5 Technology Innovations That Can Be Applied to Healthcare Sector

By CIOReview | Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Healthcare is advancing, and people are embracing the introduction of AI and robotics for their healthcare needs. Majority of consumers are inclined towards these advanced technologies as it has the potential to transform the healthcare sector to make it faster and more accessible to the needy. To better understand the wave of innovation, below mentioned are a few trends that are significant for the future of healthcare.

1. Predictive Analytics and Big Data

The enormous amount of big data demands innovative, cost-effective forms of information processing to enable enhanced and improved insight. Predictive analytics offers this methodology by considering current and historical information from these large data sets to make predictions.

For healthcare, both these technologies are a blessing. These innovations can significantly affect treatment plans, as it will help in predicting the most suitable treatment for a specific disease. Also, emergency department staffing can also be improved with predictive analytics.

2. IoT in Healthcare

The adoption of IoT in healthcare has seen an increasing demand globally. Currently, the two main applications of IoT are- firstly IoT initiatives are advancing facilities through remote monitoring and telemonitoring. Secondly, a significant amount of IoT is employed for tracking, asset monitoring, and its maintenance. This helps in increasing efficiency and optimization of assets thereby keeping patients safe, enhancing health and care delivery and promoting engagement.

There is progress in the healthcare sector with smart devices entering the human body to help with diagnosis and treatment, and smart homes and tools are gathering data to deliver personalized care.

3. AI for Healthcare

The progress of AI in healthcare is advancing rapidly, and the technology is helping in decoding various issues of both hospitals and patients. AI is helping healthcare providers to examine the patient’s data to offer a faster and more orderly service. AI technology treats patients who need chronic care and diagnostic counseling and also provides personalized attention. Witnessing the potentials of AI, there will be more technological development in this field.

4. 3D Printing in the Clinic

3D printing has become a trend to watch, but the lack of trained professionals, high software costs and strict regulations are holding this technology back. Apart from the increased R&D investments, there is an increase in the demand for customization. Organ transplants and personalized prosthetics can be considered as a possibility because of 3D printing. Besides the customization, 3D printing provides an alternative for human transplant which could, with the further advancement in technology, significantly decrease costs. It can help victims with burn injury to recover their skin and also helps patients who are drug addicts.

5. Blockchain for Healthcare

The blockchain is a solution for all the privacy and security related issues. This technology has proven to be a significant opportunity to collect and share data. Blockchains that require permission can enhance security within the healthcare sector, protecting confidential data from external threats.

There are obstacles to integrate blockchain in the pre-existing infrastructure, but with all the innovations, acceptance and cultural adoption becomes highly essential.