt digital health solutions.
Notorious Investment Stories Can Ruin a Field for Years
Some digital health companies claim to have the best tech with mouth-watering potential, and
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic medication legal?
The answer is yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. Because they can't cure every condition. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual's health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find it more effective than prescription drugs.
For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Others enjoy eating healthy foods instead of taking prescription medications. Others find that exercise is essential for peak performance.
What are examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine as well homeopathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutritional therapy and reiki.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. Examples include meditation, hypnosis, yoga, aromatherapy, reflexology, flower essences, and many others.
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are very popular because they're often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. Unfortunately, many patients have died as a result of side effects like allergic reactions. Alternative therapies might also be available.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. Alternative and complementary medicine may be an option. This is part of a holistic approach. It is important for patients to verify that any alternative or complementary medicines they are using have been supported by scientific research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
A majority of conventional treatments are ineffective against cancer cells. Therefore, cancer patients seek other therapies, such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies can help reduce your risk of getting again cancer.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What's in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
doi.org
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
These products can be described as natural, but not necessarily organic. These products could have been grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers. But they were also processed in a way that is safer for your health. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
Most herbal supplements are made from dried herbs. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. But this does not mean they are less safe. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It is not possible to guarantee the product's original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Most herbs and spices are added to food once it is cooked. These spices can be found in sauces, condiments, dressings, soup mixes, marinades, and salad dressings.
Supplements are most commonly taken orally, (by mouth). Most vitamins are available in tablet form. Some are also available as capsules.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They stimulate the body's healing processes. Although they are called “homeopathic,” they do not work like regular medications. Instead, they act on the body's immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies may be safe and not toxic. They are used extensively in Europe, Canada and Australia, New Zealand as well as South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles along specific meridians in your body. It is based a traditional Chinese medical theory that states there are energy channels through them, where the life force flows. According to this theory, illness is caused by blockages in these channels. By stimulating energy flow along the meridian lines, the body is believed to recover its normal functioning.
Chiropractors can manipulate the spine to correct misalignments. American doctor Daniel David Palmer created this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments. Muscle tests. And percussion.
Chiropractic has been very popular in the last few decades. Many believe that it works better for back pain than conventional medicine.
Massage therapy uses rubbing, kneading and tapping to massage muscles, joints, as well as other body parts. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. Swedish massage, deep-tissue, sports, reflexology and myofascial relief are some of the techniques used by massage therapists.
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving pressure applied to specific areas of the feet and hands using thumb pads, fingers, and toes. Reflexologists claim this stimulates the body's natural healing process.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are also therapeutic because their chemical composition can benefit health conditions ranging from headache relief to arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to relieve pain and discomfort. Cranial is the skull. Sacrum in Latin refers to “sac”, and Cranial Sacral Therapy combines both. This therapy involves the application of light pressure to different areas on the head, neck and shoulders. The therapist also moves her/his hands along the patient's body.
Cupping therapy involves applying cups to the skin to draw out toxins and create suction. Cupping therapy can also be combined with moxibustion (burning of herbs) or acupuncture to help detoxify.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1993 regulates the FDA. To be sold legally, a diet supplement must meet two conditions. The first is that it must contain a dietary ingredient, which means that it must contain more than one-percent of a vitamin, mineral or herb listed on Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is the most popular form of electrotherapy. TENS devices deliver low-level electric pulses to the skin using electrodes. These pulses activate receptors in the brain that block pain signals. You can also use electrotherapy in other ways, such as interferencential current therapy or magnetic field treatment, and even ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing is based on belief that each person has natural healing abilities. Additionally, our thoughts, feelings, and intentions have an effect on our physical and mental health. Although energy healing has existed since ancient times, modern practitioners generally accept that there are multiple layers of energy within and around us. One layer of energy is called emotional. Another is called mental energy. Others include physical, spiritual, chakras, vital, life force, prana, kundalini, biofield, aura, and quantum fields. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. The scientific evidence for energy medicine is still limited.
Energy psychology is the study and application of human emotions to physiological functions. Sometimes, it's considered an alternative therapy to psychotherapy. It focuses less upon past events and more on helping clients alter their present behavior. Energy psychology does NOT require a theoretical framework. It draws from many disciplines, such as cognitive behavioral, transactional, interpersonal psychoanalysis (attachment theory), and developmental psychology.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Pranavsingh Dhunnoo
Title: 5 Things We Learned About Investments in Digital Health: Our E-book
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/5-things-we-learnt-about-investments-in-digital-health-new-e-book
Published Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic medication legal?
The answer is yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. Because they can't cure every condition. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual's health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.
Some claim holistic medicine was around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find it more effective than prescription drugs.
For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Others enjoy eating healthy foods instead of taking prescription medications. Others find that exercise is essential for peak performance.
What are examples of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers only to alternative treatments that are not considered to be effective in treating diseases. These include traditional Chinese medicine as well homeopathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, nutritional therapy and reiki.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. Examples include meditation, hypnosis, yoga, aromatherapy, reflexology, flower essences, and many others.
