Technology is transforming just about every industry—and healthcare is one of the most exciting new frontiers. If your current digital healthcare experience is a fun fitness app on your smartphone, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Unprecedented opportunities exist for technology to make a real difference in the health of people around the world. And, in doing so, technology is also poised to help stem rising healthcare costs.
I recently had the opportunity to speak at the Global ICT Summit in Tokyo, an annual event sponsored by Nikkei Inc. and Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications that focuses on new technology trends. Japan was a fitting setting for a discussion about healthcare technology, given that its citizens enjoy the world’s longest life expectancy.
But as senior citizens around the world work to stay healthy and active, many of them must also manage chronic diseases. In the U.S. alone, 86% of all healthcare spending in 2010 went to people with one or more chronic medical conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So finding better and more cost-efficient ways to deliver and manage those medical resources is a key need worldwide—and a top focus area at Johnson & Johnson.
How technology is reshaping healthcare as we know it
Johnson & Johnson’s digital businesses address a full spectrum of healthcare needs, from “smart” products that personalize healthcare solutions based on a patient’s behavior, to new models of engagement with patients and healthcare providers.
And the complexity of the healthcare environment opens the door for groundbreaking collaborations. Johnson & Johnson is working with such leading technology companies as Amazon, Microsoft, HP and IBM to innovate in exciting new ways.
Here are just three examples of what our talented teams are focusing on:
Tools for people with diabetes
We are working on mobile apps that can provide real-time coaching and behavior modification for those living with diabetes, allowing them to monitor their blood glucose levels and connect with their doctors to ensure an integrated approach to diabetes management.
3D printing software
We’re exploring ways to manufacture patient-specific healthcare products using 3D technology, including customized contact lenses and personalized joint replacements.
“Smart” products tailored to a patient’s needs
By using artificial intelligence and electronic medical records systems, we’re creating solutions that can help people prepare for and recover from surgery.
While we have a number of different focus areas for our technology programs, one thing is abundantly clear: Healthcare’s time is here.
The potential for revolutionary, beneficial change is within our grasp—and there is no limit to what the future may bring.
RELATED: To read more about the many ways Johnson & Johnson is driving innovation in healthcare, check out this recent Fortune article, which includes insights from dedicated business leaders across the company.
Stuart McGuigan is Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Johnson & Johnson. He has global responsibility for information technology strategy and operations.
