Medical technology

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Medical technology

Medical technology (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/) is a broad field where innovation plays a crucial role in sustaining health. Areas like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, information technology, the development of medical devices and equipment, and more have all made significant contributions to improving the health of people all around the world.

Etymology

The term "medical technology" is derived from the Greek words "medicus" meaning "pertaining to the science of healing" and "technologia" meaning "systematic treatment of an art, craft, or technique". It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the use of equipment and tools in the medical field.

Definition

Medical technology can be defined as the application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of lives. This includes the pharmaceuticals, devices, procedures and organizational systems used in healthcare.

Related terms

  • Biotechnology: The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, or "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use".
  • Pharmaceuticals: Also referred to as meds, are types of medicines that use chemistry to cure, treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases.
  • Medical devices: Any device used to diagnose, prevent, or treat health conditions without any chemical action within or on the body. Such devices range from simple, low-risk devices such as tongue depressors, medical thermometers, and disposable gloves to advanced devices such as computers which assist in the conduct of medical testing, implants, and prostheses.
  • Information technology: The use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data or information. In the context of healthcare, this includes systems for managing patient records, systems for managing and administering healthcare, and telemedicine.

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