Are you looking to stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare trends? With advancements in technology, mental health initiatives, and access to more affordable healthcare, it’s important to keep track of what’s happening in the industry. In this article, we’ll explore the top trends shaping the future of healthcare. From connected health devices and telehealth consultations to reducing stigma around mental health issues, get ready to stay ahead of the game!

1. Connected Health

There aren’t too many positives to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, but two of note were telehealth and what medical authorities call ‘virtual or remote monitoring’.

Before the pandemic, telehealth in Australia was something mainly seen in rural and remote communities. But in general practice, telehealth consultations jumped to 36% of doctor-patient interactions versus 1.3% before Covid.¹

According to a very recent report, the global telemedicine market was around $104 billion in 2021, but expected to grow to $273 billion in 2027.²

Digital health technology is also enjoying an extended moment in the limelight, which will no doubt provide great support for doctors and patients embracing the telehealth revolution.

Digital health, or connected health, is basically using the power of digital technology to provide better healthcare to patients, even if they’re not in the same room as the doctor.

 This trend in the healthcare sector, can provide convenience for both patients and doctors as well as safety in regard to medical professionals exposure to illness and transmittable disease. Patients, who may not be able to get out of the house easily due to illness, disability or travel restrictions may be able to comply with regular patient care via remote patient monitoring, resulting in better patient outcomes and more up-to-date medical records. 

 Connected devices such as blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors containing Bluetooth capabilities where a patient can connect their medical devices to an app on their mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, are being seen more and more in the connected health space. They are becoming more affordable, easy to use and can help medical professionals gain a fuller picture of the overall health of their patients. 

2. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

It’s hard to pick up a newspaper or read something online without encountering the term Artificial Intelligence or AI these days. Rest assured, it’s not about a robot taking the place of your doctor. It’s just another great tool that healthcare professionals can deploy to help deliver the best and most appropriate healthcare and health outcomes. Using technology to analyse patient data and detect patterns that would take a very long time for the human brain, but a machine can speed the whole process up. Expect to see a lot more in the future.

3. Wearables and Smart Monitoring Devices

As we mentioned above, digital or connected health is here to stay and growing.

Smartphones are often the pathway to store health information or send information gathered from another digital device. For example, there are blood glucose monitors or blood pressure monitors that sync results with an app on your phone. Learn more about the wide range of Omron Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices Connected Health options here.

Wearable devices, such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, or more affordable devices such as the Quantum Fit Health Tracker are also good examples of the connected health system. They generally detect and monitor things like steps, heart rate, sleep patterns and other health conditions. But the future is already here, so it’s now possible to get contact lenses that monitor blood glucose, smart pills that monitor medication intake behaviours and the body’s response, and devices that detect falls.³

Wearable technology is definitely here to stay. 

Using these devices gives you the ability to monitor your health over a long period of time, while you go about your normal daily life, which is probably much more useful than a single snapshot during the doctor appointment.

Expect to see even more progress in remote monitoring devices – the ideal partner to telehealth consultations.

4. More Accessible Healthcare

Perhaps a third benefit of the pandemic is that health become front and centre of our lives. Many of us are paying more attention, and it would appear that major retailers might be pursuing the wellness sector. In the US, research organisation Forrester, predicted a doubling of healthcare transactions in 2023, while here in Australia two of our biggest retail groups have been battling it out and establishing a health focus.^5,6

5. A Greater Focus on Mental Health

One of the not-so-good outcomes of the pandemic was the impact on mental health. Federal and state governments around Australia responded, and continue to develop mental health initiatives.

The National Mental Health Commission’s goal is to also reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. And it’s not uncommon to see sportspeople or celebrities open up about their battles.

In summary, the healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing patient needs. Telehealth and digital or connected health, AI, and recognition of the need for mental health services are among the top trends in healthcare shaping the future of healthcare, proving once again that ‘what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger’.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating the latest healthcare trends into patient care brings a range of benefits. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, investing in an Omron Blood Pressure Monitoring Device with connected health capabilities is a great way to ensure that patient care is up-to-date and accurate. Not only does this device provide accurate results, but it can also be used in combination with other digital devices or wearables to monitor health conditions over a longer period of time. By integrating these tools into healthcare organisations, they can offer their patients the best possible care while keeping up with the latest trends in healthcare. 

See the full range of Omron Blood Pressure Monitors here.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. For people with high blood pressure. Consult your doctor to evaluate the readings. Check your device periodically for accuracy.

Sources:

1. https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/3436014/UoM-MI-ANZ_Brochure-FV.pdf
2. https://blog.marketresearch.com/5-key-healthcare-industry-trends-to-watch
3. ​​ Deloitte. How digital technology is transforming health and social care
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/12/06/the-top-5-healthcare-trends-in-2023/?sh=140fd2e4565b
5. https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/woolworths-makes-further-push-into-pharmacy-20221216-p5c6vs
6. https://www.wesfarmers.com.au/our-businesses/health
7. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/australias-mental-health-services
8. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2023/03/09/moving-on-from-covid-means-facing-its-impact-on-mental-health–s.html
9. https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/Projects/stigma-and-discrimination-reduction-strategy