Top 15 Healthcare Technology Trends in 2022 & Beyond

Healthcare technology is changing rapidly. Patients are demanding better care, providers want to provide it, and hospitals are looking for ways to improve efficiency.

Healthcare is yet to be transformed by technology. - Joshua Kushner

What Are Healthcare Technology Trends?

Technology continues to play a major role in improving patient outcomes and reducing costs within the health sector. Newer devices are being developed that allow doctors to monitor patients remotely, allowing them to make timely decisions about treatment options based on real-time information. Wearable devices like smart watches, fitness bands and even contact lenses are becoming increasingly popular, providing physicians with easy access to important clinical data.

Another trend that is expected to continue throughout 2022 and beyond is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). AI enables computers to perform tasks that require human judgment, while ML allows machines to learn without explicitly programmed instructions. These tools provide companies with the ability to analyze large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, helping to improve processes and reduce errors.

A few examples of how AI and ML could help the healthcare industry include:

- Predictive analytics: Using algorithms to identify patterns in medical records and predict possible outcomes based on those patterns. For example, a hospital might use predictive analytics to determine whether a patient needs to be admitted into intensive care unit (ICU), or discharged home.

- Diagnostic imaging: Automated image analysis software can detect abnormalities in images taken during routine exams, potentially saving both money and time.

- Telemedicine: Remote monitoring of patients via telemedicine allows doctors to observe patients without having to travel long distances. This helps prevent unnecessary visits to emergency rooms and reduces wait times for appointments.

- Health IT: Electronic health record systems integrate data from multiple sources, making it easier for clinicians to view relevant patient information at one glance.

 1. Rapid Change through Telehealth

Telehealth has been evolving over the past couple of years and rightly so as the technology helps urgent care facilities to a greater degree. At a time of emergency and pandemic, telehealth can follow-up and treat many patients at distance. Telehealth is expected to grow from $79.79 Billion in 2020 to $396 Billion in 2027, according the forecasts. This number is 38 times bigger than it was before the Covid19. Telehealth is extremely efficient at saving the time and stress for both physicians and patients. Doctors can follow-up with the patients virtually, reducing the strain of last-minute appointments. These are some of the reasons why telehealth is growing rapidly.

2. Improved Big Data & Analytics

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare data analytics is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade, according to Frost & Sullivan. This growth is mainly driven by the increasing availability of data, coupled with the growing demand for better insights into patients' health status.

According to the report, AI technology will help healthcare organizations manage big data sets, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce costs. By 2025, it could lead to a savings of up to $150 million.

This is because AI enables the collection and integration of large volumes of unstructured data and provides timely information to support decision making. In addition, it helps to identify patterns and trends in data, such as patient behavior and disease progression.

In the current situation, hospitals are facing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak. They must make decisions quickly, while balancing conflicting priorities. And in many cases, they don't even know what questions to ask.

The use of AI solutions can help healthcare providers to analyze vast amounts of data and provide actionable insights. As a result, they can focus on the most critical issues and take immediate actions.

For example, AI can help doctors track the progress of individual patients, predict hospital readmissions, and find out whether there are any risk factors for severe illness.

The healthcare predictive analytics market is expected to reach $28.77 billion in 2027. This growth is driven by increasing adoption of AI and machine learning across industries, including healthcare. In addition, advancements in data science and predictive analytics are boosting demand. For instance, the use of AI in clinical decision support systems is anticipated to increase from $2.5 million in 2018 to $13.7 billion by 2025.

3. Impact of Artificial Intelligence

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry has been significant over the past few years. AI helps physicians diagnose diseases earlier, predict patients' recovery times, and even assist with surgery procedures. There are four main areas where AI is being used today: diagnosis, predictive analytics, image recognition, and robotics.

Diagnosis - Diagnostic accuracy has increased due to the use of AI algorithms in radiology. This technology uses deep learning models to identify abnormalities in medical images such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, ultrasound scans, and mammograms. These tools provide real-time feedback to radiologists, allowing them to focus on specific parts of the scan rather than having to review every single pixel.

