Future technology must enhance quality of care

The use of technology has brought about significant changes in medicine, both in medical procedures and processes and administrative procedures. Until the 19th century, hospitals were places where the sick and the poor looked for asylum, and the concept of healing was not as well understood as it is today. However, starting from that century, science began taking centre stage through significant research.

Three key discoveries — bacteria as the cause of diseases, anaesthesia, and steam sterilisation — enabled the development of the modern hospital.1 Wolper suggests that these discoveries gave rise to the modern hospital as we know it — with their implementation, coupled with continuous technological advancements, facilitating the development of modern medicine, and significantly improving the quality and effectiveness of healthcare. By the late 19th century, in most developed countries, there was a continuous investment in healthcare services, leading to significant technological expansion in both existing and newly constructed hospitals.

The new epidemiological profile that emerged during this period is associated with improvements in healthcare infrastructure, increased healthcare expenditure, and services. It also correlated with emerging health issues linked to working conditions, the rapid growth of urban environments (especially since the 1960s), and changes in lifestyle patterns.2