The Rapidly Changing Landscape of Healthcare Tech

From electronic health records and telemedicine to robot-assisted surgery and biosensors, healthcare technology is evolving faster than ever before. Experts believe that technological innovation will save the United States billions of dollars each year while simultaneously expanding healthcare access and improving clinical outcomes. 

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, innovations in tech will profoundly impact not only patients but also the professionals using these technologies on a daily basis. Nurses, in particular, are at the forefront of healthcare tech integration. Leveraging digital tools, they’re able to collaborate with colleagues, monitor patients remotely, manage medications in real time, and, ultimately, improve patient care. Keep reading to learn how technological advancements in healthcare are revolutionizing the medical field and improving health outcomes for countless individuals. 

The Growing Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry is booming, with job growth in this field reaching a three-decade high in 2023. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that there will be 1.8 million healthcare job openings each year from 2022 to 2032. A considerable number of these openings will appear in nursing. The demand for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives is projected to rise by a staggering 38% during the next decade. 

Public health jobs are also in high demand. Biostatisticians, health specialists, epidemiologists, medical and health services managers, and other public health professionals can expect a favorable job market. Nearly every healthcare industry occupation is likely to experience above-average growth in the near future, making healthcare a compelling career option for those seeking job security and advancement opportunities.  

Key Drivers of Growth

Several factors are contributing to the significant growth in the healthcare sector. To start, as the baby boomer generation ages, the number of elderly individuals in our society rises. This demographic shift has led to an increased demand for primary care services, home healthcare professionals, and long-term care facilities like nursing homes. An increased focus on preventative care is also contributing to a higher demand for healthcare services. Many individuals are prioritizing interventions aimed at preventing disease, such as routine check-ups, cancer screenings, diagnostic tests, and dental exams. The rising incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes and osteoarthritis puts an even greater strain on the healthcare system. Fortunately, recent advances in healthcare technology, including telemedicine, wearable health monitors, AI-powered diagnostic tools, and genomic medicine, are expected to alleviate some of the burden on healthcare professionals.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) has significantly transformed healthcare. While hospitals and medical facilities began digitizing patient information in the 1960s, the transition to EHR was slow. It wasn't until the 1980s that computer technology caught up to healthcare professionals’ needs and allowed facilities to switch from paper records to electronic medical records. In 2009, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act offered financial incentives to healthcare facilities that used EHR technology. This gave many organizations additional motivation to implement electronic health record systems. Today, nearly 92% of physicians use EHRs, and digital patient files are found in hospitals and medical establishments across the globe.

What Are EHRs?

Electronic health records contain essential information about patients, their medical conditions, and their past medical care. Most EHRs include details such as the following:

• Basic patient information
• Heath insurance details
• Patient medical history, including past treatments and surgeries
• Laboratory test results
• Past and current medications
• Allergies

Benefits of EHRs

When compared to paper records, EHRs offer numerous advantages. One crucial benefit is heightened security, as modern EHR systems are password-protected and encrypted. Many incorporate blockchain technology for even greater security. This protects patient confidentiality and reduces the chances of identity theft or fraud. EHRs also make it much easier for doctors to transfer patient information. For example, when a doctor refers a patient to a specialist, the referring doctor can use EHRs to communicate details about the patient’s medical history, current medications, and test results. This ensures smooth communication and coordination among healthcare providers and reduces the likelihood of errors caused by miscommunication. 

Another major benefit of EHRs is that they empower patients to be their own healthcare advocates. By becoming better informed about their health conditions and treatment options, patients can actively participate in their medical care and engage in meaningful discussions with their providers. EHRs also provide valuable analytics that healthcare professionals can use to make better decisions about patient care. 

Telehealth

Telemedicine, or telehealth, allows patients and providers to connect through video conferencing platforms. This technology has been available to patients in a limited capacity for several decades. However, the COVID-19 pandemic propelled telehealth into the mainstream. Because visiting a medical facility in person could expose patients and staff to the virus, many people turned to telehealth for routine medical needs during the pandemic. Since then, telehealth has only increased in popularity.

