The aging baby-boom and blessed-ones generations will mean increased
demand for both highly skilled workers (geriatricians, long-term care
administrators, physiotherapists, social workers) and for workers with
little or no post-secondary training (nurses aides, home care workers,
kitchen staff, laundry and housekeeping aides, maintenance workers,
office co-ordinators and admissions receptionists).
Increased demand for nursing and other health care by an aging population
and increased retirement of workers in nursing and other health care
fields, along with a predicted inadequate number of new graduates, are
indications of a growing future shortage of registered nurses and health
care workers (Canadian Nurses Association, Canadian Nurses Association
Report, 1997).
Samples of Technologies in
the Health Care System
Diagnostic technologies, such as 3-D imaging techniques;
high-powered magnetic and ultrasound imaging software; nucleic
acid probes tagged with a tracer substance used to locate or
identify.
Emergency care technologies, such as new trauma management
techniques using video-conferencing, electronic sensors and
digital equipment to transmit through airwaves; robotic surgery
by distance.
Therapeutic technologies, such as artificial intelligence
in ventilation which would adjust oxygenation, adjust ventilation
and detect deterioration of the patient; non-invasive shock
waves that destroy kidney and gall stones; recombinant DNA (the
ability to insert altering genetic information into the cell);
conformal therapy; robotic arms and computerized technicians;
mobile stations.
Rehabilitation technologies, such as new and better
assistive devices including environmental control systems which
permit people with a disability to operate appliances; "smart"
houses; cloned tissues and replacement organs.
Computer technologies, such as computerized mannequins
that allow anaesthetists-in-training to practise their techniques
with simulated patient problems; home monitoring devices; networking
and Internet video products; networked databases.
