The healthcare sector has traditionally been slow to adapt to modern technology. For the most part, this has been due to budgetary constraints and lack of innovation in the industry overall. However, that’s starting to change as healthcare providers learn about the cost-saving (and other) benefits of adopting technology that aligns with their operational goals.
While the rise of healthcare technology may not be evolving at the same breakneck speed as with other industries, there’s no denying that the industry is going through a steady transformation. This is likely to culminate in some groundbreaking moments over the next few years. Keeping that in mind, let’s explore some of the key trends to watch out for:
#1. Role of blockchain in EHR security
With digital data under constant threat from cyber-criminals, the discussion on the role of blockchain in IT security rages on. PHI, or patient health information, isn’t just sensitive – it’s also subject to strict compliance regulations, and healthcare providers and their associates are obligated to do everything they can to keep it under wraps.
Blockchain technology promises to change that by decentralizing data storage and putting control over PHI back into patients’ hands. At the same time, it should make it easier for healthcare practitioners and their patients to easily share information over the internet without the security headaches. Most importantly, blockchain data isn’t stored in any one place, making it almost impervious to hackers.
#2. Increasing involvement with data analytics
Electronic health record (EHR) systems have already become the standard throughout the healthcare industry and, like any other digital technology, they generate a whole lot of ones and zeros that can be translated into actionable information. Armed with these insights, healthcare providers and their associates will be equipped to offer better services to their patients, increase efficiency, and expand their reach.
More innovative healthcare companies are already starting to pay close attention to patient data analytics to provide better service. That’s because data analytics and data integration technologies give them instant access to real-time reports that can help save lives. We can expect data analytics to become an integral part of EHR systems in the years ahead.
#3. Artificial Intelligence Driving Diagnoses
The unprecedented growth of Big Data in recent years, enabled by cloud technology, has demonstrated to us that manpower alone just isn’t enough. Growing hand-in-hand with the rise of these enormous data sets is a technology that’s now rapidly making its foray into many industry verticals – artificial intelligence.
Aside from automating repetitive tasks, AI promises to make a real impact on the healthcare industry by pinpointing the most important data and eliminating instances of human error. In an industry where an error can mean the difference between life and death, it shouldn’t be hard to see why many healthcare professionals have been dreaming of an AI-driven future for years.
#4. Telemedicine and always-connected patients
Although the web has given rise to more than its fair share of controversy with self-diagnoses and misinformation in healthcare, there’s no denying that telemedicine is going to be the next big thing. Now that it’s easier than ever to securely share data across geographical boundaries, we can expect mobile technology to play a central role in value-based healthcare.
Internet-connected smart devices are already a significant part of the mobile health revolution. Wearable technology, for example, can already be used to gather data in real-time. Healthcare practitioners can use this data to provide better service and help educate their patients, while the technology itself is becoming more relatable to the people who use it every day.
Online Computers helps healthcare providers reduce medical errors, improve patient safety, and streamline back-office processes through managed technology solutions that work. Call us today to learn more.
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