Top 7 Healthcare Technology Trends To Look For In 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has hit the healthcare sector hard. The global issue is the cause of several innovations and revolutions in the industry. However, this is not the first time that the healthcare industry has been moved by digital technologies. Transformations were already there in place but just got a boost in investment and adoption after what happened in the year 2020. Now, in 2021, these technologies are getting even stronger and empowering the healthcare sector.

In this article, we are going to learn about the top healthcare technology trends that you should watch out for in 2021. Also, let's see how each of these technologies is making an impact and improving the quality of healthcare services. Thus, diverting the healthcare sector towards digitization for the good of the common public and medical institutions.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is when doctors treat their patients from a remote location instead of having them physically present in clinics. Usually, it happens through live video conferences in which both the doctor and patient can see each other. This idea has been expanded and adopted by millions of doctors and patients all over the world. It helped many people to get treatment during the pandemic when there were restrictions from moving out. The practice has proven that virtual consultations are possible. They are convenient, especially for all those who have to travel far to see a doctor. As per experts, telemedicine is only going to increase in the future.

Hospitals and other medical organizations should invest in digital systems and promote telemedicine services for the convenience of the patients.

VR & AR

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies play a key role in the healthcare industry. They have a range of applications that are gaining popularity rapidly. Through VR training, medical practitioners can learn and upgrade their skills without any need to visit the hospital. During the pandemic, the technology helped to train several frontline workers who were required to work in intensive care units. They were trained how to use PPE kits, operate ventilators, engage with patients, and provide support to their families. It can be used for providing care to patients as well. Hence, AR and VR are two trends that the healthcare industry can’t miss out on to improve their services.

IoMT

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has also arisen as an important healthcare technology trend this year. As devices and mobile apps are playing a major part in helping citizens in tracking and pointing out ailments, this method becomes very useful. IoMT involves the use of several wearables, such as ECG and EKG monitors. These devices help a person to check their skin temperature, glucose level, blood pressure, pulse readings, and heartbeat. Many big players are entering the IoT business to make money. It is expected to grow to a value of $6.2 trillion by 2025.

Blockchain

Blockchain carries the potential to bring a revolution in the healthcare industry and impact the population positively in the upcoming years. It has several uses for hospitals, patients, and medical suppliers. Using this, Digital ledgers can empower medical suppliers to make secure transfers of patient’s medical records and payments. Its peer-to-peer system allows multiple users to have a common ledger. With this, there will be no more trouble for hospitals to fear about the security of transactions of data and payments. The technology can significantly help with accessibility and security in the healthcare sector.

Cloud Computing

Managing data and keeping records is an inseparable part of the healthcare sector, but it is quite challenging too. Healthcare providers find it hard to manage and keep the data of numerous patients with safety and credibility. Cloud computing technology comes to the rescue with its extraordinary management of electronic medical records. It is helpful for both the patients and the doctors as the records help in having a consistent consultation. It shows all the medical history of the patients in one place and leaves little chance for important things to miss out on during the consultation process.

Big Data and Predictive Analytics

The big data tools help to produce reliable analytics out of a large amount of information within no time. As digitization is happening at a fast pace, capturing and storing clinical data safely is crucial. Wearable sensors have made it possible to record continuous data at an affordable cost. New regulations and systems have made it easy to transfer this data for the benefit of predictive analytics. The big data proved to be extremely important during the pandemic as it helped to have an estimate of the rise in Corona cases. It also helped to think about vaccination, identify risky groups and areas depending on a range of factors.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is another rising trend and the future of the healthcare industry. It is changing the way treatments are provided to the patients. Not only it helps in delivering drugs like vaccines effectively but also diagnoses diseases rapidly. It helps to deliver vaccines using aerosols and patches. Using nanotechnology, medical practitioners can ensure that the drugs enter specific areas of the body of the patient. Also, the drugs can be formulated and their dose can be decreased.

The market of nanotechnology is worth US $219 million in 2020. It is expected to grow further and will be worth US $461 million by 2026.

Conclusion

Healthcare technology trends are the future of our medical industry. These technologies are not only bringing a revolution in the sector but also saving several lives. Once these technologies become more powerful and useful, they will change the way we live our lives. The benefits and potential are unlimited and there’s no reason we shouldn’t adopt these. Hence, for healthcare organizations, this is the time for digital transformation. Keep building innovative products and services for the patients and move a step closer to achieving your goals.

If you are into the healthcare sector and planning to adopt these technologies in your services, this is the right time to go ahead. This is going to add a lot of value to the lives of your patients.