The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and in 2023 too, we can expect to see the continuation and acceleration of many trends that emerged in recent years. The shift towards a more patient-centric and virtual approach to healthcare delivery, which started with COVID-19, is expected to continue throughout 2023 and beyond.
In this blog, we will explore five healthcare trends that are likely to make an impact in 2023.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine has been around for quite a few years, but its usage was significantly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person visits to clinics and hospitals were limited. As a result, patients and healthcare providers increasingly started using telemedicine to receive and deliver medical care.
The trend gained momentum post-COVID, too, with most people preferring to see an HCP (Healthcare Professional) virtually to resolve their health issues quickly. Seeking a virtual consultation has many benefits, as it enables patients to receive preventive care from anywhere and anytime.
Telemedicine helps to save time and money, avoid the spread of infection, and is an excellent option for those staying in remote locations where access to care is limited.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
According to a study, the remote patient monitoring market will reach $1.7 billion by 2027, an astounding 128% increase from where it is presently.
Some common examples of RPM include digital BP monitoring tools that enable patients to measure and send blood pressure readings to the physician remotely, and Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) for monitoring a multitude of clinical parameters in HF (heart failure) patients, etc.
The miniaturization of RPM technology is also gaining traction in the healthcare industry, triggered by the growing demand for wearable and portable devices.
Wearable devices
Wearable devices have gained widespread adoption as they offer a convenient way for people to monitor various health metrics. In addition, wellness trackers and fitness applications empower individuals to care for their health actively.
The data generated by wearable devices offer consumers insight into their health. For example, people use wearable devices to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, activity levels (counting steps), and sleep quality.
With the growing usage of these devices, the day won’t be far when like RPM, wearable devices will send the generated data securely to the healthcare provider for real-time analysis of patient’s health and drive better health outcomes.
Data Privacy and Security
The widespread use of cloud technology and Telemedicine in healthcare has given rise to concerns related to data security. This has prompted the industry to prioritize data security measures and invest in systems and protocols that protect patient data.
In this context, blockchain technology, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and other security measures are widely used to safeguard patient data and ensure its transfer/access is conducted in the healthcare and Life Sciences Industry in a trustworthy and secure environment.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is adding immense value to clinical and hospital workflows globally. AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) powered systems are being customized to match the requirements. They serve as additional team members who execute work efficiently and tirelessly in busy work environments.
Moreover, these solutions help reduce manual admin tasks, reduce diagnostic errors, and mitigate staff and physician burnout and assists life sciences companies to identify relevant healthcare providers.
Change is the Only Constant!
As AI and ML continue to make strides in healthcare, the recent news of ChatGPT passing the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination has sparked discussions if these technologies will replace human clinicians in the near future. While these technologies will never replace clinicians, they will help enhance the quality of patient care.
Healthcare, despite being a highly regulated market, large tech and retail companies will continue to make in-roads in the sector for the fact that it is a top-line revenue growth industry. As for now, professionals in the life sciences space can harness these trends in healthcare in a compliant manner to improve and deliver better healthcare to patients.
