💡 Chapter 6.7: Computers in Medicine – Study Notes 💡

Welcome to this vital section of ICT applications! Computers aren't just for booking holidays or writing essays; they are saving lives every single day. In this chapter, we will look at how ICT systems manage crucial medical data and how amazing new technologies like 3D printing are revolutionizing healthcare.

Don't worry if these terms sound complex—we will break them down into simple, easy-to-remember parts!

1. Information Systems in Medicine: Managing Data

Medical information systems handle vast amounts of sensitive data. They replace old paper-based filing cabinets, making hospitals and clinics much more efficient and safer.

The Purpose of Patient Records (Electronic Health Records)

Patient Records (often called EHR or EMR) are digital files that contain all the information about an individual's health history.

Characteristics and Uses:

  • Personal Information: Name, address, date of birth, next of kin.
  • Medical History: Past illnesses, previous operations, chronic conditions (like asthma or diabetes).
  • Test Results: Instant access to blood tests, X-rays, and scans.
  • Allergy Information: Crucial data about drug allergies—this is often flagged immediately when a doctor prescribes medication.
  • Appointments: Scheduling and tracking future hospital visits.

Why use ICT for Patient Records?

When a doctor in one department needs to see your X-ray taken in another hospital, an ICT system allows them to access the file instantly.

  • Faster Access: Doctors and nurses can quickly retrieve data, which is critical in emergencies.
  • Improved Security: Data is protected using passwords and encryption, ensuring confidentiality (which is required by data protection laws).
  • Data Sharing: Records can be securely shared between different doctors or specialists, regardless of their physical location.
  • Analysis: The system can be used to track trends, such as the spread of a disease, or flag patients who need check-ups.
The Purpose of Pharmacy Records

Pharmacies use ICT systems to manage medicines and ensure patient safety.

Characteristics and Uses:

  • Prescription Management: Storing records of all prescribed medications for a patient.
  • Stock Control (Inventory): Monitoring how many drugs are in stock. When a certain drug runs low, the system can automatically place a new order.
  • Safety Checks (Drug Interaction): The system checks if the new medicine a doctor prescribes might react dangerously with any existing medicine the patient is taking. If a dangerous interaction is detected, an alert is triggered.
  • Dosage Checks: Ensuring the prescribed dose is correct for the patient's age and weight.

Quick Review: Information Systems

Remember: ICT systems improve efficiency (faster access, better stock) and safety (allergy and drug interaction alerts).

2. The Revolutionary Role of 3D Printers in Medicine

3D printing (or additive manufacturing) allows computers to build physical objects layer by layer. This technology has huge applications in creating medical parts that are perfectly tailored to the patient.

Application 1: Printing Prosthetics

Prosthetics are artificial devices that replace missing body parts (like hands or legs).

How ICT helps:

The patient's limb is scanned using a 3D scanner. This digital data is then sent to the 3D printer, which prints a prosthetic that is a perfect, custom fit.

  • Cost Reduction: 3D printed limbs are often much cheaper and quicker to produce than traditionally manufactured prosthetics.
  • Customisation: The shape and size can be adjusted precisely to fit the patient as they grow or change.

Did you know? Young children who need prosthetics often outgrow them very quickly. 3D printing makes it affordable to produce new, correctly sized limbs regularly!

Application 2: Tissue Engineering and Artificial Blood Vessels

This is advanced biology meeting ICT! Tissue engineering involves printing biological structures using special materials called "bio-inks" that contain living cells.

  • Tissue Scaffolds: 3D printers create structures (like a sponge or framework) where cells can grow and form new tissue. This can eventually be used to repair damaged organs.
  • Artificial Blood Vessels: Tiny, complex blood vessels can be printed to be used in grafts or research, helping surgeons plan complex operations or test new treatments.

Analogy: Imagine baking a cake. You need a mould (the 3D printed scaffold) to give the batter (the cells) the correct shape before it sets.

Application 3: Customised Medicines

3D printing can be used to create medication where the dosage or combination of drugs is unique to the patient.

How ICT helps:

A doctor determines the exact amount of chemical needed for a patient, and the 3D printer creates a pill with that precise dosage.

  • Personalized Dosage: Ensures the patient gets the optimum amount of medication, which is safer and more effective.
  • Combined Pills (Poly-pills): Patients who need to take many different pills can have them combined into a single 3D-printed tablet. This makes medication management much simpler.

Quick Review: 3D Printing

The four key uses of 3D printing are: Prosthetics, Tissue engineering, Artificial blood vessels, and Customised medicines. (Think of the acronym: P-T-A-C)

Summary and Key Takeaway

In modern medicine, ICT plays two crucial roles:

1. Data Management: Using systems to securely store and share patient records and to manage pharmacy inventory and safety checks (like drug interactions).

2. Manufacturing: Using 3D printing to create customised physical items, including artificial body parts (prosthetics, blood vessels) and personalised drugs.

Keep reviewing these key terms, and you'll ace this chapter! Great job!