The global COVID-19 pandemic pushed the healthcare sector to adapt and innovate. Adaptation of more and more tech in healthcare has become a priority. It’s not like things were not heading in the same direction anyway, but things were likely to move much slower. Now, investments in healthcare is an expedited change. It is picking up speed like never before. Click Pharmacy is one of the newest ventures looking to deliver authentic medication based on an e-commerce model.
The year 2021 will see more technologies in healthcare as a ripple effect of the chaotic year of 2020. This article brings an analysis of the most significant healthcare tech trends this year. Needless to say, the majority of the trends associated with healthcare have a clear connection to digitisation and usage of data. Read it to stay ahead of the market;
1. E-Medicine
E-medicine will become the simplest form of readily available services in the healthcare sector. Not every patient needs a visit to the ER or a hospital to confer with a GP. Sometimes, simple internet-based communication is enough. This niche got nicely filled during the lockdown in 2020 and got amazingly popular. Many doctors had a sigh of relief when they were able to treat potential COVID-19 patients from far away.
This trend is likely to continue in 2021. Services that offer 24/7 consultation with relevant healthcare specialists will continue to gain popularity. Patients that dislike visiting hospitals or have no time will continue to adapt to e-medicine more and more.
2. Regulations
E-health is an ‘on-demand’ economy. Regulations are tricky when it comes to an on-demand economy. The UK has recently ruled Uber drivers to be considered ‘employees’ and that they must be afforded all employee privileges. EU is also looking to draft clear regulations that oversee the on-demand economy, but it will take time.
Many healthcare platforms have adopted the strategy of growing their business instead of worrying over non-existent regulations. While good, for now, this strategy will leave uncertainty when regulations are finally worked through and put into effect. New rules can destroy a business model by adding new expenses, but they can also ensure that workers’ rights are upheld.
Despite the fear of uncertainty, this growth trend in e-medicine is not likely to stop any time soon.
3. Cybersecurity
Hackers have repeatedly attacked COVID-19 vaccine data. European Medicines Agency, BoiNTech, and Pfizer have reported the attempts. Several US hospitals recently fell victim to ransomware. Now, the healthcare sector keenly feels its vulnerability in its cybersecurity infrastructure.
Since healthcare has become such a lucrative target for hackers, they are bound to spend a lot of money on cybersecurity measures. In fact, cybersecurity and data protection are probably the highest priority for many e-health initiatives in 2021. It is only natural to respond to threats with bared teeth. Countless cyber-attacks have all but lit a fire under investors to finance stringent security measures.
4. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
IoMT is a collection of medical devices and apps that connect to healthcare IT systems. They use online computer networks to connect and transmit pertinent data. IoMT use will become more common and trendy in 2021.
Proper utilisation of IoMT can save the healthcare sector billions of dollars. People won’t have to visit hospitals for non-essential consultations – cutting costs in infrastructure and time. IoMT can increase a healthcare provider’s efficiency by digitising the system, optimising the workflow and automating many menial processes.
IoMT devices bring healthcare to remote or underdeveloped areas. Patients with limited mobility can contact their doctors at the press of a button and ask for advice. The popularity of IoMT will likely continue to rise this year.
5. Remote Patient Monitoring Tech and Wearables
As iterated above, IoMT devices extend the reach of the healthcare system to the remotest corners of the world. A doctor can effectively monitor and give valuable advice to the patient sitting right at home. Remote monitoring also allows easy treatment of heart disease, asthma, diabetes and many more diseases.
A wearable EEG device can alert the doctor when you have a cardiac arrest. Digital blood pressure cuffs can send blood pressure and pulse readings to your GP. Some pills carry edible sensors that inform the doctor if the patient is eating medicine at the specified time. More gadgets will be made in 2021. This is a highly lucrative market, and it will expand like rabbits.
6. Online Billing and Claims Processing
The pandemic has kickstarted not only e-health but also the need to automate associated healthcare processes – especially administrative tasks. Even when an in-person appointment is set, the payments, insurance discussions, etc., need to be handled online. IoMT systems play an important role in this.
An integrated electronic prescription system allows healthcare providers access to details on your insurance coverage. The system can ensure that patients get the medications covered by their insurance policy. The whole process is completely automated. The paperwork, including insurance, is verified electronically. All a patient has to do is pick up the prescription or order its delivery.
Last Word
The global healthcare system has received a huge jolt from this pandemic. It was always heading towards digitalisation, but the pace has substantially quickened in 2021. New challenges keep emerging every day, and new solutions are required to keep up with them. Patient expectations have also changed with the current age.
These factors and many more have become a true driving force behind evolving healthcare tech trends. Healthcare providers must keep up and alter their business model to maintain their profits. They must prioritise digitalisation and innovation in their approach.
