Medical cybernetics is a new direction in science, compiling a solution to diagnostic problems and the latest computer developments. This approach allows you to combine the use of necessary medical devices and devices with concern for human health.
History of Medical Cybernetics
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, domestic medical cybernetics began its development with a significant lag. Only in 1959 this discipline was restored in its rights and began to actively develop along with other sciences.
In the Soviet Union, the first medical diagnostic system was created in 1964. It was then in the laboratory of the Institute of Surgery. Vishnevsky developed the first automatic system designed to diagnose congenital heart disease. Later, in 1969, the Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery developed an algorithm to automatically diagnose heart valve lesions.
The first serial devices for laboratory diagnostics began to be produced at the plant. Semashko in the 70s of the last century. By this time, automatic control systems (ACS) were considered not a curiosity, but an absolutely necessary tool in the work of a doctor. For example, the monitoring complex āSymphonyā was developed for surgeons, which made it possible to monitor the patientās condition during surgical operations, the first pharmacy supply system for medicines was adopted, and others. So medical cybernetics began to develop in our country.
The development of cybernetics by the end of the twentieth century
The new principles of laboratory diagnosis of various diseases suggested a staff of trained specialists. So a new discipline appeared in medical schools - āMedical cyberneticsā. The specialty immediately attracted applicants for its novelty and promise. The first graduation of cybernetics was held in 1979 at the biomedical faculty of the Second Moscow Medical Institute.
By the mid-80s, cybernetic principles for solving many medical problems were becoming an everyday reality. In large cities, diagnostic centers appear equipped with modern ACS, which allow diagnosing the most serious diseases according to the results of analyzes. In centralized health care institutions ā hospitals, hospitals, and sanatoriums ā journals for the automated processing of incoming medical data are created, through new automated complexes, beds are kept in each institution, and an appointment with the doctor is made.
What cybernetics studies
The Department of Medical Cybernetics of any medical university in our country can provide detailed information about all areas of this section of science. In general, science studies the interaction of control processes that occur in nature, the coordinated work of various systems, the ability to respond to external stimuli, return to their original state after external exposure, and so on.
Since the laws of change of systems are universal, they can be used very widely. For example, medical cybernetics uses the principles of the interaction of systems in the development of management technologies in healthcare and practical medicine. Within the framework of this scientific field, mechanisms for correcting vital processes are being developed, and methods for recognizing serious diseases at the earliest stages of the pathological process are being improved.
System components
In practice, it looks like this. Any modern diagnostic system consists of three components:
- the memory in which all medical information relating to this group of diseases is stored (symptoms, indicators of tests, etc.);
- a logical device that allows you to process current information by comparing the patientās symptoms, the results of his medical examination with the available data;
- output devices of the obtained analysis - display, printer, etc.
How do diagnostic devices work?
When creating a diagnostic apparatus, the first step is to develop a method for formally describing the state of health of the person being examined, and analyze all the clinical signs of the disease. Only those data that are suitable for quantitative analysis are selected from the resulting array of information. In addition to the numerical parameters, for making the correct diagnosis, information about the frequency of clinical signs, their classification and evaluation is important.
All received information is stored in the memory of the computing device. At the time of receipt of current data on the patientās condition, the machine compares the symptoms with those that are stored in the computerās memory. Thus, a preliminary map of the patientās examination is compiled, a possible diagnosis is made.
What can hardware diagnostics
The logic of the process is comparable to the conclusions of the doctor-diagnostician - the available signs lead to the diagnosis, which is based on all previous medical experience.
Such diagnostic systems can give an opinion only on those diseases, information about which is loaded into the machineās memory. An apparatus designed to diagnose heart disease is unlikely to recognize laryngitis or osteochondrosis, even if all the visible signs are present. I cannot detect a new ACS disease. For this, the corresponding data is simply not stored in the machineās memory. But the automated system will significantly help the doctor in compiling diagnostic maps, comparing statistics, making complex diagnoses and more.
Making a diagnosis is far from all. Monitoring the treatment process, the use of various physiotherapeutic procedures also requires sophisticated modern equipment with unique software, the development of which is also engaged in medical cybernetics.
Specialty
Universities graduating specialists in this field are usually medical. Good training programs offer:
- Siberian State University of the Ministry of Health (Tomsk).
- Voronezh State University.
- Pskov State University.
- Krasnoyarsk state honey. University named after War-Yatsenetsky.
All who wish to study such a discipline as Medical Cybernetics, universities offer to attend a short course of pre-university training (zero faculty). Here, students update their own knowledge of school subjects - mainly mathematics, physics and biology. Each listed institution has a corresponding faculty. āMedical cyberneticsā is far from the only specialty there. On the sites of such faculties you can familiarize yourself with the preliminary training plan, which spells out a list of theoretical subjects and practical classes.
How to get the specialty "Medical cybernetics"?
For admission, the results of the exam in the Russian language, mathematics and biology are important. Passing score - from 77 and above. The term of study for a specialist is six years. It is possible to obtain bachelor, specialist or master diplomas in the specialty āMedical cyberneticsā.
Moscow universities, leading the training of specialists in this area, are represented by only one educational institution - the Russian National Research University. Pirogov. In 2016, he received a state order to train students, and now 16 people will receive higher education in this specialty at the expense of the state.
The need for specialists in this field is growing from year to year, and the list of educational institutions training medical cybernetics will increase.
Applied Medical Cybernetics
Universities in Russia have developed their curriculum in such a way that theoretical disciplines complement and expand the practical knowledge of a future medical professional. Students of medical institutions are trained in the following areas:
- hardware diagnostics and treatment;
- development of automated systems;
- methods for setting up and managing medical equipment;
- solving organizational problems in the healthcare system.
The widespread introduction of computerization and automatic control systems has led to a sharp reduction in paper workflow. From their workplaces, medical personnel enter information into computers, receiving at the output the results of the analysis of the entered data. In addition, the form for obtaining information from a common base has changed significantly, the time for processing requests has been reduced, and reporting forms have been simplified. All this has led to a significant increase in the efficiency of the staff of medical institutions. Medical cybernetics played a significant role in this improvement. This profession is, therefore, quite interesting. And where can a specialist work?
Areas of activity
A university graduate with a degree in medical cybernetics can work in the field of instrumental or laboratory diagnostics. Simply put, create medical equipment and maintain it.
Integrated automation systems simplify control over the work of health facilities, help automate various medical processes - up to the most complex surgical operations. Therefore, medical cybernetics is in demand in the administrative departments of healthcare institutions, and specialists in this field can order, install, repair and improve such equipment.
Alternative employment
Additional areas of work may include scientific activities or teaching. Higher educational institutions are willing to hire specialists with experience in practical work on medical equipment.
Various enterprises specializing in the repair and modernization of existing automatic control systems are no less interested in medical cybernetics. Cybernetics are expected in companies that create software for devices, customize existing software, taking into account current requirements and other things.