The healthcare industry has experienced significant transformation over the years, and 2018 is expected to witness the impact of technology in the industry with patient-focused experience being the primary goal of many healthcare providers around the globe.
Here are the top five healthcare trends to be experienced in 2018 and beyond.
Augmented Reality Training
Augmented Reality (AR) is a common trend in many industries but has proven to be more useful in the healthcare industry, particularly in medical training. AR displays all the medical procedures and diagnoses that healthcare providers need to hone their skills and acquire new knowledge.
This technology also solves the problem of medical trainer shortage as it can train more providers in one session. Imagine a doctor having instant access to different treatment solutions on a screen that pops up right in front of him. The doctor doesn’t have to spend more of their limited time referring to hard copies. Everything is available to them at the touch of a button.
Personalized Healthcare Experience
The growth of data is expected to contribute to patient personalization. In 2018 and going into the future, healthcare providers will be able to personalize healthcare services for each patient.
Patients will not be treated the same as providers will be using data to determine what a patient prefers. For example, if they prefer a particular doctor, their medical history, if they are allergic to certain medication or any health issues.
With good customer relationship management in healthcare, the healthcare provider doesn’t have to go through complicated processes to access the patient’s information. Most importantly, he will be able to offer the right treatment, preventative measures and recommendations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming popular as its role in the healthcare industry grows each day. Some of the primary drivers contributing to the demand for AI in the healthcare sector are automation of day-to-day tasks such as paperwork, scheduling, time-sheet entry and accounting, which make up for 82%, 79%, 78% and 69% respectively.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare can be used to provide process automation, improve productivity, and improve diagnostic accuracy, just to mention but a few roles of this technology in the healthcare sector.
AI in healthcare will help in solving many issues of hospitals, patients, doctors as well as the overall healthcare sector. Before AI came into light, patients didn’t have information about the right hospital doctor or treatment. Today, AI-based applications have enabled patients to talk directly to their doctors and other medical practitioners for the best treatment.
Besides, healthcare software development, which has played a key role in the introduction of electronic medical records systems has enabled patients to access their medical files anytime. On the other hand, the medical billing system will help in streamlining data.
Big Data
Data is at the core of any healthcare organization. How a healthcare provider collects the different types of data has an impact on patient experience. The best healthcare software can comb through large amounts of data to give patients the best experience. Data in the healthcare industry comes in many different forms, from the busiest days in the hospital to patients who require more attention in the wards.
Data can be used to determine when a patient is likely to fall sick so that the right preventative measures can be put in place and proper medication administered. Healthcare providers will also have a better view of their patients, which can eliminate the need for a pre-visit intake questionnaire, which many customers find frustrating. You can get more details here.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT has experienced massive growth over the last few years, with mobile apps, wearable smart sensors and remote monitoring all coming into the picture. These developments are inspired by the need to maximize resources to provide better, secure and affordable solutions that will increase connectivity, productivity and relations between healthcare providers and patients.
The convenience that IoT brings in the healthcare industry is far beyond what many would have imagined. It makes it possible for healthcare providers to monitor their patients at home, on the go and even in the office. Ultimately, this reduces cost as well as the time required to diagnose and treat health conditions.
Although IoT is still evolving, we have already seen its positive impact on the healthcare industry. Some of the major challenges revolving around healthcare IoT are management of the data collected and securing it. The future of IoT in the healthcare industry will depend mainly on how healthcare providers will transform that data into useful information while ensuring that it remains safe.
Generally, the healthcare industry has been slower in adopting the latest technology, but that’s in the past. It is high time that medical software development and other technologies are embraced.