Predictive Analytics - Predictive analytics is another area where AI is making a big difference. Using data collected from previous cases, AI can predict how long a patient might take to recover from certain conditions. For example, a doctor could use AI to determine whether a patient had experienced a heart attack or not based on historical data. If there is a high probability of a heart attack, the doctor can prescribe medication to prevent further damage.

Image Recognition - Image recognition is one of the most popular applications of AI in the healthcare sector. AI systems can recognize objects and people within digital images, including those captured by smartphones. They can also detect patterns in large amounts of data. This allows hospitals to monitor patient care remotely, track hospital equipment usage, and identify potential safety hazards.

Robotics - Robots are already assisting surgeons during operations. A robot called "iBot," developed by Boston Dynamics, is able to move around obstacles autonomously and carry out tasks such as lifting heavy loads. It can even climb stairs without human intervention.

4. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

The internet of medical things (IOT) is one of the most exciting trends in healthcare IT. This trend aims to connect devices via the Internet, enabling remote monitoring of patients and improving the quality of care.

According to Precedence Research Inc., the global Iot market reached $39.2 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow to $172.4 billion in 2025.

Wearables and trackers are one of the biggest parts of IoT developments. They enable real-time and detailed health data, which is extremely useful for doctors' observations.

Their key benefit is providing real time and detailed data on the patient's health states, which is very helpful for doctors' observation. IoMT enables a significant change in patient awareness.

With trackers, people get real-time data on daily activities and can provide changes on their way. If the device includes certain game elements, it can even motivate people to live healthier lifestyles.

5. Chronic Conditions and Wearables

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a concept that refers to the connection of medical devices and appliances, such as insulin pumps, glucose monitors, pacemakers, defibrillators, etc., with each other and with information systems. This technology allows physicians and nurses to monitor patients' health conditions remotely and provide them with timely feedback. However, many experts believe that IoMT will change the way we treat chronic diseases.

According to the World Health Organization, around 422 million people globally suffer from diabetes. Experts estimate that one person dies every six seconds due to complications caused by diabetes. Diabetes causes high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness, amputations, nerve damage, and premature death.

Unfortunately, Type 2 diabetes treatment was on the patient’s conscience for a long time. Doctors had no tools but to rely on their words and promises. They told patients to lose weight, eat better, exercise more, and take medications. But most of the time, it didn't work. Patients felt helpless because there was nothing else they could do.

Since success heavily depends on lifestyle changes, health care professionals had no instruments to help control the progress. In addition, the lack of accurate data made it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

In recent years, wearable technologies, including smart watches, fitness trackers, and activity trackers, have become popular among consumers. These gadgets allow us to keep track of our daily activities, measure our physical performance, record our sleep patterns, and even detect certain illnesses.

 6. HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platforms

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act(HIPPA) became a required video conference during the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal law prescribes companies "to protect the privacy and security of individuals' medical records and other protected health information."

Most telehealth video conferencing platforms follow this rule.

Use cases include Zoom for Healthcare, Skype for Business, Vsee, Citrix GoToMeeting and many others.

As the next step in the industry, upcoming communication platforms will provide safety beyond end-to-end-encryption that stores patient data in cloud storage and still puts it at risk. Such brand-new alternatives already include Signal, DuckDuckGo and Tauria.

7. Blockchain

The global blockchain technology in the health care market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21.70 percent from 2021 to 2028. The report says that there are several factors driving the demand for blockchain in the healthcare industry such as the increasing adoption of digital technologies, growing regulatory pressure, and rising patient expectations.

According to the report, one of the most important trends in the market is the increasing adoption of digital technology. This trend is being driven by the increasing use of electronic medical records, mobile applications, telemedicine, artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Another factor driving the demand for blockchain is the growing regulatory pressure. For example, the European Union (EU) passed a law requiring member states to provide patients with access to their personal data and to make it easier for patients to exercise their rights over their data. Moreover, many countries around the world are implementing policies related to health insurance coverage. As a result, governments are encouraging people to buy health insurance.

Furthermore, the report notes that the increasing number of patients seeking better treatment options is another reason behind the demand for blockchain in healthcare. Patients want to ensure that their information is safe and secure while accessing different types of treatments.

Finally, the report points out that the increased awareness about blockchain among consumers is one of the major drivers fueling the demand for blockchain in health care. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how blockchain technology can improve the quality of life. They understand that blockchain technology makes transactions safer and more efficient. Therefore, they prefer to adopt this technology because it provides convenience and transparency.

8. Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality

Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies are used in many industries including medical, education, gaming, architecture, manufacturing, construction, engineering, medicine, and entertainment. These technologies are being used to improve safety, efficiency, productivity, and quality of life.

The global AR and VR in healthcare market was $2,076 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $42.84 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.98% during 2018–2028.

In addition, the global virtual and mixed reality in healthcare market was valued at $1,937 million in 2016 and is projected to reach $34.3 billion by 2025 at a CAGR 18.5% during 2016–2025.

This report provides detailed analysis of the key factors driving the growth of the global AR/VR industry. It covers the latest technological developments, market drivers, challenges faced by the industry, and future prospects.

Metaverse: Future or Hype?

Many people question if it makes sense for Facebook to rebrand as Meta and put so much emphasis on social VR experiences. It is up to you to decide if this is something you are willing to put money into. If the hype around the metaverse is exaggerated, virtual reality still has applications in the medical field.

When it comes to healthcare, training is one of the most important areas where virtual reality is now being used. In order to assist surgeons enhance their abilities and get ready for surgeries, it is possible to create virtual training environments. Virtual reality (VR) has therapeutic applications as well. The Virtual Reality Medical Center treats patients with phobias like acrophobia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through VR treatment.

Virtual reality treatment at Connecticut's Maplewood Senior Living can help seniors access long-forgotten memories and boost their emotional health.

The effectiveness of Meta's change toward cartoon-style meetings in place of conventional teleconferencing is still up for debate. There are, however, promising developments in this area, such as spatial audio, that could boost the efficiency of telehealth systems by creating a more immersive digital environment.

9. Chronic Conditions and Wearables

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a technology revolutionizing medicine. A large number of devices, sensors, and actuators are being used to collect health information, monitor vital signs, and adjust medication dosages. This means that medical professionals can now monitor patients remotely, and even intervene in real time.

According to the World Health Organization, there are about 422 million people around the world suffering from some form of chronic disease. Diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cancer, arthritis, depression, heart failure, dementia, and others are among the most common diseases associated with the IoMT.

In addition, it is expected that the number of people diagnosed with chronic conditions will increase up to 700 million by 2030.

However, many of these patients do not know what they are doing wrong in their daily lives. They feel helpless and isolated. By providing them with wearable devices, physicians can help patients build healthy habits and improve their quality of life.

10. Fintech Integration

The finance industry is rapidly evolving into one that uses technology to deliver better customer experiences and lower costs. Fintech companies are disrupting traditional banking practices by providing innovative products and solutions. They are creating new ways to connect consumers to financial institutions, reduce fraud, and provide faster access to funds. In addition, fintech companies are improving the efficiency of the entire financial services ecosystem.

Healthcare spending is expected to reach $6 trillion by2027. This growth will be driven by population aging, rising health care costs, technological advancements, and increased demand for high quality services. As a result, the volume of data generated by healthcare providers and patients is increasing exponentially.

Up until recently, the healthcare sector tended to be an old-fashioned bureaucratic system. However, today, many healthcare organizations are turning to the tech industry to help improve their filing and billing processes, and tech began delivering solutions.

Financial technology substantially covers insurance, management services, digital payments, settlement services, capital raising, deposits, and credit services such as insurance, management services, digital payments, settlement services, capital raising, deposits, and credit services. Thus it facilitate and stream line health care services by lowering the cost of financial services. Through robotic service advice, peer-to peer lending, mobile payments, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technologies, fintech gives a boost to the health care sector by mitigating in-efficiencies in their payment plans.

11. DNA Testing

Your genes are your destiny. Your lifestyle choices can impact your DNA and determine if you get certain diseases. DNA tests look at your genetic code and provide information on things like cancer risk, drug sensitivity, and susceptibility to different diseases. By analyzing just a few cells from your cheek swab, you can receive actionable insights about your current health status and future disease risks.

12. Smart Pills

Are Coming To A Pharmacy Near You Soon"

The first smart pill approved by US regulators is set to hit pharmacy shelves soon. Called Odomo, it contains sensors that measure heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. This data helps doctors diagnose conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea.

