Thomas Goetz at The Healthcare Blog has written a post detailing how the next breakthrough in healthcare can be as simple as a calculator. Not a calculator like the physical device, but rather a program that automates algorithms. Called nomograms, they essentially calculate risk. An example given is the Framingham Risk Calculator, which calculates your risk of heart disease. In addition, they can also assess the risk in a surgical procedure, making the decision of whether or not to go through with a surgery much easier. The only problem with these nomograms lie with the fact that they must be made for one disease at a time, and enormous amounts of work and calculations go into each one. In addition, they must be kept up to date to remain accurate. However, if these nomograms do take off to the point where there is one available for every disesase, they can prove to be invaluable in the healthcare field. By being able to predict ones risk of disease, those who are at high risk can take preventive measures immediately.
Some excellent points are made in the article:
“We need relevance, and the right information at the right time will help us make better choices for prevention, helping us stay healthier longer…”
I completely agree. I believe that the best way to combat disease is through prevention, rather than cures. Lack of information certainly contributes to poor choices, which may in turn lead to disease.
“They’re brilliant and auspicious because the turn research around so that it faces the patient: An individual can interrogate medical science for how it applies to his specific circumstances, rather than having to navigate through stacks of research papers and findings for some wisp of relevance.”
Another great point. The beauty of nomograms is that they’re easily accessible, and can be applied specifically to you. You don’t need to be a doctor to use one, and they can be found free online. Just enter some information, and you can see how at risk you are for a particular disease.
“But especially for conditions where we have some agency – where we can take actions today that can enhance our tomorrow – they are a terrific tool.”
Possibly the greatest aspect of these calculators are that they stress prevention- less diease for a better future.
source[The Healthcare Blog]
2 comments:
This is just as amazing as anything being developed in the field today. When we think about it the idea is very well thought out, from a scientists point of view. But what happens when insurance companies and your employers gain access to these things. Lets say you have the gene for Alzheimer and your insurance company is notified of this gene. they will most likely provide limited coverage or no coverage at all. And your employer may not sign a contract for your work. These problems are things we must think about. However, the idea is just phenomenal, medicine and technology coming together is amazing.
@Babar
That's a great point, and it can be one of the major flaws of this project. There is a high chance insurance companies will take advantage of this information, and like you said, use it to determine whether or not to provide coverage. It will be interesting to see how it pans out, and perhaps some new privacy laws will be put in place.
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