As the years go by, the digital promises driving the transformation of the medical field and patient care continue to evolve. Today, appointment times and how patients access care have changed, allowing health services to adapt to patients’ schedules. This article will discuss the key trends that are taking digital medicine to the top.
-Consumerization of healthcare
-Expanding services to reach underserved populations
-Application of big data
Consumerization of healthcare
The retail healthcare model is becoming an essential part of the future of patient care. Companies like Amazon are emerging as potential disruptors, capable of transforming access, delivery, and reimbursement structures. While many patients may prefer digital, app-based options for diagnosis and prescriptions, it is essential to acknowledge the vast diversity within any patient population. Socioeconomic status, age, and geographic location all influence care needs and expectations. For instance, the healthcare priorities of a middle-class Millennial in an urban area will differ significantly from those of a low-income single parent in the same city.
As we embrace the consumerization of healthcare, we must avoid one-size-fits-all assumptions and ensure that digital health innovations are designed with inclusivity in mind, so we don’t inadvertently create new forms of healthcare disparity or digital health deserts.
Expanding services to reach underserved populations
Medical access also remains a challenge in the United States, as care facilities can be located far from patients, making it difficult for them to receive medical attention.
Patients have diverse backgrounds and demographics, living in rural and urban areas while balancing various family responsibilities and work commitments. While technology can help close care gaps, it is essential to recognize that it cannot be a universal solution for every individual or situation.
Recently, NPR shared a story about the popularity of an app that allows women in rural areas to receive birth control pills or other contraceptive methods delivered to their homes, promoting essential access to birth control. However, while this is a step forward, it’s also important to note that it does not provide a one-on-one interaction with a doctor to review the process.
On the other hand, telemedicine can offer significant advantages for specific patient groups. For example, a low-income individual might avoid seeking medical care due to the financial burden of taking time off work. However, with telehealth services, they can consult a physician through a brief video visit during their lunch break, making healthcare more accessible without interfering with their job.
The Role of Big Data in Health Care
The way hospitals store medical records and patient information and collect data for research and diagnostics makes this area fundamental to integrating an electronic system that securely stores and organizes the necessary information for effective medical practice. This has a social impact on the procedures for each patient.
In addition, it offers shared solutions with patients, allowing them to review their medical history, procedures, updates on disease status, and more.
With data analysis, clinical processes are much more efficient today and deliver exceptional care. Making more accurate clinical predictions about patients and their conditions is now possible. Big data holds tremendous potential, but much progress remains in transforming health care and using this information ethically and safely.
As digital health rapidly evolves, we continue to find new ways to adapt and embrace these changes to benefit both patients and our practices. Staying informed about the opportunities and challenges of digital health is essential for navigating this shift effectively and helping patients do the same.
