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IT : The
Engine Driving Medical Technology
The most
significant innovation in medical technology is the use of IT
in medical products and systems. Surgery and patient
monitoring can now take place remotely, with patients’
functions being checked without their noticing. Medical
equipment can also be monitored remotely. Any malfunctions can
be analysed off site, boosting prevention and keeping repair
and maintenance down-time to a minimum. The Dutch medical
technology industry operates on a global scale and accounts
for almost 20 % of the world market. The Dutch market is
important mainly because new products are developed in
collaboration with Dutch hospitals, which also perform
clinical evaluations. Medical technology firms develop medical
equipment and devices that make treatment less stressful for
patients. They also devise medical aids that allow the
disabled to live as normally as possible. The Dutch medical
technology sector develops and produces tools for the medical
profession, for example diagnostic, respiratory and monitoring
systems, ophthalmic devices, equipment used in home care and
physiotherapy, implants, rehabilitation aids and dental
products. It also organizes projects to set up new hospitals.
In all these areas, the sector makes ample use of IT.
(Source :
Holland Economic Tribune , volume 4 , no 4 , 2002)
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