Top 10 Healthcare Technologies
The healthcare sector undergoes continuous transformation, with ongoing advancements in technology and innovation aimed at optimizing and automating cumbersome processes to enhance the efficiency of care delivery. As the industry expands, novel trends come to the forefront, and seizing the opportunities presented by these trends ahead of competitors can be a strategic advantage, contributing to sustained success. Healthcare organizations are actively embracing emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and nanomedicine, seeking innovative solutions to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. The integration of new software not only automates various tasks but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing customer satisfaction.
The top 10 technologies are:
- Generative AI
- Cloud Computing
- Solutions for Mental Health
- Virtual Reality
- Virtual Care and Telemedicine
- Smart Wearable Devices
- Nanomedicines
- 3D Bioprinting
- Big Data in Healthcare
- Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
Let’s discuss each one in detail.
1. Generative Artificial Intelligence
The healthcare sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). AI algorithms play a crucial role in assisting healthcare professionals in analyzing patient data and medical literature, providing valuable insights for well-informed decision-making. Within the realm of AI, Generative AI stands out as it can produce authentic content, including text and images, without explicit programming. Its capability to learn from existing data patterns and generate novel outputs positions it as a prominent trend that is expected to drive automation to unprecedented levels in the upcoming years. According to data from NASSCOM, there are approximately 416,000 professionals employed in the field of AI in India. The sector is anticipated to experience a growth rate ranging between 20-25%. Moreover, it is projected that AI will make an additional contribution of USD 957 billion to India’s economy by the year 2035. In India’s landscape of AI startups, 23 percent are focused on delivering solutions across various industries. Additionally, 15 percent operate within the e-commerce sector, 12 percent in healthcare, 11 percent in education, and 10 percent in financial services. The remaining startups are distributed among fields such as retail and logistics.
Figure 2: Percentage Division of AI Startups in India
Source: Economic Diplomacy Division
2. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing the operational landscape of healthcare organizations by eliminating the necessity for extensive on-site infrastructure. This not only simplifies the technological requirements but also results in a substantial reduction in capital expenses for these entities. The adoption of a pay-as-you-go model in cloud services introduces a high degree of flexibility. This flexibility empowers medical facilities to strategically manage their budget by paying exclusively for the specific functionalities and services they actively utilize. In essence, cloud computing not only streamlines the IT infrastructure for healthcare organizations but also introduces a cost-efficient approach that aligns financial outlays with actual usage, promoting optimal resource allocation and financial sustainability.
On March 28, 2023, Fujitsu announced the introduction of a new cloud-based platform designed to securely collect and utilize health-related data, facilitating digital transformation within the medical field. This launch marked a significant step in Fujitsu’s ongoing commitment to contribute to the establishment of a healthy society as part of its vision for “Healthy Living” under Fujitsu Uvance for creating a sustainable world. Starting March 28, 2023, Fujitsu made the platform available to medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies in Japan. The innovative platform automates the conversion of medical data from electronic medical records in medical institutions to comply with the next-generation standards framework and ensures the secure aggregation of health-related data. With patient consent, individuals can securely store personal health information, including vital data, step counts, and calorie consumption, all converted into non-personally identifiable information on the platform. This, in turn, assists medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies in conducting data analysis and R&D activities, accelerating the advancement of individualized healthcare and the exploration of new drugs.
3. Solutions for Mental Health
The accessibility of mental health support has undergone a notable transformation, now available on various electronic devices, representing a significant departure from previous decades. Striking a balance between the quality of care within the convergence of clinical science and technological entrepreneurship poses an ongoing challenge. However, recent advancements, particularly in the realm of AI and robotics, hold promising solutions to address this challenge.
As of June 15, 2020, Akili made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting clearance for EndeavorRx™ (AKL-T01) as a prescribed treatment for children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Delivered through an engaging video game experience, EndeavorRx is specifically designed to enhance attention function, as evaluated through computer-based testing. This prescription treatment is targeted at children between the ages of 8 and 12 who exhibit primarily inattentive or combined-type ADHD and have demonstrated attention-related challenges. The integration of innovative technologies, such as the captivating video game format, underscores a pioneering approach in leveraging technology for mental health support, particularly in the context of ADHD in children. This development signifies a significant step forward in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and mental health treatment.
