Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
and of any scientific developments. This is an unrealistic prediction. Technolo-
gies are developing fast, particularly in the imaging and exploitation of the human
genome. Well-informed patients who have adequate funds will always have rapid
access to the newest and the best products, no matter where in the world they may
be found. More patients will benefit from better diagnosis and newer treatments,
with greater emphasis on quality of life (Laing, 2002). Innovation will bring even
more inequality to health if the parties involved do not work together to ensure
that they address the challenges of access. Today, outcomes of the same quality of
care vary between socio-economic groups, and they will continue to do so in the
future.
European clinicians will continue being dependent on technologies that are
designed primarily for the world's biggest health market — the United States, which
currently consumes nearly 55% of cancer medication but contains less than 5% of the
cancer population. European legislation covering clinical trials could bring research
in the UK to a grinding halt. Ethicists who zealously interpret privacy legislation
could impose restrictions on the use of tissue. Targeted niche drugs will be less
appealing to industry because the costs of bringing each new generation of drugs to
market will not be matched by the returns from current blockbusters. The delivery of
innovation will be underpinned by patient expectation. Well-informed patients will
be equal partners in choosing the health care they receive. Much of it will take place
close to their homes, and use mechanisms that are devised by innovative service
providers (World Cancer Report, 2003).
This has huge implications for the training of health professionals and the
demarcations between specialties. Emerging technologies will drive change. Intra-
professional boundaries will be blurred. Doctors from what were traditionally quite
distinct specialties might find themselves doing the same job. Clinical responsibil-
ities will be taken up by health professionals who are not medically qualified. All
professionals are likely to find challenges to their territory hard to accept. Table 2
shows the challenges that must be addressed in order to deliver the most health
benefits.
Table 2.
The challenges of cancer care.
Increasing the focus on prevention
Improving screening and diagnosis, and their impact on treatment
New targeted treatments — how effective and affordable will they be?
How will patients' and caregivers' expectations translate into delivery?
Reconfiguring health services to deliver optimal care
The impact of reconfiguration on professional territories
Will society accept the financial burden of these opportunities?
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