Healthcare Technology: How It’s Being Used in 2023
The Current State of Healthcare Technology
Historically, the healthcare industry has been slow to embrace change due to its complexity, privacy regulations, and the commitment to patient safety. However, recent years have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Technologies such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), telehealth, and AI have gained widespread adoption.
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
AI is making significant strides in healthcare, with applications ranging from radiology to drug development. The FDA has approved numerous AI-powered devices, and radiology has seen a 30% adoption rate between 2015-2020. AI can detect subtle anomalies in medical images and even predict diseases like Alzheimer's. Moreover, AI is expediting drug development, reducing costs, and predicting drug toxicity.
Extended Reality (AR, VR, MR) in Healthcare
Extended reality offers new opportunities for clinicians, medical students, and patients. VR is being used to treat mental health disorders, helping patients confront phobias and anxiety in controlled environments. Medical students are benefiting from VR training, reducing learning time by up to 30%. AR is assisting surgeons during operations, providing real-time 3D images for precision surgeries. VR may even replace anesthetics for minor procedures, improving patient experience.
Virtual Healthcare
Telehealth has evolved from a pandemic necessity to a healthcare mainstay. Post-pandemic, telehealth accounts for up to 17% of healthcare visits. Urban areas witness the highest virtual healthcare adoption. Technologies like remote patient monitoring (RPM), IoT devices, online patient portals, and health apps complement telehealth. For instance, Tytocare's AI platform allows patients to share symptoms and conduct physical exams from home. RPM is predicted to grow by 17.8% year-over-year in 2023, providing continuous patient data to doctors.
Blockchain in Healthcare
Blockchain technology offers incorruptible, transparent, and decentralized data storage, addressing critical security issues in healthcare. Patientory, a blockchain-focused startup, empowers patients to control their health data securely. Blockchain can also safeguard pharmaceutical supply chains, tracking medications from sourcing to the end user, reducing counterfeit drugs. Smart contracts streamline processes like claims and billing, automating tasks and improving transparency.
Conclusion
The healthcare industry is on the cusp of transformation, driven by innovations in AI, extended reality, virtual healthcare, and blockchain. While healthcare organizations may face challenges in adapting to these technologies, the benefits in patient care, data security, and efficiency are undeniable. Embracing these innovations and fostering a culture of innovation will be essential for healthcare organizations as they navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare technology.