Healthcare is one of the fastest growing and most innovative industries in the modern world. The quest to improve and preserve human health has driven countless groups to invest in state-of-the-art technology, and new ways of supporting patients.
Since the pandemic, in particular, the rate of change in the healthcare space has increased, paving the way for everything from incredible telehealth opportunities to faster drug development. For health leaders, staying ahead of the current trends is crucial to ensure the consistent delivery of exceptional care. The question is, which trends should you be watching in 2024?
While there are various factors shaping the connected health landscape of tomorrow, some are more significant than others. Here are some of the most impactful tech innovations worth exploring as we move into the new era of healthcare.
1. The Digitisation of Healthcare
The pandemic in 2020 forced countless healthcare organizations to adopt to a new, digital environment, spurring the development of the connected health landscape, where technology bridges the gaps between healthcare groups, experts, and patients. With in-person appointments restricted, groups needed to find new ways to provide care to patients.
2. Advanced Training Experiences
Innovative solutions like AI-enhanced video cameras, IoT technologies and wearables aren’t just influencing the level of care providers can give remote patients. These technologies are also paving the way for faster, more immersive training sessions for new professionals. For instance, using video, specialists can stream surgical procedures live.
This not only allows for rapid remote collaboration between team members, but it also means facilities can educate remote employees, enrich medical data, and case studies with recordings, and even collect data for later analysis.
Some healthcare facilities are even beginning to branch into extended reality and the metaverse to improve training outcomes. Video streams can be converted into interactive virtual reality simulations for students. Augmented reality glasses can even be used to provide step-by-step guidance and instruction to professionals as they work.
3. Big Tech Cloud Platforms Enter Healthcare
While healthcare companies have long relied on cloud-based platforms for contact center management and unified communications, most of the solutions used by these organizations initially haven’t been specifically tailored to health. Now, in the connected healthcare market, big tech vendors are beginning to deliver more comprehensive solutions for health leaders.
For instance, Amazon has its AWS solution for Health, a cloud services platform for clinical systems analytics, patient experience management, and more. Microsoft also has its own dedicated cloud solution for Healthcare vendors, with access to collaboration tools, patient engagement and more.
These solutions are making it easier for healthcare providers to access the comprehensive platforms they need, alongside crucial integrations with patient monitoring systems and data analytics tools. What’s more, they ensure organisations can leverage these tools without compromising on strict compliance standards surrounding regulations like HIPAA.
