The changes brought about by the pandemic pushed the healthcare industry to adapt and innovate. In light of this, recent changes in healthcare quality are expected in the coming years.
The current healthcare systems incorporate technology to become more efficient. Generally, it involves streamlining in-patient care, utilizing big data analytics to make decisions, relying on remote technologies, and implementing cybersecurity measures. (1)
IT professionals are critical to hospital operations, from cybersecurity to AI applications, while developing solutions for healthcare clients. In the long run, combining machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and data interoperability improve hospital management.
Current healthcare trends are linked to digitization and data use. Almost all businesses are innovating to stay up to date with the demands of digital transformation. Consider the following innovations and trends.
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Customized mobile applications
Almost every individual in various age groups around the globe has a mobile device. Most spend several hours using their devices daily. With this in mind, the healthcare sector is considering the potential mobile apps can bring and looking to hire healthcare app developers. (2)
A mobile app is one of the ways to effectively engage with people in a sector that requires efficient communication. A customized mobile app with an integrated electronic health records (EHR) or electronic medical records (EMR) system serves as an important point of contact for healthcare providers and patients.
By using a reliable mobile app, healthcare providers can use the data to help them decide on suitable management options for a patient. Mobile apps can also provide services like e-prescriptions and teleconsultations.
Healthcare imaging solutions
Healthcare imaging solutions encompass a wide range of technologies and tools that have revolutionized healthcare practices across various disciplines, from radiology to nursing, surgery to medical records, and everything in between. These solutions have had a profound impact on healthcare today by enabling accurate and detailed visualization of the human body, aiding in early detection, precise diagnosis, and effective treatment planning. Additionally, these solutions facilitate seamless sharing and collaboration between healthcare providers, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. With improved image quality, enhanced efficiency, and faster turnaround times, healthcare imaging solutions contribute significantly to improved patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced overall healthcare delivery.
Cybersecurity
As the cases of cybersecurity attacks continue to rise, they can affect any industry, including the healthcare sector. (3)
The major producers of the COVID-19 vaccine reported attacks attempting to obtain vaccine data. Some hospitals have been hit by ransomware, signaling that the healthcare industry needs to step up its cybersecurity efforts.
It clearly shows that cybersecurity and data security are the emerging healthcare trends this year. Data breaches in the healthcare industry have highlighted the need to invest in cybersecurity.
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
The widespread adoption of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices is also a current trend in the healthcare industry this year, and it’s expected to continue in the future. (4)
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices may help solve problems in the healthcare industry while also saving money by allowing doctors to practice medicine in more efficient ways.
Telemedicine, for example, saves money by removing non-essential consultations from hospitals. The approach reduces the amount of time and money spent on infrastructure.
In another scenario, IoMT can boost operational efficiency since it ensures optimization and automation of workflows. Real-time data on supplies, such as medications or equipment, is one example.
Nevertheless, the IoMT devices deliver the highest value when providing healthcare services, especially in remote areas that lack full-time hospitals. It’s also helpful for patients with limited mobility, making consultations more convenient.
Wearable devices and remote patient monitoring
Wearables are becoming more popular as sensors in various consumer devices become more reliable for medical applications. More investments have recently been made in wearables that can generate data used for medical purposes. (5)
The technology of wearables allows healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely. In recent years, especially during the pandemic, remote monitoring of patients became a trend and continues to grow in popularity in the healthcare sector. The reach of the healthcare system is effectively expanded when healthcare professionals can monitor patients outside of a clinic or hospital.
Data interoperability in healthcare
Advancements in electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medical records (EMR) have aided interoperability. (6)
Interoperability in the healthcare section generally refers to secure and timely access, integration, and utilization of health data to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.
Over the years, there have been challenges in accessing and sharing health data. The data can be challenging to share due to its sensitive nature and necessitates a high level of security and privacy. Yet, any difficulty in accessibility when needed can potentially result in harm. If interoperability is overlooked, it can misinterpret a patient’s health needs, resulting in a poor outcome and increased costs.
As investments in the digitization of the healthcare sector continue to increase, interoperability is likely to become a trend this year.
Virtual reality and augmented reality technology
Today, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two of the fastest-growing technological trends in the healthcare industry, particularly in medical education. With the help of VR, it allows medical professionals to practice and upgrade their skills without requiring them to be present at a hospital. (7)
Virtual reality technology can be an option to train healthcare workers and provide patient care. For example, VR software and hardware could help people recover faster in an exercise rehabilitation program.
VR and AR technologies have a variety of applications. The benefits they provide in the healthcare sector play an essential role in boosting overall efficiency.
Final thoughts
As various technologies and innovations make their way into the healthcare industry, there are significant improvements in how hospitals and other healthcare facilities operate. IoMT, customized mobile apps, remote monitoring, and interoperability, to name a few, have all helped to improve healthcare’s overall efficiency and quality.
References:
1. “Implementing technology in healthcare: insights from physicians”, Source: https://bmcmedinformdecismak.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12911-017-0489-2
2. “Number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide from 2016 to 2027”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/330695/number-of-smartphone-users-worldwide/
3 “Health Care Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions Under the Climate of COVID-19: Scoping Review”, Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8059789/
4. “Potential of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) applications in building a smart healthcare system: A systematic review”, Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8664731/
5. “A Systematic Review of Wearable Patient Monitoring Systems – Current Challenges and Opportunities for Clinical Adoption”, Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28631139/
6. “Why digital medicine depends on interoperability”, Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702215/
7. “What Does the Future Hold for AR and VR in Healthcare?”, Source: https://scand.com/company/blog/what-does-the-future-hold-for-ar-and-vr-in-healthcare/
About Carson Derrow
