Who would have thought that telemedicine, once upon a time considered almost impossible to achieve, could now become a reality? But it has! And the only way is up; in 2023, we are projected to witness further breakthroughs and technological trends in healthcare.
The future of healthcare is definitely looking high-tech. In the 2021 Future of Healthcare Report, an overwhelming majority (over 50%) of surveyed patients indicated that they would be comfortable with a healthcare system based exclusively on telehealth visits as long as their care needs are properly addressed.
If you’re in the healthcare industry, it’s important to stay informed about any technological advancement in healthcare. Organizations and stakeholders should also keep an eye on new tools and technologies that promise more accurate and expansive care.
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s explore the 10 healthcare technology trends that are set to shape the industry and improve patient care in new and innovative ways!
Key Takeaways:
- Advancements in AI and IoTM wearable tech are assisting in hospital and home healthcare for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM).
- AR/VR and telepsychiatry offer innovative solutions for medical education and mental health services.
- Data analytics plays a crucial role in predicting health outcomes and making informed decisions for treatment plans.
- Clinical automation and smart implants/3D bioprinting hold great potential in medical care facilities to improve patient safety and reduce human errors and delays in the delivery of service.
- Cybersecurity has become a top priority in safeguarding sensitive medical data, especially with the emergence of health information technology.
1. AI-Infused Healthcare Technology
Among the several industries where Artificial Intelligence (AI) development dominates, the healthcare sector is one of the most prominent adopters.
In 2023, it’s no surprise that AI will impact future changes in healthcare. Using AI in healthcare can help medical professionals in several ways, such as:
Speeding Up the Diagnosis Process
By leveraging AI-assisted CT imaging in 2021, researchers were able to quickly detect pneumonia and treat the effects of COVID-19 in patients. In an effort to improve the precision and rapidity of diagnosis for virus-infected patients, this particular study was conducted among many others on the same subject.
Microsoft has revolutionized the cancer diagnosis process by crafting AI systems and tools that facilitate 3D contouring and quickly catalog biomedical research papers. These AI technology projects expedite the decision-making for which drugs should be administered to each patient, saving vital time.
Automation of Hospital Workflows Through Robotics
This year, expect to see startups investing in artificial intelligence projects, especially in developing robotic systems.
Why?
Adopting robotic helpers will reduce the costs of recruiting competent medical specialists and hospital staff. These helpers will augment traditional practices when it comes to hygiene, surgery, remote diagnostics, etc. As a result, this will allow medical practitioners to focus their attention on more demanding tasks.
Chatbot Symptom Checkers
AI-driven chatbots are one of the most exciting digital health trends. With smart and sophisticated algorithms, these bots can diagnose health issues quickly and conveniently—allowing patients to seek medical advice without leaving their homes!
For those with mobile devices or internet access, chatbots are available to offer 24/7 assistance. Having this kind of help on hand can be immensely beneficial for anyone struggling with medical issues or anyone who just wants to access personal healthcare. Not only do they provide emotional companionship, but also the next steps that patients need to address their health concerns and conditions.
At UCLA, researchers merged chatbot technology with AI to develop a Virtual Interventional Radiologist (VIR). It was designed to aid patients in self-diagnosis and support physicians in diagnosing patients. This year, we anticipate similar projects and breakthroughs in terms of AI-powered chatbot symptom checkers for healthcare.
Following AI Requirements in Healthcare
While AI in healthcare technology is an exciting feat, there are a few things to keep in mind. To ensure safe and reliable AI-assisted medical treatments, there are AI requirements to fulfill.
The US FDA, Health Canada, and the UK’s MHRA have formed a powerful alliance to develop ten guidelines for Good Machine Learning Practice (GMLP) in developing AI/ML-powered medical devices, applications, and systems. These guidelines aim to assist developers and AI engineers in designing and producing safe and reliable AI/ML technologies in healthcare.
The alliance’s action shows that governments take the opportunities and risks associated with AI in healthcare very seriously and are taking steps to regulate the use of AI as early as possible.
2. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
This is not the first time IoMT has been mentioned, and it won’t be the last. The Internet of Medical Things is one of the top healthcare technology trends in 2023 that everyone in the industry should be aware of as it is one of the most promising developments in digital healthcare.
Let’s briefly define this term: IoMT, also referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT) development in healthcare, is a network of connected medical devices, wearable devices, sensors, and other healthcare-related technology that are integrated with cloud computing systems. Many organizations are seeking IoMT solutions this year as it’s expected to rise in healthcare and wellness mobile applications!
Wearable technology, such as pulsometers and Smartwatches, are some of the most popular devices that can be used to connect to the IoMT system. These health trackers are the future healthcare trends technologies and innovations because they collect data through their sensors and report your body vitals, such as your heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and more. This data can then be sent to physicians or other healthcare providers for review, diagnosis, and treatment.
