The Role of Technology in Modern Healthcare

1. Warm-Up Questions

• What role do you think technology plays in improving healthcare?

• Can you name any medical technologies you know?

• Do you think technology will completely replace doctors one day? Why or why not?

2. Vocabulary

Match the terms with their definitions:

1. Telemedicine

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

3. Wearable devices

4. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

5. Robotics

a) Machines designed to assist in surgeries and other medical procedures.
b) Medical consultations conducted remotely using technology.
c) A system for storing patients’ medical information digitally.
d) Gadgets that monitor health, like smartwatches.
e) Technology that mimics human intelligence to analyze data and make predictions.

3. Reading:

Before reading the text, try to predict if the following statements are True of False:

1. Telemedicine eliminates the need for face-to-face consultations entirely.

2. Wearable devices can help monitor chronic conditions like diabetes.

3. AI is only used for predicting patient outcomes.

4. Robotics can reduce the risk of surgical complications.

5. One of the challenges of using technology in healthcare is its affordability.

Now read the text below and check your answers.

The Impact of Technology on Healthcare

Technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry, making it more efficient and accessible. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with doctors remotely, breaking geographical barriers. Wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches help individuals monitor their health daily.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a critical role in diagnosing diseases and predicting patient outcomes by analyzing vast amounts of data. Robotics is transforming surgeries, enabling minimally invasive procedures with greater precision. However, the integration of technology also raises concerns about data security, high costs, and the risk of over-reliance on machines.

While technology cannot replace the human touch in healthcare, it undoubtedly complements medical professionals by enhancing patient care and streamlining processes.

4. Discussion Topics:

• Share your thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in healthcare.

• Discuss whether technology improves the doctor-patient relationship or creates distance.

• Imagine you are a healthcare professional. How would you use technology in your daily work?

5. Complete the gaps using the words provided:

Word Bank: intelligence, devices, rate, massive, health, data

Artificial ________ (1) is transforming healthcare by analyzing ________ (2) amounts of data. For example, wearable ________ (3) can track a patient’s heart ________ (4) and alert them to potential ________ (5). However, concerns about ________ (6) privacy remain a challenge.

6. Match the missing word to the correct sentence:

1. Robotics allows for ________ invasive surgeries.

2. Telemedicine ________ patients in remote areas.

3. Electronic ________ Records store patient information digitally.

4. Wearable devices provide ________ data to patients and doctors.

5. Artificial Intelligence analyzes ________ amounts of data.

Options:
a) health
b) assists
c) minimally
d) vast
e) Health

7. Use Conditionals

Complete the conditional sentences using the expression given below:

1. If AI becomes more advanced, ________.

2. Doctors would have more time for patients if ________.

3. If wearable devices didn’t exist, ________.

4. If patients had access to telemedicine, they ________.

5. Hospitals will save money if ________.

a. …if robotic surgeries reduce complications.

b. …many people wouldn’t track their health regularly.

c. … it will predict diseases with higher accuracy.

d. …if robots handled administrative tasks.

e. … they could avoid long travel times.

8. Critical Thinking

Scenario: Imagine you are designing a new medical app. What features would it have, and how would it help people? Present your ideas to the class or in a small group.