The Digital Revolution in Healthcare: 5 Trends in Action

It’s no secret that technology has the grand potential to completely revolutionize how we approach healthcare. Actually, transforming the healthcare industry is much more challenging.

Below are just a few of the top digital transformations that are taking a stronghold in healthcare. How is your organization preparing to handle these trends?

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data
   Cognitive computing, with the right data elements, enables the automation and expedited identification of persons at risk , and can recommend evidence-based courses of action for treatment or prevention. Artificial intelligence in healthcare is expected to reach $1,139.2 million by 2022, according to Infoholic Research. “Huge investments and strict governmental regulations are driving the growth in North America. One such initiative is Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is leading emphasis on cost management and integrated care delivery models.” IBM Watson for Oncology is just one example of how cognitive computing continues to emerge in healthcare.
2. Telemedicine
   Growing in popularity, a patient can skip the trek to the doctor’s office and instead hop on a call to interact with a medical professional. Common applications include follow-up visits, remote chronic disease management, preventative care support, and mental health support, to name a few.
3. Mobility and Cloud Access
   Some 80% of doctors already use smartphones and medical apps, and numerous providers are now storing medical records in the cloud that enable patients to access test results online as soon as they are available. HIPAA laws continue to drive focus on data protection and security.
4. Wearables and IoT
   Small, mobile, and wearable devices are supporting healthier lifestyles with reminders, and have the ability to collect and report biological data. Some of these devices can even transmit information to your doctor in real time. The global market for medical wearable devices is projected to reach $14.41 billion by 2022, according to Markets and Markets.
5. Patient Empowerment
   Now more than ever, patients are craving knowledge, personalized care, enlightenment in their care, and want to be in the driver’s seat. Going well beyond the typical web search, evolving technology and increased access to healthcare resources and content are supporting that demand and improving the overall patient experience.

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While these trends have been in the works for years, they are continuing to gain momentum and should not be ignored for those who want to stay at the forefront of healthcare evolution.