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative medicines are very popular because they're often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. Unfortunately, many patients have died as a result of side effects like allergic reactions. Alternative therapies might also be available.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Is it Evidence-based
While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. You might have tried traditional treatments and found them ineffective. Or you may be looking for an alternative treatment because it has more benefits than conventional care. Alternative and complementary medicine may be an option. This is part of a holistic approach. It is important for patients to verify that any alternative or complementary medicines they are using have been supported by scientific research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if in doubt about the effectiveness of a particular treatment. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
When trying to deal with their cancer, patients with the disease are often confronted with many obstacles. Some patients may believe they are doomed to failure or that there is no way out. Patients might experience nausea, pain or fatigue, as well as loss of strength and appetite.
A majority of conventional treatments are ineffective against cancer cells. Therefore, cancer patients seek other therapies, such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
The following are other reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe natural remedies can help reduce your risk of getting again cancer.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary Health Approaches and Integrative Healthcare
- What's in the Name of Complementary and Alternative Health? NCCIH
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING FOR TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE–PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
doi.org
How To
What kind of products are used in holistic medicine?
These products can be described as natural, but not necessarily organic. These products could have been grown naturally without pesticides or fertilizers. But they were also processed in a way that is safer for your health. Some herbs, such as some that can cause allergic reactions, may need to be prepared differently depending upon their specific needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
Most herbal supplements are made from dried herbs. Some prefer liquid forms of herbal supplements, as they tend to be more affordable. But this does not mean they are less safe. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It is not possible to guarantee the product's original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Most herbs and spices are added to food once it is cooked. These spices can be found in sauces, condiments, dressings, soup mixes, marinades, and salad dressings.
Supplements are most commonly taken orally, (by mouth). Most vitamins are available in tablet form. Some are also available as capsules.
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plant, animal, mineral, or synthetic sources. They stimulate the body's healing processes. Although they are called “homeopathic,” they do not work like regular medications. Instead, they act on the body's immune system to restore balance and promote wellness. Homeopathic remedies may be safe and not toxic. They are used extensively in Europe, Canada and Australia, New Zealand as well as South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles along specific meridians in your body. It is based a traditional Chinese medical theory that states there are energy channels through them, where the life force flows. According to this theory, illness is caused by blockages in these channels. By stimulating energy flow along the meridian lines, the body is believed to recover its normal functioning.
Chiropractors can manipulate the spine to correct misalignments. American doctor Daniel David Palmer created this technique in 1895. Palmer claimed that he could cure and diagnose diseases by manipulating the spines. His methods included spinal adjustments. Muscle tests. And percussion.
Chiropractic has been very popular in the last few decades. Many believe that it works better for back pain than conventional medicine.
Massage therapy uses rubbing, kneading and tapping to massage muscles, joints, as well as other body parts. Massage is used to loosen tight muscles and relieve tension. Swedish massage, deep-tissue, sports, reflexology and myofascial relief are some of the techniques used by massage therapists.
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving pressure applied to specific areas of the feet and hands using thumb pads, fingers, and toes. Reflexologists claim this stimulates the body's natural healing process.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to relieve stress, improve well-being, and enhance moods. Essential oils are also therapeutic because their chemical composition can benefit health conditions ranging from headache relief to arthritis treatment. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, including:
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to relieve pain and discomfort. Cranial is the skull. Sacrum in Latin refers to “sac”, and Cranial Sacral Therapy combines both. This therapy involves the application of light pressure to different areas on the head, neck and shoulders. The therapist also moves her/his hands along the patient's body.
Cupping therapy involves applying cups to the skin to draw out toxins and create suction. Cupping therapy can also be combined with moxibustion (burning of herbs) or acupuncture to help detoxify.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1993 regulates the FDA. To be sold legally, a diet supplement must meet two conditions. The first is that it must contain a dietary ingredient, which means that it must contain more than one-percent of a vitamin, mineral or herb listed on Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses currents to stimulate nerves, and muscles. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is the most popular form of electrotherapy. TENS devices deliver low-level electric pulses to the skin using electrodes. These pulses activate receptors in the brain that block pain signals. You can also use electrotherapy in other ways, such as interferencential current therapy or magnetic field treatment, and even ultrasound therapy.
Energy healing is based on belief that each person has natural healing abilities. Additionally, our thoughts, feelings, and intentions have an effect on our physical and mental health. Although energy healing has existed since ancient times, modern practitioners generally accept that there are multiple layers of energy within and around us. One layer of energy is called emotional. Another is called mental energy. Others include physical, spiritual, chakras, vital, life force, prana, kundalini, biofield, aura, and quantum fields. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. The scientific evidence for energy medicine is still limited.
Energy psychology is the study and application of human emotions to physiological functions. Sometimes, it's considered an alternative therapy to psychotherapy. It focuses less upon past events and more on helping clients alter their present behavior. Energy psychology does NOT require a theoretical framework. It draws from many disciplines, such as cognitive behavioral, transactional, interpersonal psychoanalysis (attachment theory), and developmental psychology.