Odomo is part of a growing field called "smart pills," which use tiny electronic devices embedded inside food or medicine. These pills could help monitor health over long periods of time, providing real-time feedback to doctors and consumers alike.

13. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted that the global healthcare workforce shortage could reach 12.8 million professionals by 2035, making it difficult for patients to access care. This was due to the aging population, rising chronic diseases, and increasing demand for health services.

With the COVID-19 outbreak, the WHO further noted that the world’s largest economies are facing a critical situation where there isn’t enough healthcare workers to provide essential services. As such, the organization predicts that the global healthcare worker shortfall could increase to 12.9 million professionals by 2035.

This has been exacerbated by the fact that many countries around the globe have shut down schools and universities to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. A similar situation happened during the SARS outbreak in 2003. However, the difference this time is that we don’t have the same level of understanding about how the virus spreads.

In addition, the COVID-19 epidemic has only worsened the problem. With the wide-spread adoption of remote work practices, telemedicine, and online education platforms, the number of healthcare workers has decreased dramatically.

Furthermore, the pandemic has exposed the inefficiency of our current healthcare systems. Many hospitals across the nation are understaffed and overburdened, resulting in long wait times for patients seeking treatment.

As such, the WHO has called on governments to invest in healthcare technologies that can help address the problems plaguing the industry. These include robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain.

While some experts believe that the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of adopting new technologies in healthcare, others argue that the pandemic might actually accelerate the adoption of such innovations.

Cognitive Automation Adoption in Merck Healthcare

Merck Healthcare adopted Cognitive Automation (CA) technology from Aera Technology to improve its operations. This included replacing manual processes with AI-based automation solutions. Nowadays, CA technologies are used to make predictions about upcoming events, such as customer purchases, inventory levels, and pricing trends. These predictions help companies manage their businesses better.

In addition, CA helps increase efficiency and productivity, while reducing costs. However, some people still don't trust the technology because it doesn't understand language like humans do. They think that it might replace human workers rather than complement them.

14. Increase in transcranial magnetic stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a safe, non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate specific parts of the brain. This technology has been around since the early 1980s, but it wasn't until recently that researchers began exploring how it could help people with neurological issues. In fact, the FDA recently approved one device specifically for treating depression.

The most common side effects include headache, scalp pain, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. There are some rare complications associated with TMS, including seizures, stroke, vision loss, hearing loss, and even death. But the long-term risks are minimal compared to many alternative treatments.

15. Setting healthy boundaries with social media

If you have a smartphone, chances are you know that limiting your screen time is a challenge. Not to mention, spending way too much time online can adversely impact your well-being. And if you’ve ever watched Netflix’s “The Social Dillema,” you’re familiar that Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest specifically designed these mobile applications to keep you glued to your phone for as long as possible — even when you don't want to.

You might also remember when a former Facebook employee recently testified before Congress on the detrimental effects of Instagram on teens’ mental health. As a result of the hearing, we can expect to see more conversations about digital wellness and establishing healthy boundaries with our social media use, particularly as research continues.

Customized Mobile Apps

The number of smartphone users worldwide has grown exponentially over the past decade. There are approximately 6.648 billion people using smartphones, according to research firm statista. As such, it’s no surprise that businesses have begun developing custom apps for their customers.

According to Forrester Research, consumers spend an average of 4.3 hours per day using their smartphones. That’s nearly one hour longer than on desktops. And since mobile apps offer consumers a seamless experience, many companies are choosing to develop apps rather than simply build websites.

In fact, the healthcare industry is among the fastest growing sectors in terms of mobile adoption. While the majority of patients still prefer to access medical information online, the trend toward mobile usage is clear.

Recent studies have showed that 61% of all Internet users in the United States were seeking health or medical information online. Also, over half have looked up information online concerning a health-related issue or condition.

Healthcare providers are beginning to realize that the best way to reach their audience is through a customized app. A recent study found that 81% of respondents preferred accessing health information through mobile apps versus traditional methods like emailing doctors directly.

And while some industries may be slower to adopt mobile technology, the healthcare sector is moving quickly.

American Medical Association recently announced that 60% of physicians plan to start offering patient portals within the next three years.

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