Telemedicine is an emerging medication technique in which healthcare providers and patients can communicate with each other through video technology. Before Covid-19 it existed but the common man doesn’t know the importance of telemedicine. While this pandemic has picturized the true importance of telemedicine for the whole world.
The global market of telemedicine was valued at $83.5 billion in 2022 which is estimated to reach $101.2 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 24.0%. It is assumed from the stats that it can cross an astonishing figure of $455.3 by 2030.
Telemedicine has shown tremendous growth and resilience in the Covid-19 period and helps billions of people to get healthcare services from the comfort of their houses. In this article, we will discuss 5 trends that are shaping the future of telemedicine.
Trend 1: Advancements in Telecommunication Technology
Massive advancement in the telecommunication industry has also increased the importance of telemedicine in the healthcare industry. Telecommunication is also known as the driving force behind telemedicine, upgradation of 4G to 5G will also play a pivotal role in the growth of the telemedicine industry.
Because it makes the connectivity process even faster and more reliable and has a tendency to stream a lot of data with ease without going on buffering. Now, patients and healthcare providers can have video calls with high-definition quality and it will also make the sound of both the doctors and patients smooth.
Additionally, the integration of the Internet of Things in the wearable can also help healthcare providers to keep updated with their patients. These wearable devices keep on collecting data of patients and then send it to healthcare providers which is proven to be very successful in patient care.
Trend 2: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Telemedicine
In this modern world, virtual reality and augmented reality have been used in various industries and telemedicine is no exception. These technologies are proven to be very successful in the training and education of healthcare students.
Now, by using these technologies healthcare students can solve complex problems by feeling that they are actually in the same environment that they feel in the physical checkups. In this way, these technologies build confidence, increase smoothness and decrease the fear of healthcare providers that they feel in real-time surgeries.
Additionally, it also enhances the patient and healthcare providers’ interactions as they feel sitting in the same room which helps them communicate more effectively. This advancement in telecommunication has opened new doors for telemedicine to move forward and make progress by leaps and bounds.
Trend 3: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Telemedicine
Artificial intelligence and Machine learning are playing an integral part in each industry as well as in telemedicine. AI-operated healthcare chatbots can have conversations with patients and help them with their treatment.
AI-driven algorithms can analyze patient data, diagnostic images, and patient history and can help healthcare providers to exactly diagnose diseases in patients and recommend medicines. AI-driven tools have shown effective results in healthcare fields like radiology, pathology, and dermatology.
Furthermore, Machine learning can predict healthcare analytics by analyzing previous data. These capabilities help doctors to make personalized treatments to avoid the complications which ML has predicted.
Trend 4: Telemedicine and Data Security
As we all know telemedicine is all about exchanging of sensitive information between patients and healthcare providers through digital platforms or networks, so it is very important to have solid data security in telemedicine. Healthcare organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data from potential breaches and cyberattacks.
Encryption of data during transfer and storage is necessary as it develops a sense of confidence between healthcare providers and patients. In this way, patients also feel confident while using telemedicine for their treatment because their personal health data is totally safe.
Additionally, compliance with healthcare regulations and standards, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensures that patient information is with full responsibility in an ethical manner.
Trend 5: Telemedicine for Mental Health
Mental health is significantly important for each and every one of us but according to recent studies, it is a very big problem even in the most progressive countries like the USA.
Telemedicine is playing an important role in solving these problems. Mental health patients can have virtual meetings with their desired healthcare providers from the comfort of their houses.
Virtual therapy and counseling platforms have also played an important role to help mental health patients. Through these platforms, mental health patients can connect with high-quality doctors without going outside of their houses.
AI-powered chatbots have also proved to be very useful for mental health patients. Mental health patients can discuss their problems with chatbots which expertly try to cope with them with emotional support. These chatbots have lowered the gap between healthcare providers and patients.
Conclusion
Telemedicine’s rapid evolution has shown immense promise in transforming the healthcare landscape.
We have discussed 5 transforming trends such as advancements in telecommunication technology, the integration of Virtual reality and Augmented reality, the power of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and data security measures.
This expansion of telemedicine into mental health services makes it more accessible and personalized to patients. I do hope telemedicine services will keep on improving and it will change the way we access healthcare services in the future.
Ann Krutsko, Healthcare IT Researcher
With an eye for innovation, Ann applies her strategic thinking and deep understanding of the healthcare industry to create a solid growth strategy for ScienceSoft in the medical IT domain. Ann’s research primarily focuses on addressing the technological challenges faced by healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, software startups, pharmaceutical companies, and other key players in the market.