Trends in telehealth innovation have transformed medical care over the past three years since the rise of COVID-19.
It broke down barriers to accessing healthcare, allowing everyone to quickly and immediately get the care they need. It also allows primary care providers to reach more people and provide better patient outcomes.
Because of this, the industry continues to observe an upsurge in growth and innovation, even as the rest of the world has learned to adjust to the pandemic.
Innovations in telemedicine, including remote patient monitoring, mobile health applications, and the internet of medical things (IoMT), are likely to drastically alter how we access healthcare in the future.
In this article, we’ll explore some of these trends in telehealth and look at the benefits patients and physicians can gain from them.
Telehealth trends to expect in 2023
Below are four of the most impactful telehealth trends you should watch out for this 2023.
1. AI and machine learning in healthcare
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare isn’t new, but its use will definitely continue to accelerate in the years to come.
AI helps healthcare professionals streamline data analysis processes, deliver more precise diagnoses and treatments, and reduce administrative duties for medical staff.
Based on a study by MIT, about 75% of medical staff acknowledge that AI enabled them to make better predictions in disease treatment, and nearly four in five reported that AI helped avert burnout, a common problem among healthcare workers.
Healthcare organizations are also using machine learning algorithms to predict future health risks. Not only that, but doctors can now tap into platforms that use machine learning to provide them with real-time insights into the person’s symptoms using their health records, claims data, and surveys.
2. Remote patient monitoring
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a technology that transmits information between doctors and patients. It is exceedingly helpful with patients who need monitoring for their health conditions and prevent complications in patients who cannot travel.
RPM devices include wired and wireless devices that remotely track a person’s medical or well-being data collected outside a traditional healthcare setting.
Initially developed for clinical settings, remote monitors and sensors like continuous glucose monitors and pulse oximeters are now available for patients to use at home. With advances in AI and 5G, these devices offer physicians a continuous stream of quality health data they can easily access.
One area many are continuously striving to innovate is the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). IoMT can allow for real-time remote patient monitoring using devices such as wearables, trackers, and sensor-based devices.
The Nonagon Care Kit is an intuitive composition of telehealth devices that lets patients capture clinically accurate information, including taking high-definition videos of the throat and the inner ear, along with other physical exam data. It also enables patients to connect with their doctors in real-time or when it is convenient to share their physical exam data.
3. EHR-based health
An electronic health record is a digital version of a patient’s medical chart. It contains information from all clinicians involved in patient care. This includes medications, laboratory and test results, and treatment plans.
One area of continuous development is EHR mobile software. HIPAA-compliant EHR apps allow patients and providers to access medical data at their convenience. Not only that, but they can securely share this vital health information between each other or with other healthcare team members.
Medical application developers are continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible by creating applications with various uses. Some apps, like Nonagon, now allow patients to record images or videos that depict their symptoms and share them with their doctor seamlessly, allowing for immediate diagnosis.
4. AR and VR Technologies
The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in healthcare is growing rapidly. AR and VR can provide physicians with a more immersive experience when it comes to diagnostics, patient care, treatments, and educational tools.
Advances in VR technology continue to enhance medical education and practice through educational VR content and platforms.
The use of virtual reality systems in telemedicine makes it possible for surgeons to perform surgeries while thousands of miles away.
In 2020, neurosurgeons performed their first AR surgery on a living patient. They wore headsets consisting of see-through eye displays that projected the patient’s anatomy based on their CT scans.
VR also holds promise for therapy. Therapists can create personalized environments for their patients. An example would be exposure therapy for treating specific phobias in a safe environment.
Endless possibilities for healthcare
Telemedicine is revolutionizing the healthcare industry and making care more accessible than ever. With the telehealth trends such as AI, machine learning, and 5G networks, healthcare providers can now use telemedicine for various services, from diagnosis to remote surgery.
Telehealth trends not only ease burdens on healthcare facilities but also improve care competence, plummeting overhead costs and enriching patient results. With limitless possibilities, the future of telemedicine remains undefined, waiting to reveal its full potential.
Want to experience the ease and convenience of telemedicine? With Nonagon’s N9+, you can access your health data securely and connect with your preferred physician wherever you are. Learn more about how Nonagon works.
