New technology that will actively impact the way all industries conduct business is emerging every day.
The medical industry is no exception. In order to stay competitive, medical organizations must embrace these new technologies and integrate it into their everyday business practices.
Below are 3 new technology trends that will affect the medical industry in 2019 and beyond.
The Internet of Things
As more devices are connected to the Internet, the IoT will grow larger and lead to a data explosion. By 2020, 75 billion devices will be connected to the Internet, meaning more collection of data. Similarly, new technology in health devices such as FitBits record personal data such as heartbeat patterns and exercising habits, which are stored on the Internet. Such medical devices completely change the way patient care is managed.
Medical practitioners must face how their patients’ data and medical devices connect to the IoT and take measures to maintain patient confidentiality.
Artificial Intelligence & Automation
Computers are now automated and programmed to learn as humans do. This allows the computers to undertake more human tasks. Furthermore, The IoT’s data explosion contributes to AI’s advancement and accuracy. You may not realize that AI is already behind facial recognition software, social media, and home assistants such as Alexa.
In the medical industry, AI may take over everyday tasks often performed by nurses or receptionists. This includes activities such as retrieving a patient’s records or scheduling an appointment for a patient.
Blockchain
More companies are considering blockchain solutions for their security issues. 90 percent of major European and North American banks are looking into blockchain technology as a practical solution to the storing, authenticating and protecting data. Along with the financial and insurance industries, healthcare is predicted to heavily implement blockchain technology as well.
Each of these tech trends present new challenges and push medical practices to create new methods to manage and secure their data. For example, the massive increase of data requires changes in compliance regulations in the future. As a consequence, security and data backup strategies will also be impacted.
It is important to continuously observe how these trends are evolving and how they affect your healthcare organization in the future.
