As the pandemic disrupted lives and industries, it necessitated the urgency for healthcare and technology to work in tandem. We know the two go hand-in-hand. But the global health crisis rapidly paved the way for innovative technology to help save lives. Digital health trends gained momentum in the last few years.
“Trends” may be a misnomer here since the technology will continue to steer medicine for the foreseeable. In the Herculean effort to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all, tech contains the potential to lead the way. Let’s take a look at some of the driving forces that could change the future of medicine.
Telehealth
The number of in-person visits declined drastically when social distancing was the norm. Out from the ashes emerged telehealth services. It enables efficient and quick delivery of health services through digital devices like computers, tablets, and phones. Despite vaccines rolling out globally, telehealth services are here to stay.
IoT
Medical IoT is a fast-growing trend with good reason. Through wearable devices and applications, users can better track and monitor their healthcare needs. Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence can offer smarter, more integrated healthcare solutions.
Wellness Applications
Lockdown life took a mental toll on even the most resilient of us. The last decade has seen a significant shift in the wellness app industry – millions of downloads and new users. Wellness was no longer a niche but a necessary tool for survival. Businesses also recognized the role wellness apps could play in improving employee retention, happiness, and productivity.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and Augmented Reality are moving beyond entertainment to offer lifesaving health benefits. The technology is as immersive in healthcare as it is in some of our favorite games. Surgeons can use VR-enabled tools to better plan and train for complex procedures. Studies have also shown how VR effectively helps mental health and chronic pain management.
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