As the healthcare industry continues to transform, new consumer expectations and standards of care drive innovation in every sector. The increasing volume of clinical data, the need for greater transparency in medical research, and the influence of social media are all part of this transformation. Healthcare technology trends are also experiencing a period of rapid change with new trends emerging almost daily.
Here we will discuss the top 6 healthcare technology trends.
1. The Importance Of Data And Analytics
Over the last decade, the importance of data and analytics has grown at an exponential rate, with the adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) opening up new avenues for health insurance data to drive personalized treatments and cost-effective care. Modern health data analytics are becoming more accessible and affordable, with the advancement of machine learning and AI programs allowing for the generation of new insights and data in real-time.
Healthcare technology trends can make more informed decisions and provide better patient care with more data and insight.
2. The Use Of Virtual And Augmented Reality
With applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, and shrinking screen sizes, the adoption of VR and AR is on the rise. With no need for glasses or a head-mounted display, VR and AR offer a unique perspective on the environment and can enhance the user experience by giving them a “genuine” feeling (HMD). Healthcare technology trends facilities are also implementing VR and AR, such as Seeing eye-NY, which has been utilizing AR for more than ten years.
Using VR and AR, patients can see their health problems from their perspective, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment. They can also interact with their healthcare team, allowing them to ask questions and receive real-time advice. VR and AR are also being integrated with existing devices, such as VR headsets and computer hardware. This allows users to interact with healthcare information and services while clearly seeing the visual and aural world they are in.
3. Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a growing trend in healthcare technology that enables remote patient care. Currently, most telemedicine functionality is provided by healthcare providers using specialized equipment, but the trend is toward consumers receiving personalized healthcare through VR and AR. VR and AR have the potential to disrupt the healthcare industry as we know it, making access to healthcare services easier, more convenient, and less expensive. This is especially important in remote areas with limited healthcare infrastructure, such as remote indigenous communities and areas where telemedicine is free or low-cost.
Telemedicine is not only about seeing but also talking to patients, allowing for natural language queries and answers. Virtual and augmented reality provides the ability to see and speak to patients in their homes, allowing for a more personalized approach to care. This is particularly useful for patients who may be reluctant to travel for their healthcare, or for whom travel is not an option. VR and AR allow for a more in-depth and personalized experience that is often not possible with other forms of communication.
4. Smart Devices
Wearables and smartphones are two popular examples of smart devices that have become commonplace. According to Statista, the smart device industry is rapidly expanding, with more than 1.6 billion smart devices sold globally in 2016. Users expect their devices to interact with them in ways that are convenient, personal, and seamless. According to MarketsandMarkets research, more than half of all devices will be smart by 2021. This trend is expected to continue, with more than 80% of all new device shipments expected to be connected devices in 2019, according to Counterpoint research.
These devices are linked to the internet, allowing them to access a wide range of online services. This includes online health services such as blood pressure alerts when it rises or falls outside of normal ranges. Social media and messaging services, financial services, and communications with healthcare technology trends providers are also included. These interactions cover the entire spectrum of healthcare services, including diet, medication adherence, and others. They also occur between providers using smart devices, allowing for a continuous virtual health tracker 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This can improve service quality, save lives, and lower costs.
5. Blockchain And Cryptocurrency
Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed, and distributed-based digital ledger technology used in many industries, including financial services and e-commerce, as well as healthcare. It was first described in a 2011 white paper and was later implemented in banks and financial institutions. However, its potential applications in healthcare are limited at this time.
The potential for blockchain in healthcare technology trends is significant, however. It could become the basis for a new digital currency or the basis for another new technology, such as a new internet protocol. This could allow for new digital media services, including online video content and live events. It could also allow for new types of insurance, including health insurance with a defined term structure and regulated cryptocurrencies tied to healthcare services.
6. Cloud Computing And Microsoft’s Azure Platform
Cloud computing is a term that has become increasingly common in healthcare technology trends. This is when companies host their computing resources (i.e., servers, storage, and networked devices) in the cloud, which makes the resources available to any client on a private network. The advantage of this is that the resources are remote and private, and do not require a dedicated server or network infrastructure. However, as with most things in life, the implementation of cloud computing and Azure in healthcare is far from seamless.
The implementation of cloud computing in healthcare is still in its infancy, with only about 10 percent of healthcare providers currently using the Microsoft Azure platform. Additionally, the setup of a public cloud is challenging, regulatory, and expensive for small businesses, and often do not have the resources or expertise needed for healthcare applications.
Key Takeaways
Healthcare technology trends are changing at a rapid pace with new trends emerging almost daily. Here are five trends that will continue to shape the industry in 2017 and beyond. Data and analytics continue to be key in optimizing healthcare services, along with new technologies that allow for better communication and collaboration between providers, consumers, and healthcare services.
The use of virtual and augmented reality is growing, as is the integration of VR and AR into existing devices. Telemedicine refers to the use of remote patient care as well as the incorporation of VR and AR into existing devices. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are new technological advances in healthcare technology trends that are still in their early stages.
