Society 5.0 and Next Generation Healthcare (eBook)

This book analyses the ability of technological advancements to represent, enhance, and empower multidisciplinarity in the context of Society 5.0. and next generation medicine. New technologies allow patients to communicate with medical personnel anytime, anywhere and shape the terrain of healthcare ecosystem at an unprecedented rate. Five main trends become apparent in this process: Hybrid care models combining virtual and in-person services, digitization of healthcare specialties, increased Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, health systems moving to the cloud and advanced precision medicine.

In its chapters the book dissects the important roles for technologies in areas such as digital twinning, big data, Internet of Things, AI, cyber-physical systems, blockchain technology to lead the healthcare digitalization envisioned in Society 5.0. Throughout the book the authors discuss how to incorporate these new technologies legally, ethically, safely, and securely and in keeping with the highest standards of human rights. It also advocates for the need for careful oversight and mindful allocation of resources and energy for sustainable development.

This book, written by experts in the field from academia and industry, will appeal to researchers, healthcare professionals, policy makers, teachers and students interested in the ways healthcare is reorganized based on digital transformation efforts and the rethinking of care, including technologies.

Professor Zodwa Dlamini is the Founding Director of the Pan African Cancer Research Institute and Professor of Molecular Oncology at University of Pretoria in South Africa. Through her scientific work, she aims to push boundaries of precision oncology, cancer prevention and reduce health inequalities in underserved and socio-economically disadvantaged communities in the African region. By leveraging advancements in early diagnosis and novel therapeutic agents, her research contributes to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems worldwide. She is the Scientific Director of the South African Medical Research Council - Precision Oncology Research Unit and the DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention. Professor Dlamini is an overseas Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), an elite group of physicians and scientists elected to the Royal Society of Medicine following nomination and committee review. She is the recipient of the SAMRC Silver Award, as an outstanding South African Scientist who has contributed to raising the profile of Science in South Africa.