by Simone Gibertoni – Clinique La Prairie CEO
The Coronavirus pandemic has made it clear how technology is, and will increasingly be, key to the future of global healthcare. There have been numerous examples: the management of the pandemic in Asia, which was completely technology-driven using innovations such as thermal cameras, face recognition and complex predictive models; Artificial Intelligence (AI) models that predict the virus’s spread; and the enormous growth in health apps, most extensively in the East but also in the USA and Europe.
Many innovations have come from small and flexible companies
The health and wellbeing sector is continuously being revolutionized by technological advances in genomics, AI and robotics. For example, we will see a growth in the use of AI in emerging economies for remote medical diagnosis, improving the quality of care and lowering costs. Advances in AI ‘imaging’ are another striking example of the developments happening in medical technology. Although the field of ‘health and wellbeing’ immediately interested the huge technological players such as Google, Apple and Microsoft, the challenges these giants have faced often turned out to be much more complex than they imagined: privacy problems, a lack of user trust and an inability to consider the importance of the ‘human’ aspect, for example. Conversely, many innovations have come from small and flexible companies, often start-ups.
Hyper-personalized approach to preventive medicine
At Clinique La Prairie we remain convinced that a human and hyper-personalized approach to preventive medicine is the key to offering services that are truly capable of helping people to live better and longer lives. AI and machine learning already provide fundamental support for our doctors and for effective benchmarking (in Clinique La Prairie we have been pioneers of projects related to AI in imaging) and this will expand. However, prevention based on four pillars (medical, nutrition, wellbeing and exercise) will remain the key to our programs. The DNA of Clinique La Prairie is to always be at the ‘cutting edge’ of innovation. This has been the case throughout our for 90-year history.This is why our holistic approach already sees us applying the latest technologies and means we will continue to stay on top of future innovation. This is particularly so in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, nutrigenomics and stem cells.
DNA, Genetics & Epigenetics
To expand a little, genetics is the study of genes and genetic variation - specifically, in our case, related to hereditary risk for age-affecting factors like disease and our immune systems. With our lab partner Gene Predictis we’ve added arguably the most sophisticated genetic tests on Earth to our programs. Our clients’ are tested and the findings used to tailor bespoke treatments accordingly. Epigenetics, on the other hand, looks at how external influences affect our gene expression (the gene expression being how the instructions in our DNA are translated into a practical product). Things like physical activity and our stress levels, for example, are powerful influences on our gene expression and, therefore, our health. Nutrigenomics, as the name suggests, specifically looks at how one of these external factors - diet - affects the gene expression and the consequences for human health. Our holistic approach means that nutrition and nutraceuticals are key to our work and play a major role in all of our programs.
Stem Cells and cellular regeneration
Our interest into cellular science and stem cell technologies is also expanding. Stem cells are moving steadily towards the forefront of medical science, including in the field of cellular regeneration. Clinique La Prairie is leading the way in this field. In 2019, we introduced a program that promotes anti-ageing by using the client’s own stem cells to replace degenerating cells and reduce the visible signs of ageing. We are witnessing and using technologies that will lead to a real revolution in the future. Along with the areas I have just mentioned, we will also see AI and machine learning become common in testing the effectiveness of drugs and other new technologies.
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
Finally, the development of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), where all the vital data of our patients can be constantly monitored by our doctors, will be at the center of our research. This will ensure continuous follow-up care for the customers who come to Clinique La Prairie from over 80 different countries every year. We are constantly thinking about how to further use technology to stay connected with our clients and offer high-quality engagement throughout their health journey. The important point here - for us - is not to do it for the sake of using trendy feel-better tools, but to have a real, genuine purpose that will amplify health and wellbeing benefits for our guests, while keeping the highest level of human connection. We will use technology with a high level of customization, for example, to enhance the follow-up service after they have attended a program at the clinic or to give them access to an unprecedented level of health coaching.
Our mission is to deliver real transformation of their lifestyles. Engaging with our holistic experts at the clinic is the essential part of this profound and long-term change, while tech is one of the enablers – and no doubt a very powerful one. As innovation is rapidly moving and scientists are researching how AI can impact many areas of health, including diagnosis, it is going to be an amazing resource for supplemental care.
Overall, the focus on innovation has not let us lose sight of two essential aspects: the importance of the ‘high touch’ and the fact that serious focus on wellbeing and prevention is key to good health and longevity. Every Clinique La Prairie client will always have access to the most efficient programs for tackling today’s wellness challenges and to professionals capable of listening carefully to their needs in order to collaboratively find the best solutions for a better life.