Because patients can receive medical care from anywhere with an internet connection, telehealth is eliminating barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need. Whether a patient suffers from a cold, requires physical therapy, or has questions about lab results, they no longer need to drive to a doctor’s office to discuss the matter with a medical professional. Telehealth also has significant mental health applications. Individuals who are hesitant or unable to attend in-person therapy can receive counseling from the comfort of their own homes. 

Wearables and Apps

In decades past, doctors could only monitor patients while they were in a medical facility. Now, wearable technologies such as continuous glucose monitors, pulse oximeters, and biosensors are making it possible for doctors to receive real-time data, regardless of their patient’s location. 

Healthcare applications on smartphones and other digital devices have also become mainstream. These apps can be used to track symptoms, provide insights regarding fitness and activity levels, and even guide patients through mindfulness and meditation exercises. Some healthcare apps even integrate virtual reality, such as VR simulators that gamify physical therapy exercises to enhance patient enjoyment and adherence.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing groundbreaking changes to healthcare, and its potential applications are incredibly diverse. One of the primary uses of AI involves analyzing medical images such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays. Through AI algorithms, healthcare professionals can make more accurate and efficient diagnoses, ultimately improving patient care. AI is also integrated into sensors and wearables that transfer real-time data to healthcare providers and reduce the need for in-person visits.

In addition to its diagnostic and remote monitoring capabilities, AI is increasingly used to automate routine administrative tasks within healthcare facilities. This automation not only streamlines operations but also minimizes the likelihood of human errors, improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of healthcare administration. 

Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots are now widely used in the healthcare industry to gather initial patient information, answer routine questions, and streamline the intake process. This allows medical staff to focus on more complex matters that require human insight. But it’s not just staff that benefit from chatbots. Patients can use chatbots to get quick answers to simple questions without needing to call their doctor or visit a clinic. For example, if a patient is experiencing pain or other symptoms, they can “speak” to a chatbot and receive preliminary information about how to handle the situation. The chatbot will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and provide other relevant facts. It then uses algorithms to determine a potential diagnosis. While chatbots cannot replace human medical advice, they can assist patients in gauging whether their symptoms necessitate a visit to the doctor's office. 

Genomics and Genetics

The field of genetics has developed at an astounding pace in recent decades. From the mapping of the human genome in 2006 to modern gene therapy, our understanding of human genetics is evolving dramatically. With the help of advanced healthcare technologies, it is now possible to perform systematic genetic analyses and create personalized treatment plans that take genetic factors into account. This detailed understanding of a patient's genetic makeup enables healthcare professionals to identify risk factors, predict how patients might react to medications or treatments, and align medical interventions with patients’ genetic predispositions. Advancements in genetics and genomics help healthcare providers make personalized and effective care decisions for each patient.

3D Printing

Developments in 3D printing have significantly impacted the medical field. For example, this technology has made it easier for medical professionals to create personalized prosthetics that are tailored to individual patient needs. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing have also proven invaluable in burn treatment, allowing medical professionals to “print” artificial skin for burn patients. The same technologies enable the production of time-release pills that dispense medication according to a predetermined schedule. Time-release medications can improve treatment outcomes as well as patient adherence to medication regimens. The versatile applications of 3D printing in the medical field continue to expand, offering a wide range of possibilities for innovation and enhanced patient care.

Healthcare technologies such as electronic health records, AI-assisted diagnostics, and telehealth platforms continue to transform the medical field, offering new ways to prevent illness and promote well-being. If you’re interested in the dynamic field of healthcare tech, a degree from WGU can provide the educational foundation you need. Our B.S. in Public Health degree can equip you with the latest skills and industry knowledge in research methods, biostatistics, epidemiology, and other essential subjects. We also offer degrees in health information management and health science that can pave the way for a rewarding career in healthcare tech. WGU’s classes are online and competency-based, making them a great fit for working professionals seeking career advancement. Apply today!