6 Innovations That Will Change Health Care and Medicine in the 2020s
How are hospitals and health systems positioning their organizations for the future in a post-pandemic world? While there are countless ways innovation has accelerated the transformation of healthcare delivery over the past year, here are six worth noting:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud technology
- Virtual ICU
- Collaboration
- Inpatient telehealth through specially equipped in-room televisions
- Virtual Reality
Health Leaders has spoken to innovators at multiple organizations who share their insights with our readers. These are their stories:
1.ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: 5 CONSIDERATIONS FOR HEALTH SYSTEMS
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds tremendous potential to change dynamics in healthcare, but it is also one of the least understood technologies, as myths, promises, and valid concerns create confusion in the landscape. Regardless, AI is a fast-growing technology sector, predicted to reach $6.6 billion this year by consulting firm Accenture, which also forecasts that key clinical health AI applications could potentially create $150 billion in annual savings for the U.S. healthcare economy by 2026.
2.CLOUD TECHNOLOGY
Cloud technology has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare and medicine industries in the 2020s. By leveraging the power of cloud computing, healthcare providers can store and access vast amounts of patient data, allowing for more personalized and efficient patient care. Additionally, cloud technology can facilitate collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals, enabling more effective and coordinated treatment plans.
3.VIRTUAL ICU
Virtual ICU is a revolutionary healthcare technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way medical care is delivered in the 2020s. With virtual ICU, healthcare providers can monitor patients remotely and provide real-time support and treatment, even when the patients are not physically present in the hospital. This technology makes it possible for medical staff to remotely access a patient’s medical records, vital signs, and test results, as well as communicate with patients and their family members. The implementation of virtual ICUs can improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes.
4.COLLABORATION
Collaboration has become increasingly important in healthcare and medicine over the past few years, and it is set to play an even more significant role in the 2020s. With the growth of digital technologies, medical professionals can now share data, information, and best practices with each other more easily than ever before. As a result, healthcare providers can work together to provide patients with more personalized, efficient, and effective care.
5.TELEHEALTH TVS POSITION INTERMOUNTAIN FOR THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL CARE
Intermountain Healthcare has outfitted smart televisions in patient rooms with devices from Amwell that transform the TV set into a telehealth portal, replete with a pan, tilt, and zoom camera and special microphone. With the ability to add third parties to the conversation and screen sharing capabilities, the system creates efficiencies, enhances collaboration, and positions the health system for the next phase of virtual care.
5.5 WAYS VIRTUAL REALITY CAN BETTER PREPARE FUTURE SURGEONS
With elective surgeries halted or postponed during the past year, the coronavirus pandemic could have yet another unanticipated impact on the future of healthcare by delaying training for surgical residents.
To address this issue, a virtual reality (VR) training program used by the orthopaedic surgery residency program suddenly has gained more relevance. The way Marshall is using VR today shines a light on some inherent challenges with surgical training and how this evolving technology could prepare a new generation of surgeons for the increasingly complex repertoire of procedures they are now expected to perform.
