Fact checked by Dr. Mohd Shafiz Mohd Zaini
Over the years, technology and the healthcare sector have rapidly evolved and affected each other. Healthcare providers are constantly finding new ways to digitalize their business and create an approachable system of data management and healthcare service.
And while you would’ve experienced getting your patient data paperwork lost under different circumstances a couple of decades ago, digital healthcare technologies have created a more functional and approachable database for healthcare providers and patients.
As we can witness technological advances emerging in the healthcare sector every day, we can expect significant changes within both industries and how they will affect each other.
So, stick around as we will cover some of the most crucial things you need to know about digital transformation in healthcare in 2023, some of the emerging trends that will affect the course of digital transformation in healthcare, and what we can expect from medical digitalization in the future.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Healthcare
Nowadays, digital transformations affect almost every industry, and medicine is no exception. By adopting innovative technologies of this kind, hospital departments can significantly increase staff productivity and the overall functionality of healthcare institutions. Digital transformation in the medical sector is presenting a big opportunity in healthcare.
Digitalization in healthcare is the cornerstone of a patient-centric approach to health. It will help health systems streamline operations to understand better what people want. In particular, digital communication data may help extract and store information that can be used as an asset.
Healthcare professionals consider customer needs an asset and analyze ways to build loyalty and trust. Therefore, it’s easier for people to stay connected to technology and have access to relevant information about their health.
Digital Trends in Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, fueled by rising health costs and the aging population. With an expanding data collection and management system, the healthcare sector stands to benefit from the rise of AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies.
New medical research and digital technology will also significantly impact healthcare in the coming years. With the rise in chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, new treatments are needed.
The healthcare industry is also expected to experience significant changes as the population ages. By 2023, one-third of the global population will be 65 and above, and these people will need more healthcare services.
Examples and Use Cases of Digital Healthcare Solutions
The increased need for effective medical treatments, and the rising costs of medical equipment and services, will only fuel the growth of the healthcare industry. As AI and other technologies are expected to impact healthcare over the next few years significantly, it would be beneficial for healthcare providers to invest in these technologies and adopt new ways of data management.
Artificial Intelligence has already proven to be an effective solution for providers’ workflow, allowing them to be more efficient and provide better patient care. With the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, new treatments are needed.
Blockchain and the Promise of Better Electronic Health Data
Since the advent of the internet, technology has changed how we live. And while the healthcare sector was among the first to use the potential of this new way to connect, it was also one of the last to adopt blockchain, the revolutionary technology that can change the way we store patient’s health data.
Blockchain is a decentralized and decentralized database that allows people to securely maintain and access data and verify the information they’re given. That makes it a much better option than the traditional centralized healthcare data storage and management.
With blockchain, data is stored and accessed across a network of computers, which means it’s much more difficult for hackers to access the information. It’s also much easier for patients to find their medical information and for health professionals to manage the information they can access.
The Wonders of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a combination of algorithms and systems that allow computers to perform human tasks, like understanding human speech and translating between different languages.
In healthcare, staff can use AI for various purposes, including helping people navigate their medical records and healthcare system. AI can also help patients stay organized, track their health, and even provide reminders to remind them when it’s time to take a medication.
Providers can use AI to make better clinical decisions, like recommending a course of treatment based on a patient’s medical history and current symptoms. They can also use AI to organize their workflow, be more efficient, provide better patient care, and coordinate care with other health systems.
Healthcare Professionals Treating Patients With Virtual Reality
Virtual reality healthcare has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, with many providers beginning to include the technology. A virtual reality (VR) room allows patients to experience a different, often more tailored, treatment.
Patients can be tested on treatment plans and experience an appointment with a clinician in a new, more open way. VR is a great way to let people experience different treatments without needing to go through the hassle of traveling to another city or setting up a clinic in a room.
VR is also a great way to ease patients into new, potentially uncomfortable treatments. However, doctors can also use VR to ease patients out of treatment, making the transition to a new medication and lifestyle much less complicated.
There are many ways that VR can be integrated into healthcare, from helping patients recover from injuries to understanding their medical issues. VR’s potential in healthcare is exciting, and its potential to ease patient pain and recover faster is especially beneficial.
Remote Patient Monitoring by Healthcare Providers
The use of remote patient monitoring has grown significantly over the years due to technological advancements. Remote patient monitoring (RPM), also known as telemedicine, allows patients to receive medical care from a healthcare provider who is not physically nearby.