This new technology is transforming how Australians manage their health; a Deloitte Global Survey report found that 1 in 5 Aussies use smartphones and other tech solutions to proactively monitor conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and more. As consumers continue to seize control of their own well-being, technology will play an ever-important role in empowering them along this journey.
If you are looking for opportunities in the healthcare market, partnering with a mobile development company that is on top of the latest healthcare technology trends in 2023 can help you stay ahead of the competition. Make sure to contact StarTechUP to get a head start and develop an IoMT-based solution for your business!
3. AR and VR for Education and Diagnosis
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are rapidly evolving and are poised to impact the healthcare sector in the next few years. AR and VR can provide a more interactive and immersive experience for medical education and training, enabling medical students to see anatomy and practice procedures in a virtual environment. It will help enhance their understanding of complex medical concepts and improve their skills.
In diagnosis, AR and VR can visualize medical images, such as scans and X-rays, more interactively and intuitively, allowing medical professionals to make more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.
For medical imaging systems, AR can be used to project medical images onto a patient’s body, assisting physicians in accurately diagnosing conditions. AccuVein is a scanner that uses AR to create near-infrared (NIR) technology that makes it easier for nurses and clinicians to spot the center-line of veins so they can draw blood more effectively.
VR, on the other hand, can be used to simulate complex surgical procedures, enabling doctors to practice before performing surgery on an actual patient. Digital twin technology revolutionizes the prototyping of medical devices, biocompatible materials, and prosthetics. With this innovative tech, engineers can create an accurate virtual model of a physical object and examine it in a simulated environment. This method is faster and more economical since physical prototypes are not necessary for testing, thus enabling the prototyping process to be much smoother than before.
By 2023, the use of AR and VR in healthcare apps will likely have grown substantially. Advancements in technology and the increasing availability of AR and VR devices will make these tools more accessible and affordable. Ultimately, these can improve healthcare outcomes, reduce errors and costs, and provide a more engaging and effective learning experience for medical students.
4. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
Hands-free communication is one of the emerging healthcare technology trends that will continue to expand in the near future. In the current conditions of the pandemic, remote monitoring is playing an important role in providing care to patients who cannot physically attend medical appointments.
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an innovative technology that allows healthcare professionals to monitor a patient’s condition from a distance. This technology is particularly useful for elderly individuals or those with chronic illnesses who require regular monitoring and care but may not be able to attend in-person appointments.
RPM involves the use of specialized digital health equipment and IoT devices, such as blood pressure monitors or glucose meters. Apps that connect to these devices can be used to collect data and immediately alert healthcare professionals in case of any abnormalities. As such, RPM systems are expected to become a critical component in providing ongoing care to at-risk patients.
In 2023, the global RPM systems market will steadily grow, with a projected worth of over $175.2 billion by 2027. This is a great opportunity with the continued prevalence of remote healthcare and its significant contribution to health equity.
5. Nanomedicine
When it comes to medical device technology trends, Nanomedicine will be the star of the show.
Nanomedicine, the application of nanotechnology in medicine, is a rapidly developing field with significant potential to improve healthcare services in the coming years. By 2023, we’ll likely see major advancements in its use for diagnoses, drug delivery, and even regenerating damaged tissues and organs.
In diagnostic imaging, nanotechnology is being used to create highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools, such as nanosensors, that can block diseases and conditions at an early stage. For example, super tiny nanorobots were developed and injected into a human’s blood vessels to hunt cancer cells or viruses.
Regenerative medicine is also a big part of nanomedicine. Researchers are developing new materials and therapies, like nanofibers and nanoparticles, to help repair and regenerate damaged tissues and organs. In 2021, the medical industry was ecstatic to discover that scientists created tiny organic robots (so-called xenobots) that are able to self-replicate and potentially be used to find cancerous cells in the body.
This year and beyond, it’s expected that nanomedicine will have made significant progress in advancing healthcare. Of course, the help of early investors provides new tools and therapies that can improve patient care outcomes and help address some of the biggest healthcare challenges of our time.
6. Telepsychiatry for Mental Health Services
Telepsychiatry is all about delivering mental health services through technology, such as communicating via video calls and messaging. In 2023, it’s expected to be a big player in overcoming mental health challenges.
Instead of going to a doctor’s office for an appointment, you can now get help from your own home. That’s a huge deal for people who live far away from clinics or can’t leave their houses easily. And because you can schedule appointments more easily, you’re more likely to stick to your treatment plan.
One of the most remarkable aspects of telepsychiatry is that it can help reduce the stigma around mental health care. According to WHO, an estimated 1 billion individuals live with a mental illness, with half developing such symptoms by age 14. For many people, openly discussing their medical condition may cause anxiety; however, thanks to telepsychiatry, they are able to find comfort in privacy and discretion.
