Maximizing healthcare efficiency has been the goal for healthcare professionals for many years. The earliest mention of the use of telemedicine dates back over 140 years. The Lancet, a medical journal published an article in 1879 that discussed using the telephone to reduce unnecessary office visits.
Many iteration of telemedicine have evolved since then. The concept of virtual visits have existed long before the pandemic, but it wasn’t maximized to its fullest until the COVID 19 shutdown.
In 2019, Medicare had 840,000 telehealth appointments. By 2020 Medicare had over 52 million telehealth appointments.
Today there are still many patients who prefer the convenience that telehealth has to offer. Telehealth or telemedicine is only one of the macro trends that healthcare tech startups need to pay attention to.
Here are several other trends in the healthcare industry you need stay on top of.
1. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Companies
As you continue through 2022, we’re going to see more instances of artificial intelligence in healthcare. One of the reasons healthcare professionals need AI is the immense amount of data that the industry presents.
Several different types of AI are already in use today by providers and life science companies. These AI services help store, sort, and transport large amounts of data.
Different applications include diagnosis, patient engagement, treatment recommendations, and administrative activities. There are also instances where AI could help perform health tasks.
However, we probably won’t be seen any AI nurses for quite a while. Implementing large-scale robotic applications takes time. Instead, doctors are focusing on ways AI can help them work more efficiently.
One of the most exciting aspects of AI technology is its ability to treat patients in developing nations. Many third-world nations go without life-saving services because of a lack of training.
In undeveloped countries, there isn’t qualified medical staff to run ultrasound machines or radiology equipment. Thankfully, implementing AI technology can help solve these training issues.
2. Medical Virtual Reality for Tech Startups
The possibilities are endless when it comes to virtual medical reality. No longer is VR a thing of science fiction movies. Now, real-life medical practitioners are taking advantage of the virtual tech.
Innovative programs are working to improve patients’ lives and daily work routines. One of the most popular ways VR is being used by healthcare professionals today has to do with surgery reviews.
Patients who are nervous about upcoming surgeries can see firsthand what it’ll look like with the help of virtual reality. Sitting safely on their couch, they can feel like they’re in the front row seat to actual live surgery.
Surgeons can also benefit by practicing their surgery skills in a virtual setting. Aspiring surgeons can use immersive touch virtual reality programs. The applications provide an experience that’s nearly identical to performing real surgery. They’ll be able to hone their skills much better than they could with traditional training methods.
Finally, healthcare conferences are becoming much more effective with the help of virtual reality. Participants can enjoy an enhanced experience with stunning presentation visuals. The virtual tech also makes it easy to encourage audience participation.
3. Exciting 5G Technology for Healthcare Companies
5G can help make your phone faster. But did you know it can also help pave the way for new healthcare trends?
Today, 5G technology is pioneering the way to streamlining telehealth appointments. At the beginning of this article, we mentioned there’s been a rise in telemedicine appointments. However, that rise wouldn’t be possible without the help of 5G networks.
Giving patients the ability to have a secure and fast internet connection is priceless. Developers can create some of the most innovative healthcare applications with 5G. Developers can diversify the functionality of these applications to be even more effective.
What are some of the other benefits of integrating 5G into the healthcare setting? For one, there will be less infrastructure and lower latency, thanks to high-speed connectivity. The internet connections will also be more robust, making it easier to provide remote care.
Overall, 5G is creating an entirely new health ecosystem. Thanks to the ability to communicate quickly, the overall efficiency of healthcare offices will rise.
It’ll also be easy for diagnostics to take place at lightning-fast speeds! No longer will staff members have to wait hours for files and images to transport. Instead, massive images, files, and other documents can make their way with low latency.
4. Discrete Wearable Tech and Medical Devices
Another trend healthcare tech startups are embracing is wearable tech. Wearable technology includes things like watches that can monitor your heart rate. There are also fitness-centric wearables that can help aid in weight loss, and beyond.
Patients can even use wearables to get live information about treatment plans. For instance, diabetics can wear discreet glucose monitors. Instead of wondering when sugar levels are rising, patients will be able to find out immediately.
One of the most significant benefits of wearable technology is that they’re personal. These devices are there for the patients even when their health care provider isn’t.
Wearable tech can go with patients throughout their entire day and even into the bathroom. The discrete and personal touch is what makes wearable technology such a game-changer. It gives patients the ultimate control over their health.
Wearables aren’t just for monitoring patient symptoms. They can also help with habit-forming, and lifestyle changes. Step counting, sleep tracking, and meal preps are just a few of the functions wearables can provide.
You’ll also find that wearable technology is affordable, making it easy to implement on a large scale. The only downside to wearables right now is that there can be false alarms on the devices.
If the patient isn’t wearing the device properly, it could send a false report to their healthcare provider. As new features come out and the technology continues to progress, wearables will be easier for patients to use.
JP Boyle & Associates is an executive search firm serving digital health startups commercialize, grow and improve valuation.