With telemedicine, a patient can receive medical care from a doctor or other healthcare professionals who are not physically nearby. During remote patient monitoring, the patient can be monitored from a remote location by a healthcare provider who is not physically nearby.
Remote patient monitoring is a growing technology used for many different reasons. Remote patient monitoring can be used for various purposes such as specialty care, long-term care, chronic conditions that are not well controlled, monitoring a child or an elderly parent who is not in good condition, and many more.
Mobility: From Home and Remote Care to Mobile and Wireless Health
Mobility and the ability to access high-quality medical care at all times are key factors impacting doctors and patients. According to research conducted by Gartner, 89 percent of healthcare professionals and health systems are offering mobile health solutions. Furthermore, 71 percent have already completed a pilot project to scale their solution.
The increasing trend of wearable devices, and the advent of smartphones and wireless connectivity, have made the mobility of patients a possibility that was once considered far-fetched. With the widespread adoption of smart devices, doctors are now offering ‘one-stop’ access to a range of health services from any location with internet access.
Moreover, to boost the growth and adoption of mobility solutions, the industry has also focused on creating an ecosystem that enables smooth connectivity across all service providers. Therefore, the healthcare sector is undergoing a digital transformation with the increasing need for mobility.
Cloud Technology
Cloud technology is quickly becoming an important part of many healthcare organizations’ transformation efforts. Cloud technology has become an inevitable part of the digital transformation of the healthcare sector. It significantly impacts how providers deliver care, collect medical data, and manage risk.
Cloud technology has become an inevitable part of the digital transformation of the healthcare sector and has a significant impact on how providers deliver care, collect data, and manage risk.
While some cloud-based healthcare solutions are already available, adoption is increasing and is expected to reach 52 percent of all healthcare organizations within two years.
Even more telling, 74 percent of organizations expect cloud solutions to positively impact their ability to manage healthcare costs, which is often a key driver for health system transformation.
Automation and Data for Healthcare Payers
Automation and data have become critical components of the healthcare transformation process. To that end, significant investments are being made to create new data ecosystems and implement machine learning technology.
These efforts are focused on optimizing the delivery of care through the use of AI and other digital technologies. In parallel, health system transformation is being accelerated by new business models that reward data usage and reward patients who ta more active roles in their care.
These new business models are helping to accelerate the adoption of automation in the healthcare sector. To that end, significant investments are being made to create new data ecosystems and implement machine learning technology. These efforts are focused on optimizing the delivery of care through the use of AI and other technologies.
According to Global Market Insights, Inc, the healthcare transformation market is projected to reach $1.05 trillion by 2022. North America is expected to grow the fastest, while Asia Pacific is the most competitive region.
The Rise of On-Demand Healthcare
As more and more people choose to self-manage their health, on-demand healthcare has become increasingly important. That is especially true for the growing number of people choosing to manage their care through the expanded use of digital tools, remote access to medical providers, or the full integration of health and financial services.
Today, many companies across the healthcare market are developing apps and platforms that bring together patients, providers, and insurers to enable new ways of managing care.
For example, apps are now available that allow patients to quickly and easily schedule appointments, find nearby providers, and securely access their health information. In addition, blockchain-based technologies are now being tested in the healthcare sector to improve the management of claims and payments.
The Importance of Big Data in Healthcare
Big data is the raw material used to analyze massive amounts of data to gain insights and create new products and services. Healthcare organizations are increasingly looking to harness big data’s power to better understand their customers, including their demographics and preferences.
Furthermore, the widespread use of wearable devices and sensors has created new opportunities to understand and treat patients. With the ability to collect and process large volumes of data in real-time, real-time providers have been able to develop new tools to help improve treatment.
For example, heart failure patients can now receive real-time feedback on their condition, allowing them to adjust their treatment. Similarly, with the ability to collect and process large amounts of data, researchers have discovered new insights and created new tools to improve the quality of care.
5G Mobile Technology for Instantaneous Healthcare
As virtual reality is helping to reduce the amount of travel required in healthcare, the next stage of digital transformation will be the introduction of 5G mobile technology. With this technology being fully rolled out across the globe, patients will experience a much faster Internet connection, with improved battery life and less chance of connection issues.
With this technology also being introduced to health devices, it is possible to experience instant advice and medical test results. It means that patients can now access an instant assessment of their condition and adjust their treatment without waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
The introduction of 5G will also facilitate the use of IoT medical devices. With medical devices able to connect with patients and share information, such as blood pressure and heart rate readings, it is possible to create a smoother patient experience.
