HMS, HAG 2018 HSC 23

Discuss the impact of emerging new treatments and technologies in relation to health care in Australia. Use examples to support your answer. (5 marks)

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[P] Positive Impact: Emerging technologies improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
[E] New treatments provide better therapeutic options and reduce recovery times.
[Ev] For example, keyhole surgery allows minimally invasive procedures with shorter hospital stays and faster healing. Telemedicine enables rural patients to access specialist consultations without travelling long distances. Artificial intelligence assists doctors in diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
[L] These advances enhance healthcare quality and accessibility across Australia.
[P] Negative Impact: However, new technologies create challenges for healthcare equity and sustainability.
[E] High costs and limited availability can worsen health disparities between different population groups.
[Ev] For example, expensive robotic surgery equipment is typically only available in major metropolitan hospitals, disadvantaging rural patients. Training healthcare professionals to use new technologies requires significant time and financial investment, straining healthcare budgets.
[L] These factors can create unequal access to advanced treatments and increase overall healthcare costs.

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[P] Positive Impact: Emerging technologies improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
[E] New treatments provide better therapeutic options and reduce recovery times.
[Ev] For example, keyhole surgery allows minimally invasive procedures with shorter hospital stays and faster healing. Telemedicine enables rural patients to access specialist consultations without travelling long distances. Artificial intelligence assists doctors in diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
[L] These advances enhance healthcare quality and accessibility across Australia.
[P] Negative Impact: However, new technologies create challenges for healthcare equity and sustainability.
[E] High costs and limited availability can worsen health disparities between different population groups.
[Ev] For example, expensive robotic surgery equipment is typically only available in major metropolitan hospitals, disadvantaging rural patients. Training healthcare professionals to use new technologies requires significant time and financial investment, straining healthcare budgets.
[L] These factors can create unequal access to advanced treatments and increase overall healthcare costs.