2024 Healthcare Technology Trends
Technology has long been indispensable to the healthcare industry. Medical practitioners continuously leverage cutting-edge tools and software. And in recent years, even billings, payments, and health records processes have been digitized and automated.
As technology evolves, new trends and innovations are introduced that can help improve the industry and deliver better patient care.
Healthcare entities must be ahead of the curve and be ready for these trends as the year turns. Read on for a close look at future trends in healthcare.
Overview of Healthcare Trends in 2023
Before we talk about what to expect in 2024, let’s discuss the healthcare trends 2023 that changed the industry for the better.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Automation has been applied to healthcare for many years. Software developers like ISI Technology already provide automation, billing, dispatch, and other such services. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) complement the use of the software to ensure even better speed and accuracy.
AI and ML can do a lot to improve diagnosis and treatment plans. Through data collected from patients and similar datasets gathered from around the globe, AI and ML can improve diagnoses and outlooks. Healthcare knowledge is also updated in real time based on changes in the data collected.
Cloud-Based Technology
Cloud-based software can store much more information. It is also much more cost-efficient and enables better data security. Putting everything up on the cloud certainly became a trend this year and will continue to be for the foreseeable future as the technology improves. Cloud solutions are secure, fast, and accessible from any device.
Data Sharing
The healthcare industry has a broad scope and encompasses a global workforce. Doctors serve different facilities and healthcare organizations, and provide their expertise in other states and even countries. So, flexible and secure data sharing has been a boon for many medical facilities since it was introduced.
Data sharing is also critical for accurate and efficient insurance claims. Gone are the days when communications between parties had to be done through snail mail. Today, data is shared in an instant and with better security.
Telemedicine
The pandemic made telemedicine more popular than ever, and this option was used by many in 2023. It is a practical and efficient option for many patients to consult with their healthcare providers and discuss treatment plans over the phone or via video calls. It is also the safest method to provide healthcare for those who are immunocompromised or those experiencing mobility issues.
Some of these digital trends in healthcare will continue into 2024 and for years to come.
But what new trends will be introduced in 2024?
Emerging Trends in Healthcare Technology for 2024
Here are some of the expected healthcare trends for 2024. Integrating them into your operations will help improve patient services and set healthcare companies up for continued success.
Vertical Integration
Because of various software features, it is now possible for healthcare facilities to enable vertical integration. It is the process of streamlining operations under one facility rather than relying on third-party organizations. For example, some healthcare companies prefer to focus on medical care and then outsource administrative functions and billing.
With the right technology, healthcare facilities can handle administrative management, billing, and all other critical functions.
Augment Reality and Virtual Reality
It is impossible to complete medical training without practical experience. And more and more healthcare practitioners are leveraging augmented reality and virtual reality for their training programs. These technologies are incredibly proficient at providing platforms for continued practical education.
Medical students in training are offered more robust practical experiences that will set them up for success. They can also participate in these training sessions wherever they are in the world.
Healthcare Disparities Must Be Addressed
There is a healthcare disparity in terms of socio-economic status and race or ethnicity. This should be addressed in 2024 because of the availability of big data. Medical professionals should be able to study the reasons for such disparities and make actionable plans to solve the issue.
What is the Future of Blockchain in Healthcare?
Does blockchain technology have a place in healthcare? Blockchain is not new—it has been in use for many years in finance and even retail. And in 2024 and beyond, its practical uses will extend to the healthcare industry.
Here are some benefits of blockchain in healthcare:
Accuracy
Blockchain is transparent, which helps immensely with accuracy. All parties with authorized access to healthcare information can see the transactions, so there are more eyes to guard accuracy and prevent fraud.
The system also has Smart Contracts or self-executing contracts, which help minimize human error.
Security
All data in the blockchain are encrypted for security purposes. They are also immutable, so no one can alter data once it is recorded in the blockchain.
Usability in Clinical Research
Blockchain can also be used in clinical research. It can foster reproducibility to determine the speed and effectiveness of a certain medication or treatment.
It also simplifies tracking and sharing of data. And high levels of accuracy and security are significant advantages in clinical trials.
Conclusion
Every year, certain trends shape the healthcare industry. Businesses in the medical field must stay on top of these trends to continue to provide the best service to their clientele. Falling behind means potentially losing clients and trailing the competition.
The right software helps healthcare organizations to be regularly updated with current medical trends. Get an ISI Technology demo here.
