Most of us didn’t know that March 2020 would change the world. When the pandemic hit, no one had any idea how long it would last and what effects it would have.
Now, more than a year later, hearing about how businesses are pivoting is so commonplace, we may quit paying attention.
Current trends in healthcare are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of them are so innovative and exciting that they’ll likely stick around even when the pandemic is over.
Whether a patient has COVID-19 or another health issue, healthcare trends are constantly evolving to meet those needs. While the pandemic has driven some of these changes, they are helpful to almost any patient.
Want to know more about the current technology trends in healthcare? You’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out more about five of the top trends taking place in the industry.
1. Virtual Healthcare
When it comes to emerging trends in healthcare, most experts agree that virtual options are the biggest advance made in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Virtual healthcare trends arose to treat patients when going to traditional clinics, offices, and other facilities wasn’t safe or viable. To prevent the spread, many patients’ appointments were canceled.
While this isn’t the end of the world in some cases, in others, that could be incredibly detrimental to the patient’s health. Why? Because many have ongoing health concerns that need consistent treatment.
Without the option of visiting in person with their healthcare team, these patients were offered virtual healthcare instead. The idea exploded and is likely to continue even when the pandemic is a thing of the past.
It’s been especially helpful for rural patients who now have the option of visiting online with their doctor. It eliminates the need for transportation and allows them to contact their medical team anytime they need to.
2. Genomics
Also called gene editing, genomics is a way to treat potentially deadly illnesses and diseases by altering the cell’s structure.
Researchers use the information they find within a person’s cells to create precise treatments that can cure or prevent a wide range of health conditions.
In terms of COVID-19, the technology allows a handheld device to accurately determine if a person is sick. It eliminates the need to screen for the condition via self-reported symptoms and a temperature check.
As the technology continues to advance, it becomes a viable way to check people for many conditions, as well as to help create new treatment options for them.
3. Inclusion and Diversity
During the pandemic, race and racism became a hot issue, with protests and parades being held to support Black Lives Matter.
At the same time, recognition was made for gender and sexual identification. With this comes the need to personalize care for each patient.
What’s happening in the medical field is a movement to ensure that each patient experiences inclusion and that medical professionals are sensitive to diversity and how it changes the care they offer.
Whether a patient is headed to the pharmacy to pick up medication or wants to talk about mental health, this inclusion and diversity creates a safe space for everyone.
At the same time, a push is being made to focus on inclusion and diversity in the healthcare industry itself. That means a team of professionals from all walks of life.
Not only does that make the workplace safer and more enjoyable, but it also allows medical teams to extend that diversity and inclusion to the populations they treat.
4. Artificial Intelligence
Getting our smartphones, tablets, and laptops in on healthcare is having a dramatic effect on the options available, the ability to collect data, and the opportunity to continue jumping on trends as they become available.
As more people use virtual healthcare, it’s provided a chance to collect information about their health. This can be used in a variety of beneficial ways.
In terms of COVID-19, it allows for contract tracing and alerting those who may have been exposed. When it comes to other illnesses, it could be what researchers need to make strides in treatment and cures for many illnesses.
Artificial intelligence also allows the healthcare industry to predict where resources are best allocated. It also helps health insurance companies set their rates and provide plans for their customers.
5. Robots
A list of future trends in healthcare wouldn’t be complete with some discussion of robots. After all, they epitomize futuristic healthcare. All joking aside, robots are set to take the healthcare industry by storm – in a good way.
As COVID-19 raged across the world, hospitals and other healthcare facilities took a huge financial hit. Much like other industries, many employees were made redundant on furlough.
That makes the use of robotic technology all the more important. Surgeons have developed ways of using robots to assist with medical procedures. Wearable technology is another form of robotic healthcare that is increasing.
Robotic technology may also help ease the administrative load, reducing paperwork and the workload for those still employed.
How to Use Current Trends in Healthcare
Perhaps you’re not aware of these healthcare trends. Or maybe you’re in the routine of the way you’ve always done things.
Current trends in healthcare may sound too futuristic to be possible, but each of the items on this list is happening now. There are some incredible benefits you can take advantage of too.
Talk to your medical team about which advances might be best suited to your health needs. Perhaps a regular virtual visit is feasible, saving you time and money without compromising care.
Whatever trend you’re most excited about, now is the time to give it a try. The pandemic certainly isn’t going anywhere at the moment, so you might as well get what you can out of it.
Before you go, read through all of our advice to learn life tips that will keep you living your healthiest and happiest life.