As a new year (and a new decade!) rolls around again we thought we’d take a look at what are likely to be some of the biggest trends in the medical technology space for the coming year.

Artificial Intelligence

AI is at the cutting-edge of technological developments and is set to have a huge impact on the whole of the meditech world. Using huge data sets, deep learning software uses algorithms to learn automatically from patterns, themes and anomalies within data which can then be translated into real-world applications. From detecting abnormalities in diagnostic scans to measuring wounds and lesions, these applications are incredibly diverse!

In August 2019 the UK government announced £250m of funding for a new NHS AI Laboratory which we’re expecting to help widen the applications and real-world use of AI even further.

Robotics

It’s impossible to think about innovation in the meditech space without thinking about the rise of surgical robotics over the past few years. It’s a hugely competitive market, with big players such as CMR and Intuitive Surgical competing against other companies who are developing their own robotic offerings.

Huge investments are being made in this space with two of the last funding records being made by surgical robotics companies. We’re expecting to see huge amounts of growth in 2020 as well as more mergers and acquisitions as companies try to expand their robotics portfolios.

Whilst robotics is most prevalent in the surgical space, it also has applications in other markets. In the eye care world Zeiss have produced the first ever digital robotic microscope, and in the diagnostic space endoscopic ultrasound offerings such as those by J&J with Auris’ Monarch system show a commitment to developing robotic technologies.

Regulation

In May this year the new EU Medical Device Regulations will be fully implemented. Companies have had since May 2017 to comply with the new set of rules that cover a broader spectrum of devices and products than ever before. Companies have been used to the old Medical Devices Directive over the past 25 years and the MDR represents a total overhaul to the system.

From higher standards of clinical data to the reclassification of devices, as the final deadline looms there will no doubt be a last push to make sure products and technologies are compliant and they can effectively navigate the full implementation of the new rules.

You can download our UK Medical Device Regulation Report here for more insight.

Virtual Reality

What was once a technology associated with gaming is now finding its way into the medical world. There are various applications of VR in a healthcare setting.

One of the main uses for VR is for education, such as surgical training for operations. Medical staff can use VR as a walkthrough for surgery that is about to happen or as a training platform for those still within education which can teach students how to preform different procedures. There are even the opportunities to live stream surgeries in 360 degrees so that surgical staff around the world can watch and learn about procedures.

Headsets are even being used in hospitals as a distraction technique for patients undergoing treatments!

What trends are you expecting to see in 2020?

If you’d like to discuss talent management in light of the expected 2020 trends for the medical technology space, get in touch with our Meditech team on meditech@fmctalent.com or visit fmcmeditech.com