Five Healthcare IT Trends to Watch in 2021

Healthcare information technology (healthcare IT) trends focus heavily on process improvements and clinical efficiencies. Providers can use advanced, emerging technologies to deliver quality care and overcome the challenges of today’s global health crisis. 

Trendspotting allows healthcare organizations to stay prepared for disruption and ensures they continue to innovate every year. To keep you updated on the future of healthcare, we’ve compiled and outlined five healthcare IT trends that are making headlines today.

Here’s a deeper look in to the five healthcare IT trends of 2021:

1. Cybersecurity Continues to Mean Everything

Over 400 healthcare facilities had their health systems attacked in 2020, and more than 200 million patients had their data intercepted by unauthorized actors. The attacks reaffirm the continued importance of HIPAA-compliant technologies and cybersecurity spending.

Cybersecurity spending is estimated to increase by 20 percent in 2021. More hospitals are investing in data security training, network security systems and cutting-edge technologies. Secure mobile applications are a primary source of spending for large and medium-sized organizations. It is reported that 90 percent of organizations have introduced mobile apps and devices to the workplace.

Preventive measures ensure that security vulnerabilities are remediated immediately and effectively.

2. Voice Assistants in Healthcare

Voice recognition systems are predicted to accelerate and improve patient care this year. Physicians can communicate with devices and direct them to add patient data into electronic health record (EHR) systems. The technology replaces time-wasting, manual data entry via keyboards. Simply put, voice assistants streamline data entry processes and reduce care team fatigue.

Patients can connect with voice assistants to gather information about medications, treatment options and more. Voice-enabled systems eliminate delays and allow patients to receive health information promptly. These technologies assist in driving maximum patient satisfaction.

3. Telehealth Is More Important Than Ever

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare organizations have deployed telehealth initiatives. This is unlikely to change in 2021. Telehealth uses devices and HIPAA-compliant services to connect patients with specialists. Patients can receive quality care from the comfort and safety of their homes. 

According to CFRA, an investment research firm, the U.S. telehealth market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 29 percent. CFRA also states that the telehealth market will reach $25 billion by 2025.

4. Artificial Intelligence Will Be a Game Changer

Artificial intelligence (AI) allows organizations to analyze large quantities of patient data. Rapid data analysis enables providers to make better clinical decisions and administer immediate care. 

Further, AI helps accelerate the development and delivery of life-saving medicines. Patients can rest assured that their unique health conditions are always addressed and remediated.

5. Wearable Technology

Smartwatches are used to collect user health information including, heart rate, steps taken and more. Patients can transfer and send this data to specialists in real time. Wearables accelerate information sharing and enable specialists to provide better patient care. 

Wearable devices empower patients to better their health to eliminate future risks. According to Insider, “Wearable technology incentivizes behavior that reduces hospital visits and readmissions due to poorly managed personal health – 75 [percent] of users agree that wearables help them engage with their own health.” 

Due to the popularity of smartwatches, the wearable device market is now expected to hit $8.98 billion by 2026. 

Summary

This post presented five key healthcare IT trends to watch in 2021. Though significant to healthcare today, these trends will be replaced with more advanced technologies and processes in the coming years.