Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been massive disruptions across different industries which has been apparently hitting the healthcare industry the hardest. It is safe to say that the pandemic has to be one of the top challenges for the healthcare industry so far and as the world is entering the third year of pandemic, the healthcare industry is facing a variety of ongoing challenges and we will be seeing a lot of trends surrounded around the better care for patients, developing safe, effective and faster ways of new treatments.
Having said that the healthcare market is expected to increase about three-fold to USD 660 billion dollars by the year 2025. Though the year 2022 is expected to witness a steep surge in the use of electronic prescriptions with the idea of reducing the paperwork and storage longevity as it continues to evolve and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Precision medicines, e-Rx, and cloud computing, and many more.
There are already significant moments within the healthcare industry by the way of established corporate houses in the new age health-tech startups and directing investments towards the healthcare sector.
Along with that here are some predicted top trends that may dominate the healthcare industry in the year 2022.
1. Hybrid care models
The pandemic and the need for physical distancing were responsible for the major demand for virtual care over the last two years. Developing a market that could reach $250 billion, according to a report issued by McKinsey & Company in July 2021. While virtual Telehealth is undoubtedly here to stay, there will be no eclipse in the person-care, however. Instead, we can expect to see more of a hybrid form of service as care providers are seeking to offer the patient the best of both worlds.
2. Digitization of Healthcare.
Primary care visits aren’t the only appointments that have gone online. More and more healthcare specialties are embracing the digital age- digital pathology is a good example. Whereas pathologists, radiologists along others will be using different software to attain the results, examine, practice, study for other consultations.
3. AI as the core competency for Drug Development
The innovation acceleration was largely enabled by the use of the new drug development platforms that allow researchers to use artificial intelligence and machine learning models protein and cellular interactions to rapidly advance the science.
AI-enabled drug discovery models eliminated months and years from the research process, which reduced the time development of the drug and accelerated the time to treatment.
4. Cloud based Health systems
All the above-mentioned trends rely on a complex technology foundation which is why another innovation — moving health systems and data to the cloud will be so important. Cloud-based platforms are making systems like patient portals possible, offering interoperability and a secure way for important information to be transmitted quickly and easily from anywhere at any time.
5. Advanced precision medicines
Healthcare tailored specifically for you, “Precision Medicines” is a product of the digital world — one in which genetic testing is now available and wearable technology like Fitbits can read vital signs in a flash. The ready availability of this kind of data enables the provider to create customized treatment plans suited to each individual. The increase of AI adoption in the healthcare industry is accelerating these advances in the precision of medicine.