Technology has brought many improvements to various aspects of our lives, not the least of which is our healthcare system. We have seen how the growth of digital innovation has brought significant changes in the healthcare systems in the past, and these are expected to compound in 2019. A good example is the use of software for easy tracking, saving, and retrieving information regarding various sicknesses and their treatment. In this post, we look at the 6 top digital health trends to keep track of, since they are likely to deliver a positive impact on healthcare this year.
1. Digital Health Tools for Continued Management of Chronic Diseases
The digital tools and applications are shifting from counting to complete management of chronic health conditions. In the recent past, IQVIA reported significant growth in the number of health apps and wearable health devices in the consumer market.
In 2017, the health apps that targeted specific conditions were 17% of the market share. This is expected to grow in 2019. In the new wave of innovation, the developments focus on improving the accuracy and detection of specific signs that are essential in the health processes. By so doing, the devices can be used to carry out the diagnosis in a large population and void the need for bulky clinical tools.
Some of the conditions that have been tested so far using innovation include diabetes, circulatory system and heart disorders, and behavioral and mental health disorders.
2. Customized Services for Patients in Hospitals Using the Patient-generated Data
Different digital health systems have been in use to better the services offered to patients in healthcare centers. For instance, the workforce management tools help to determine the optimal number of caregivers required in a given station for better services leading to long-term success in the industry.
The American Hospital Association reveals the upcoming digital developments for 2019. Working with AVIA, the Association conducted a survey with 317 executives from the health systems and hospitals. Among the top priorities for the health digital solutions the medics need, patient-generated services and customized services top the list, with a demand of 31%.
Personalized Health Services for Individuals
With the continued digital health innovation, mobile apps now can offer you personalized health tips and solutions based on your nutrigenomics results. There are many personal home DNA test kit available in the market these days, that allows you to identify your genes for better treatment therapy.
Such tools come with a mobile app that allows you to read the data and get recommendations for the foods you should add to your supply like fruit salad, and what to cut from your diet. The nutrition-based treatment is based on DNA health testing that you carry out yourself at home.
Digital Health Innovations to Focus on More Human Behavior
In a survey by Accenture, 81% of the healthcare executives that gave their views showed interest in new innovations that should focus on indicating the needs of their patients. The management consulting company that is based in Chicago further revealed that the report shows how the developments would help doctors to offer better services to their clients in the complex systems.
In regard to this, AI should be incorporated as a user interface in most health applications and devices. There is also the need for interactive digital health tech that can help the patients to have easier communications with the health service providers for faster services or consultations.
Digital Technology Should Be Treated as Assets
In the health and medical care industry, the use of digital tech is mistaken for a liability. When compared with other industries like travel, communications, and other sectors, healthcare remains far behind when it comes to incorporating digital health technology in the business.
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, when the healthcare companies treat digital technology as strategic assets, they will be in the position to make a leap in their services and improve in the competence and service delivery.
Digital Tech Improves Analytics to Improve Performance
When collecting data, it can be used as a volumetric measure. But that does not give a complete solution for various health-related issues. Digital innovations in the sector can help build better apps to sample the data and give an analysis of the data with better insights.
Healthcare companies can use the strategy to come up with result-oriented practices when dealing with patient data. By utilizing the technology, healthcare professional can better focus on the outcome instead of the volumes they collect.
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