In recent years, many healthcare organizations initiated a digital transformation journey. This entails taking all aspects of their operations and making them more efficient through the use of technology.
And now there's no turning back, as people spend more and more time online to accomplish a variety of tasks, including looking up medical information and/or searching for medical providers. And with 85% of American adults owning a smartphone, hospitals and other healthcare institutions should fully adapt to the times and enhance patients' digital experiences.
Here's what you need to know about how digital transformation will continue to change the healthcare industry for the better in 2023.
Telehealth
Telemedicine is rapidly becoming an invaluable tool for providing care to those in need, regardless of their location. Powered by innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine can provide more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, especially for those in remote locations.
In 2023, telemedicine will further transform healthcare delivery by providing greater convenience to patients and ensuring the safety of healthcare teams. It will also continue to help secure revenue for healthcare organizations by making workflows more efficient.
Smart patient records
Thanks to AI and machine learning, patient records will become even more intelligent and useful for healthcare professionals. For one, AI technologies can analyze a patient's medical history to develop personalized care plans and recognize patterns that may indicate potential health issues.
In addition, healthcare professionals can leverage machine learning to scan patient records for discrepancies and alert them to possible errors or anomalies. With this technology, they can immediately identify potential issues and take steps to address them. This will guarantee that patients can quickly receive the care they need without having to endure long delays for updates.
Increased wearable technology
In 2023, the number of people who will use wearable health devices will continue to grow as wearables become even more advanced and offer a larger range of services. Wearable devices can measure vital signs such as heart rate, check body temperature, and track activity levels and sleep quality.
Based on a study, wearable medical devices like fitness bands and medical watches are particularly useful for self-monitoring and measuring blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels. By integrating this data with a patient's medical records, healthcare providers can gain a more comprehensive view of a patient's health and provide timely interventions if necessary. For example, a doctor could create an exercise regimen specifically tailored to a patient's needs and lifestyle based on data collected by a fitness band.
More accessible patient portals
Patient portals allow for easy access to important medical information and provide a secure platform for patients to interact with their healthcare providers. Patient portals also let patients access their medical records, request medical advice, book appointments, and even pay bills online, if needed.
In addition, cloud technology allows healthcare providers to securely store patient data and access it remotely. This will make it easier for healthcare professionals to collaborate while decreasing the expenses associated with managing paper records.
Overall, the continued development of digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing will continue to revolutionize healthcare in 2023. The use of these technologies will lead to greater patient engagement, improved health outcomes, and increased efficiency for healthcare organizations.
What challenges lie ahead in the healthcare industry's digital transformation?
Medical data privacy poses challenges to digital transformation in healthcare. With the increasing use of technology, more patient information is being stored digitally, making it vulnerable to unauthorized access or misuse. For example, hackers can gain access to patient records and use the information for malicious purposes. Patients may find themselves at greater risk of identity theft or financial fraud if their data is not properly protected.
Related reading: HIPAA compliance basics: Confidentiality, integrity, and availability
Healthcare organizations must therefore ensure the security and confidentiality of patients' medical data by using encryption technologies and establishing strict policies regarding how healthcare workers share and store patient data. Additionally, medical staff should be trained on the importance of implementing security measures to safeguard patient records. Healthcare organizations should also seek help from a local IT services provider that specializes in healthcare to equip them with the right security tools.
The healthcare industry is facing an exciting future that promises higher-quality care and improved access to services, all thanks to digitalization. Consult Healthy IT's team of experts to learn how your healthcare practice can leverage digital transformation. Drop us a line today.