In the years to come, telepsychiatry will continue to expand and become more accessible, helping people with mental health issues all over the globe. If you intend to establish digital health solutions, such as an app for private communication with your patients, check our services for developing a custom mobile app.
7. Improving Data Analytics for Predictions and Decision-Making
As medical IoT solutions rise, the number of healthcare data sources used by organizations will also explode. What does this mean for healthcare providers?
They should look for modern platforms that can help them automate the storage and distribution of such data within their organization. Fortunately, in 2023 and beyond, predictive analytics in healthcare is expected to become more widespread and sophisticated.
Obtaining accurate and complete data are the challenge faced in healthcare right now. However, with advancements in electronic health records (EHRs) and data sharing between healthcare organizations, the quality and availability of data are expected to improve this year. This will lead to more robust predictive analysis models and better predictions.
More than that, improvements in Machine Learning (ML) development help healthcare systems analyze vast amounts of patient data to help identify patterns and make predictions. Integrating ML with healthcare tech can lead to more accurate diagnoses, tailored patient experience, and, ultimately, better patient outcomes.
If you need help managing your electronic medical records, contact StarTechUP. Our experts specialize in using services like Azure and Google Cloud to bring together different healthcare apps and can help you navigate multi-cloud and hybrid solutions.
8. Clinical Automation for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare costs are no joke, and this is why automation in healthcare is essential. Automation helps reduce costs, streamline processes, and improve the patient experience.
In 2023, automation is expected to be a key part of the healthcare industry. Automation technology, such as robotic process automation (RPA), is predicted to make up more than half of all healthcare IT investments by the end of the year.
Robotic process automation can help automate administrative processes such as claims processing, appointment scheduling, and medical billing. It can also help providers improve the accuracy of patient records and provide insights into data that would otherwise be too complex to analyze manually.
Other types of healthcare automation include automated drug dispensing systems and machine learning algorithms that can detect anomalous medical results.
9. Cybersecurity and Data Breach Prevention
Healthcare organizations handle and store thousands of sensitive patient data, making them prime targets for cyber attackers. As a result, it is essential that healthcare providers take the necessary steps to protect their systems and data from malicious attacks.
In 2023, general data protection regulation would not be enough to protect organizations from data breaches and cybercrime. Medical institutions would need to invest in the latest technologies, such as blockchain-based solutions and comprehensive cybersecurity practices, to ensure the safety of their patient data.
To stay ahead of cyber threats, healthcare organizations should use a multi-layered approach that includes encryption, two-factor authentication, application firewalls, and more. Additionally, they should use rigorous identity and access management protocols to give users secure health systems access.
When it comes to future-proofing your organization’s healthcare systems, data security is essential. With the right measures in place, any healthcare organization will be well-equipped to protect its patients’ data and stay ahead of cybercriminals.
10. Implants and 3D Bioprinting
Undeniably, there’s a long way to go for smart implants and 3D Bioprinting until they can be fully utilized in creating customized medical solutions for patients. But, in 2023, these cutting-edge technologies are allowing medical facilities are on their way to give better outcomes and improved quality of care.
Smart implants are tiny, computerized devices implanted in the body to monitor health conditions and possibly, restore certain functional independence in patients with different types of paralysis or blindness. For example, a team of scientists recently installed a microelectrode array (the size of a penny) into the visual cortex of an individual with blindness, enabling her to perceive letters and shapes.
3D bioprinting, on the other hand, involves 3D printing technology using bioink to create living tissue and organs. It opens up new avenues for regenerative medicine, making it possible to print new bones, cartilage, and even complete organs like hearts and livers.
Both of these top digital health trends are poised to have a massive impact on the US healthcare market. As they continue to evolve and become more widespread, they will play a bigger role in improving patient care and advancing medical science.
Develop Your Healthcare App with Us!
Technological advancements in the healthcare industry are not slowing down anytime soon, and with the advent of new technology, today is the best time to hop on to these healthcare software development trends!
Whether you are interested in developing a custom healthcare app or exploring machine learning development, StarTechUP is here to help you!
With years of experience in the industry, we’ve helped numerous organizations develop quality, robust web and mobile applications. Our team is experienced in working within the healthcare industry and developing apps that help improve your patients’ experience, automate tedious processes, and more.
We understand the importance of accuracy, data privacy, and security in healthcare applications. That’s why we provide our offshore clients with extensive research, development, and testing to ensure our apps meet the highest standards.
Book a consultation so we can discuss more about how to develop your healthcare app that will withstand future trends in the industry. We can’t wait to help you revolutionize healthcare!
