Telemedicine is the merger of technology’s positive impact on medicine and healthcare in general. In April 2021, data showed that 64% of American households had used at least one telemedicine amenity during quarantine. Meanwhile, statistics also indicate that 76% of hospitals use one form of telehealth technology. In effect, considering that the percentages are impressive, it makes sense why it would continue to grow in popularity. Below is a compilation of some key trends driving telemedicine’s future.
- Enhanced user experience
In the American healthcare system, patient demand has continuously fueled the growth of telehealth and telemedicine. The rise for convenient access and quick care places a huge demand on service providers to do better than they already are. Moreover, expectations become the driving force to improve the user experience. Since the beginning of the 21st century, more healthcare facilities, especially hospitals, have sought the best technologies relevant to their primary purpose.
Therefore, this has given rise to software interventions like those that make maximum use of voice technology in healthcare. The ease of access and convenience offered by these modern electronic health record (EHR) systems automatically improves the healthcare experience. The future of enhanced user experience borders on seamless and integrated apps. As long as that remains the status quo, it will continue to drive the future of telehealth.
- Integrated data sharing
Data sharing in America’s healthcare system is more important now than it’s probably ever been. Being able to gather relevant information and sharing them across multiple platforms defines the future of telehealth. For example, among fitness enthusiasts who use apps to monitor their body vitals (heart rate, breathing, etc.), it becomes crucial to use that data for telehealth apps. This is why developers of these medical health apps are charting new paths to enhance the data integration compatibility of their products.
Fortunately, this gives healthcare professionals better insight into the health status of their patients. When these platforms are interoperable, it becomes easier to handle data and, more importantly, gives room for sufficient interpretation. This ultimately translates into proper patient care and is devoid of oversights. Understanding it from this perspective can help you appreciate the significant role integrated data plays in the future of telehealth.
- Artificial intelligence
Automated interactions with patients are in huge demand, and it appears that it’s another element driving the future of telehealth. Artificial Intelligence (AI) thrives on the concept of human-like cognition to achieve desired results. In modern healthcare, this takes on the form of diagnostic tools and devices which help medical professionals in the line of work. While there is some debate about leaving crucial diagnoses in the ‘hands’ of a non-human, there is a counterargument. This involves acknowledging that even with AI diagnosis, a human medical specialist can have the final say. For example, in diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, algorithms help AI applications conclude in 87% of cases. However, the physician gives the final clearance on the diagnosis made by these AI applications.
To conclude, many more elements drive the future of telehealth and telemedicine. Hopefully, this compilation provided you with some insight into the topic.