Technology for Disease Prevention
Healthcare providers have started to provide their patients with the option of using preventive services involving technology for the early detection and monitoring of diseases.
One example of this is the use of artificial intelligence for remote monitoring of patients with diabetes. The technology includes systems capable of identifying varying blood glucose levels and sending notifications to patients and their healthcare providers.
That allows medical providers to monitor their patients and intervene in the case of an abnormal blood sugar level. Healthcare providers are also utilizing AI to detect various diseases, such as cancers, through image recognition in medical scans and analysis of biometric data.
Image recognition analyzes biopsy slides, pathology reports, and radiology images. It helps identify abnormal conditions in the cells and prevents further disease progression and spread to other organs.
Health Wearables
Health wearables are devices connected to the Internet, providing real-time data and information about your health and fitness state.
These connected medical devices include wearable trackers used to track and record your activities and heart rate monitors used to measure your heart rate and determine your fitness level. They also include smartwatches that can perform several functions, such as sending notifications about your medical data, taking daily medication reminders, and more.
Wearable medical devices allow patients to access information about their health analysis through remote monitoring and various health apps to help patients keep track of their health data.
Disease History Analysis
One of the areas where digital transformation in healthcare has been effective is disease history analysis. It is a method of data analysis that uses algorithms to find patterns in data and predict disease patterns. Healthcare providers use this method to identify potential diseases a patient may suffer from based on their current data, such as daily activities, diet, and other factors that could affect or influence their health.
Easier Communication Between Medical Institutions and Patients
Healthcare providers are increasingly switching to online solutions that allow them to communicate with patients and provide them with better access to their medical data. It has also led to an increase in the use of electronic health records (EHR) systems, designed to let medical professionals share information more efficiently, as well as patients, who can view their progress through their smartphones or computers.
The use of technology for remote diagnosis is also growing, meaning that a healthcare professional can provide you with a diagnosis without seeing you in person. It is especially applicable in chronic conditions, where symptoms don’t necessarily manifest themselves at the same time and place each time.
A few years ago, remote diagnosis was only possible when patients had to send samples and images to healthcare institutions. Now, healthcare providers can use a machine with built-in artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to remotely provide a diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
The Future of Healthcare in 2023
The future of healthcare looks very promising, both in terms of innovation and the increasing demand for healthcare. However, this will mean that the health sector must make the most of the opportunity to transform its operations.
To begin, providers must be aware of their current state and how they can use this to build a successful future. That will include understanding their existing assets and any challenges they could be facing and enabling providers to ensure they are addressing any pain points and looking to expand their offerings with new and exciting technologies.
Additionally, providers must ensure they are ready for the increased demand for healthcare. It will ensure that the staff is adequately trained and has the appropriate technology to support their operations.
Core Advantages of Digital Transformation in Healthcare
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Affordable: Digital transformation in healthcare can keep expenses at a minimum. No papers, printers, or filing cabinets are involved in this process, so there are no treatment costs to maintain and store these items, unlike in the paper-based system.
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Better accessibility: With digital data, it’s easy to access patient information. There are no time limitations. You can quickly get your data anytime, anywhere.
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Data security: Since digital transformation in healthcare involves storing data electronically, it’s much safer than storing data on paper. Plus, it’s easy to track and manage data.
Electronic Health Record: Putting Patient and Data Care First
IoT has been applied to healthcare records to provide a better healthcare service. Professionals in this field use electronic healthcare records (EHRs) to gather data about doctor-patient interactions, patient health histories and medications, and other aspects of the healthcare experience.
Data from EHRs is transferred to a centralized database where it’s accessible to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who can use it to provide better patient care. This transformation process is ongoing, and it’s essential to keep up with the latest trends in this sector to stay informed.
Having an electronic medical record has become a standard in many countries worldwide. And thankfully, we are fortunate enough to use advanced technologies for accessing valuable patient data.
Conclusion
Digital health technology is at its early stage but is already showing its potential effectiveness as a solution.
Automated transformation can boost health service efficiency by improving health service efficiency and staff productivity and providing superior customer service. Healthcare will use innovative technology and digital services to improve the healthcare industry’s efficiency.
Digital Transformation is a continuous process that has a growing daily impact across the healthcare market. If digitalization can be done in healthcare, it must take an innovative approach beyond the technology necessary.