Running head: CURRENT TRENDS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY 1

Current Trends in the Healthcare Industry

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Current Trends in the Healthcare Industry

The healthcare industry is witnessing rapid change due to technological advancements.

The changes range from block chain technology to artificial intelligence. Quality matters in

today’s healthcare systems and professionals are making use of technological innovations to

enhance the quality of care provided to patients (Duquesne University’s Online School of

Nursing, 2019). Consumers are also pursuing seamless and convenient experience like

information access to make informed decisions and having their queries reacted to over the

phone and through online platform. Technology is arguably dictating the trends in the healthcare

industry by enhancing the quality of life and the health of patients.

Overview of the Current Trends in Healthcare

Digital transformation is revolutionizing the healthcare sector. For instance, smart

diagnosis, patient registration, and self-care tools characterize the current healthcare system. To a

majority of patients, healthcare is not only value-based but also defined by positive outcomes

(Duquesne University’s Online School of Nursing, 2019). Some of the developments that are

responsible for the current trends in the healthcare sector are as discussed:

Artificial Intelligence: Oncologists and radiotherapists are utilizing Artificial

intelligence to reduce costs, increase accuracy, and speed up procedures (Buch, Ahmed, &

Maruthappu, 2018). The use of chabots is assisting with labor intensive tasks like making

appointments, filling prescriptions, and the billing process. In the future, artificial intelligence

will be vital in making treatment and diagnostic procedures.

Telemedicine: Telemedicine facilitates video consultations or interactions between

health professionals as well as between medics and their patients. Professionals through this

technology can examine scans, monitor symptoms, evaluate diagnostic reports, and the
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progression of an illness from a remote area. Consultations with health providers are also

possible through this technology. The resultant effect is less crowded waiting rooms and clinics

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): Internet of medical things includes the use of

various technologies to enhance the quality of care provided to patients including wearable, apps,

telemedicine, and other healthcare technologies. These technologies assist in preventing and

tracking chronic conditions. For instance, patients with chronic conditions can use glucose level,

temperature, and blood pressure monitors and wearable ECG/EKG to observe themselves.

Conclusion

The current trends including the monitoring of patients conditions from a remote area, the

use of video conferencing, and the internet of things devices are as a consequence of

technological advancements. These trends aim to bring significant changes in the healthcare

sectors. Advanced practice nurses and other healthcare personnel must be ready to embrace

trends such as artificial intelligence, data, and the internet of medical things to improve

population health and the quality of care provided.

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References

Buch, V., Ahmed, I., & Maruthappu, M.(2018). Artificial intelligence in medicine: Current

trends and future possibilities. British Journal of General Practice, 68(668), 143-144.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp18X695213

Duquesne University’s Online School of Nursing.(2019). Important trends in healthcare.

Retrieved from, https://onlinenursing.duq.edu/blog/important-trends-in-healthcare/