The global pandemic of 2021 pushed the healthcare industry to evolve and innovate. It also laid the foundations for how the sector will change in the next decade.
Although the industry has moved on from its previous path, many of these technologies were already in development before the pandemic. There is still a lot of work to be done to improve the quality of healthcare, and technology is at the forefront.
Although the pandemic will continue have a significant impact on the industry in 2022, it is also expected to bring about the adoption of new technologies. To stay ahead of the curve, we have identified the key technology trends that will affect the healthcare industry in 2022.
Telemedicine
One of the most significant technology trends that will affect the healthcare industry in 2022 is the implementation of on-demand medical services. This concept is driven by the increasing number of connected devices and the consumer demand for goods and services.
The emergence of on-demand services has changed the way jobs are viewed. One, it created a pool of talent that was not available in traditional employment models. Two, it made it easier for people to move on from their current job.
Cybersecurity
While the infrastructure of the healthcare industry was at its weakest point in decades, hackers were able to target the COVID-19 vaccine. BioNTech, Pfizer, and the European Medicines Agency reported that their vaccine data was targeted by hackers. The attacks forced the healthcare industry to become more aware of its cybersecurity.
Due to the nature of the attacks and the increasing number of breaches in the healthcare industry, it is expected that the need for effective cybersecurity will become more prevalent in 2022. This will allow more companies to hire experienced and skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The widespread adoption of IoT devices in 2022 is expected to make it easier for the healthcare industry to address some of the issues that it had to deal with in 2020. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, the cost savings that IoT could bring to the healthcare industry could be worth $300 billion.
One of the most cost-effective ways to improve the efficiency of the healthcare industry is through the use of telemedicine. This method can help minimize the time and infrastructure costs associated with providing non-emergency medical services. Another benefit of using the Internet of Things is that it allows the healthcare industry to collect and analyze data from various sources.
One of the most effective ways to improve the efficiency of the healthcare industry is through the use of IoT devices. These devices can be used to provide healthcare to remote areas that do not have the resources to provide full-time hospitals. They can also be used to conduct regular tests and consult with patients at their homes.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring can help extend the reach of healthcare services by allowing doctors to monitor their patients outside of a hospital or clinic. It can also help treat chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma.
This technology can allow doctors to monitor a patient’s vitals in real-time. It can also help motivate people to improve their lifestyles. Aside from being useful, wearable tech is also becoming more reliable. According to the FDA, Apple Watch’s feature to detect a condition known as atrial fibrillation could be used in medical studies. There’s also a lot of money being invested in developing new wearable devices that can produce data for medical studies.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
VR and AR are also contributing to the development of healthcare tech trends. One example of this is the use of virtual training for medical professionals. This method allows them to improve their skills without having to travel to a hospital.
During the outbreak of the pandemic, UK-based training platform Virti worked with the National Health Service to provide intensive care unit staff with training on how to use various equipment and techniques. According to the company’s founder, the platform used various formats and personalized prediction software to engage users.
Due to the wide-ranging applications of virtual and augmented reality, the healthcare industry is expected to invest in these technologies to improve its efficiency.