Technology innovation in health care is moving at an unprecedented pace, and the industry is likely to experience a number of groundbreaking moments in 2018 as a result of these advancements. Here are some healthcare IT trends to watch out for in 2018.
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Prevalence of telemedicine and mobile health
These are poised to be more prevalent due to growth in the amount of data shared across health provides, as well as increased usage of electronic health records (EHRs) and mobile health devices among consumers.
Artificial intelligence takes over
See more of Internet of Voice devices – think of Amazon’s Alexa – as well as smart and wearable devices gathering health data in real time. Chatbots and other forms of AI now provide responsive interfaces that educate patients, improve data sharing among providers, and potentially enhance patient adherence to doctor’s orders.
Blockchain becomes more than a fad
Major software companies and providers are investing in more fully realized blockchain in healthcare systems. IBM, Intel, Google, and Microsoft have created units dedicated to developing blockchain products, including for health care.
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Mobilizing digital health transformation
Mobile – with people being more immersed in their smartphones and tablets by the minute – is a trend that won’t slow down anytime soon. Seed fund Rock Health noted that $3.5 billion was invested in 188 digital health firms in the first half of 2017 alone, and the number of wearables is expected to hit 34 million by the year 2022, according to Statista. With more U.S. adults suffering from mental illness and often turning to their smartphones before seeking medical advice, mental health services via mobile means could be key.
