It is no secret that healthcare technology is rapidly advancing and will continue to do so. As we look ahead to 2023, there are many healthcare technology trends to be aware of. From advancements in healthcare products to the development of new technologies, the healthcare sector is in a period of rapid evolution. In this blog post, we will be taking a look at 8 major healthcare technology trends to look out for in 2023.
8 Major Healthcare Technology Trends of 2023
1. EHR Interoperability
Healthcare providers around the world have long been struggling with the need to share patient data. EHR interoperability is a major trend in healthcare technology, allowing for the secure and seamless transfer of patient information between different providers. Healthcare products are being developed to enable healthcare systems to communicate with each other and transfer data quickly, securely, and accurately. With improved EHR interoperability, providers can make better decisions about their patients, as well as reduce errors and costs associated with manual data entry.
In addition to providing improved care, EHR interoperability can also help improve the efficiency of care delivery. By securely transferring patient data, providers are able to avoid having to manually enter data into multiple systems, resulting in faster and more accurate information sharing. With EHR interoperability, healthcare providers can quickly access the necessary information they need, ensuring that they provide the best possible care to their patients.
2. The Growth of Telehealth
Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is an increasingly popular healthcare product. It enables healthcare providers to provide medical advice and treatment remotely. Telehealth services have seen massive growth in the past few years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming years.
Telehealth technology has made it possible for patients to access health care from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be. This type of healthcare product is particularly beneficial for those living in rural areas or those with mobility issues who would otherwise have difficulty getting to a doctor’s office. By utilizing digital tools such as video conferencing, remote patient monitoring systems, online scheduling, and electronic health records, healthcare providers can offer quality healthcare services without the need for physical contact.
3. Patient-Generated Health Data
Patient-generated health data (PGHD) is rapidly becoming a major part of the healthcare system. This data refers to information about a patient’s health that is collected outside of the clinical setting and includes activities such as physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and other lifestyle behaviors. The rise of wearables, mobile apps, and home health devices is making it easier for patients to collect their own data and share it with healthcare providers.
PGHD can provide valuable insights into a patient’s lifestyle habits, helping to improve overall health outcomes. For example, PGHD could be used to identify patterns in behavior and detect early signs of an illness or disease. It also offers healthcare providers a more comprehensive view of their patients’ overall health.
4. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that aims to create intelligent machines that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. In healthcare, AI has been used to detect disease, predict outcomes and identify treatment options.
AI has the potential to transform the way we diagnose diseases, predict outcomes and treat patients. It can also improve patient care by providing more effective treatments and better communication between patients and doctors.
5. Blockchain in Healthcare
Blockchain’s decentralized, trustless nature makes it a perfect fit for the industry. This technology will allow patients to have more control over their medical records and even give doctors a way to access patient data without having to go through a third party. Blockchain is a digital ledger that records transactions between two parties efficiently and in an irreversible manner. Healthcare institutions have been looking at blockchain technology as a way of reducing costs, improving data quality, and gaining control over their own data.
At the moment, healthcare organizations are still in the early stages of exploring blockchain for healthcare purposes. However, several companies are already using it across different sectors of healthcare.
6. 3D Printing in Healthcare
This technology can be used to make medical devices, prosthetics, implants, and even surgical tools. 3D printing also has the potential to improve healthcare procedures by reducing waste and reusing materials.
The process of using 3D printers for healthcare applications involves combining a computer-aided design (CAD) file with a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) program. The CAD file includes information about the patient’s anatomy and other specific physical characteristics. The CAM program then creates a model based on this data.
3D printing has been used for several years in medicine for making prosthetic limbs and other medical devices for patients who have lost their hands or feet due to car accidents or other injuries.
7. Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Virtual reality is a technology that immerses users in an artificial world. The most common application of virtual reality is gaming, but it can be used for many other purposes including medical training and education. A growing number of healthcare institutions are adopting virtual reality to improve patient safety, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
A new report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information explores how virtual reality can be used to improve patient care and outcomes in hospitals across the United States.
8. Augmented Reality in Healthcare
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enhances our physical and virtual experiences by overlaying digital information on the real world. AR is a new way of interacting with the world, where digital objects can be layered onto real-world images.
In healthcare, augmented reality can be used to help patients improve their health and experience better outcomes. For example, it could help patients learn how to safely use an IV pole in their own home before they travel to the hospital for surgery.
Takeaway
The winners in the healthcare technology industry are those who can stay nimble and make use of new technology. Whether it’s through telemedicine, 3-D printing, artificial intelligence, or an innovation that’s yet to be discovered, the healthcare industry will only grow more competitive in 2023. Even so, these eight trends represent a few of the more promising technologies that consumers should expect to experience in the upcoming years.
