The pandemic was a wake-up call for worldwide healthcare systems, leading to the rush adoption of digital healthcare technology. While this helped diagnose medical conditions and provide treatment without in-person consultations, it highlighted the vast disparity in quality healthcare between vulnerable and privileged patients.
The digitalization of healthcare aims to address these disparities, improving access to quality healthcare for millions of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. By incorporating technology, medical professionals can expect improvements in workforce shortages, workloads, and economic pressure, promoting mental health and preventing burnout.
As healthcare equality becomes a top priority, incorporating technology into the healthcare system provides a promising future for medical professionals.
Discover the top medical trends and predictions for 2023 and learn how they could shape the future of healthcare.
Personalized medicine is on the rise
In 1999, The Wall Street Journal published an article on genetic mapping. If we take a look further back in history this concept dates back to Hippocrates, who famously stated that “it’s far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has”.
Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, is a rising trend for 2023 that leverages genetic testing to analyze an individual’s proteins and genes, resulting in a tailored treatment plan. The most powerful impact will be in the advancement of cancer treatment, as the approach will enable targeted treatment, progress assessment, and more accurate prognoses for improved patient outcomes. There are high expectations for this trend to see comprehensive implementation by 2030.
Virtual care and telemedicine save lives
Virtual care, or telemedicine, can transform healthcare by allowing remote consultations, monitoring, and education without in-person visits. This growing trend benefits patients with convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, especially those with chronic conditions. Studies show improved patient outcomes due to better disease control.
Virtual care also provides medical professionals with improved efficiency, work flexibility, and targeted interventions, resulting in better chronic disease management and a lower risk of complications. Expanding its reach will improve healthcare equity and accessibility.
Machine learning and AI continue to evolve
Innovative applications like Healthily are changing the self-diagnosis game due to their ability to use machine learning and AI to strengthen algorithms. Technology has transformed how we incorporate AI and machine learning in medical care, assisting us in tracking wellness and pairing high-quality data to ensure accurate patient analysis. Another example is Nabla, an AI-powered medical assistant that allows medical consultations and appointment booking, storing patient data in the form of medical records.
AI is also a powerful tool for medical practitioners to diagnose and analyze diseases. For example, algorithms assist radiologists by quickly detecting malignant tumors and guiding medical professionals in treatment and prognosis. AI is no lone soldier – humans are its greatest asset, but the future of AI is unavoidable – it will continue to strengthen and improve automation and other aspects of care, resulting in faster diagnosis and treatment and improved life expectancy.
Wearable devices are getting smarter
Wearable technology continues to rise in 2023 as it has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing medical professionals with real-time data on their patients’ health. Wearable devices can monitor a range of health metrics, including heart rate and blood pressure, and provide valuable insights into patients’ overall health and well-being. Apple’s ECG feature is a fine example, cleared by the FDA in 2018, as it can help medical professionals quickly identify irregular heart rhythms and assist them in making more informed treatment decisions.
Not only are wearables encouraging us to be healthier, more active, and manage our stress levels, but by leveraging wearable technology, medical professionals can provide more personalized and targeted care, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.
Identifying individualism with patient-centric care
While doctors are qualified professionals, there have been instances where treatment plans were established without consulting patients and their families, in turn, preventing the adoption of a customized approach to their needs. Patient-centric care sees a return to this by igniting a collaboration with the patient, family, and provider.
Providers must treat patients from a mental, spiritual, and financial perspective, with desired outcomes of the patient being the driving force behind decisions. This ethical approach can enhance the healthcare provider’s reputation among patients and peers alike, and lead to improved patient satisfaction. Increased productivity and morale in ancillary staff will likely increase with heightened patient satisfaction. If adopted correctly, resource allocation will improve, resulting in better financial margins and reduced expenses.
Takeaway
With emerging 2023 healthcare trends such as personalized medicine, virtual care, and AI, we are excited about the advancements in the medical industry. Healthcare professionals have a bright future while adapting and integrating technological trends into their work. With wearable technology and patient-centric care also on the rise, it will provide endless opportunities for professionals to improve patient outcomes and revolutionize the industry.
If you want to advance your career in healthcare, there has never been a more exciting time to do so.
