The telehealth industry is on the rise. With so many people now able to be followed around with serious health issues, there’s an increasing demand for telehealth services. As a result, telehealth is expected to grow 50% in 2024 alone. So what are some of the key trends in the telehealth industry? Here are five key trends that will shape the future of telehealth in 2024.
1. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) and Wearables
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is the ability of electronic devices to communicate with each other. With this communication, a patient’s medical information can be collected and sent to a doctor, which will help them better understand and treat the patient. Wearables are also a part of it. Wearable technology is wearable devices that can collect and transmit health data to a doctor or other person via wireless technology. This can help monitor someone’s health daily. This is especially helpful for people with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. IoMT and wearables will be a considerable part of telehealth in the future.
2. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual reality is the ability to create an experience that can be experienced through technology, such as a video game or a movie. Augmented reality is the ability to add computer-generated information to the user’s perception of the natural environment. VR and AR will be key trends in telehealth in 2024. With VR, patients and doctors can interact with each other without actually being in the same place. This can help them better understand each other’s symptoms, creating a more successful treatment plan. With AR, doctors and patients can get real-time information about their health situation at home or work. This helps them feel better informed when they are away from the hospital or doctor’s office.
3. AI-empowered Big Data and analytics
AI is the ability to create a machine that can think, learn, and make decisions on its own. With AI-enhanced Big Data and analytics, telehealth can analyze patients’ health data in real time. This will help doctors, and patients better understand their health problems in the hospital or doctor’s office. It will also help them make better treatment plans at home. AI has already been used as a part of telehealth; for example, artificial intelligence has helped automate some patient processes, such as phone calls from patients to their doctors. AI-powered speech recognition software can help with this process by creating automated responses for patients who call their doctors. This software can also interpret an individual’s symptoms and recommend treatments based on what it recognizes about the patient’s voice.
4. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
RPM is a type of telehealth where doctors can remotely monitor and treat patients via video or audio communications. RPM benefits patients who cannot go to the hospital for treatment or people in remote areas, such as those who live in rural areas. This technology can also be used by caregivers, such as family members, to monitor their loved ones at home. There are several ways that RPM works. One way is through video conferencing, which allows doctors and patients to simultaneously see each other’s health conditions as they speak over the phone. The other way is through telemedicine, which involves sending physicians’ medical records via digital transmissions to remote locations. These medical records can be accessed on a computer or tablet device. With this form of RPM, the patient does not have to travel to the doctor’s office or hospital to receive care; it can be done remotely with the help of a communication device.
5. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
RPA is an AI-powered software that automates everyday tasks for companies and organizations. RPA can automate patient intake forms, improving the efficiency of the patient’s treatment. With RPA, it is possible to automate the process of filling out patient intake forms in an automated manner. This will allow patients to receive faster treatment while reducing paperwork and errors. RPA can also be used to improve the efficiency of medical records by automatically updating them in real-time or after a certain amount of time has passed. Additionally, with RPA, it is possible to create automated responses for patients who call their doctors; it can also help interpret a patient’s symptoms and recommend treatment based on what it recognizes about the voice or voice pattern.
6. Cognitive Automation (CA)
CA is a type of AI-powered software that can be used to automate tasks in healthcare. CA can be used to improve patient medical records and the efficiency of the medical care process. CA can be used to create automated responses for patients who call their doctors; it can also help interpret a patient’s symptoms and recommend treatment based on what it recognizes about the voice or voice pattern. For example, if a patient calls his doctor complaining of nausea, CA will recognize this symptom based on the pattern and tailor recommendations to the individual patient.
7. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a type of AI-powered software that will prevent or stop cyber attacks. Cyberattacks are often used to steal patient data, which hackers can access and use to access the patient’s medical records. Cybersecurity can help prevent cyberattacks by using AI-powered software in an automated manner. For example, it is possible to use cybersecurity to track suspicious activity on a network and automatically notify the appropriate personnel if there is any suspicious activity. This way, there is less chance of a cyberattack and much greater security for patients’ medical records.
In conclusion, AI-powered SaaS technology has a lot of benefits to the healthcare industry. It is possible to automate many tasks in the healthcare industry, allowing it to improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, these software platforms must be appropriately regulated and monitored, not negatively affect patients’ health.
If you are a healthcare office and walk to talk about offering financing to your patients, feel free to reach out.