4. Virtual Reality
A prominent trend gaining substantial traction within the pharmaceutical industry involves the utilization of cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). These innovative technologies are proving to be instrumental in enhancing both patient recovery times and the overall management of hospitals. By leveraging these immersive technologies, medical professionals can create computer-generated environments that simulate specific situations or experiences of interest. This is accomplished through the use of VR headsets, providing a transformative tool for healthcare practitioners to immerse themselves in virtual scenarios relevant to patient care, medical training, and hospital administration. The application of VR, AR, and MR is opening new avenues for improved healthcare delivery and is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.
In May 2022, MediSim VR inaugurated the inaugural fully automated VR simulation lab at the Puducherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), marking a pioneering initiative. This state-of-the-art facility aims to augment conventional training methods by providing institutions with AI-powered competency assessment tools, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of student performance and avenues for improvement. Leveraging the synergy of Virtual Reality (VR) and simulation technology, MediSim VR offers an immersive learning experience, catering to healthcare professionals across the board. Their patented technology encompasses Skill Training, Virtual Patients, and Situational Training modules, fostering the development of essential skills crucial for patient care. Notably, through ongoing research in Haptics, MediSim VR has earned the distinction of being the first Indian company to become a resident company at Johnson & Johnson Innovation Labs in Boston.
5. Virtual care and Telemedicine
The provision of virtual healthcare services, including telemedicine software and remote patient monitoring, offers numerous advantages for both patients and physicians. The popularity of virtual care has surged as it provides cost-effective and efficient healthcare in flexible settings. Factors such as reimbursement initiatives and regulatory measures contribute to this trend. In the evolving landscape of healthcare, mobility plays a pivotal role in shaping expectations for accessing goods and services, including medical care. Patients increasingly seek similar accessibility to healthcare as they do for other aspects of their daily lives. Despite some providers being slow to embrace this trend, the mainstream adoption of connected devices and on-demand care appears inevitable. Virtual ultrasound collaboration exemplifies the expanded reach of specialized care, allowing doctors to remotely communicate with their team and patients across various locations. This virtual collaboration enhances provider availability, ensuring a more consistent delivery of care across different facilities.
In March 2023, Philips introduced Philips Virtual Care Management, a comprehensive portfolio of flexible solutions and services aimed at fostering more meaningful connections between health systems, providers, payers, and employer groups and their patients. This initiative is designed to alleviate pressure on hospital staff by reducing emergency department visits and managing chronic diseases more effectively, ultimately lowering the overall cost of care. Similarly, in May 2022, CVS Health launched CVS Health Virtual Primary Care, a digital platform offering a new virtual care solution. This initiative integrates CVS Health’s services, clinical expertise, and data to create a more coordinated and consumer-centric healthcare experience. By enabling consumers to choose care at their convenience, whether in retail or community-based settings, through at-home health services, or virtually, CVS Health is advancing its strategy to enhance primary care and provide a more accessible and flexible healthcare experience.
6. Smart Wearable Devices
The distinction between consumer health wearables and medical devices is becoming increasingly blurred, and the demand for wearable devices such as Fitbits is surging, particularly in the realm of mobile devices. Wearable devices play a crucial role in the medical industry, enabling continuous monitoring of vital signs and health metrics. These devices offer real-time data to healthcare providers, facilitating remote tracking of patient health and timely interventions. Furthermore, wearables encourage proactive health management, empowering individuals to monitor their well-being and adopt healthier lifestyles. On January 24, 2023, Titan launched its latest smartwatch, Titan Talk S, designed to efficiently meet the evolving needs of consumers. This smartwatch combines lifestyle and technology, allowing users to monitor parameters such as breathing rate, SpO2, blood pressure, sleep, and women’s health. Packed with features like camera control, voice recorder, calculator, activity tracker, weather information, and sports trackers, the smartwatch serves as an everyday companion from day to night. With additional features such as hydration and sedentary alerts, a 5-day battery life under standard conditions, phone finder, alarm, stopwatch, and timer, Titan Talk S effectively assists in managing hectic schedules within the daily hustle.
7. Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine utilizes technologies operating at the nanoscale to employ nano-enabled techniques in various aspects of healthcare, encompassing disease prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. The applications of nanotechnology in this field are diverse and encompass a wide range of functionalities. These include, but are not limited to, advancements in medical imaging, the development of diagnostic kits, the creation of biological sensors, gene activation techniques, and surface sterilization for medical devices. The integration of nanotechnology into medicine opens up innovative possibilities for enhancing precision, efficacy, and specificity in various medical procedures, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the landscape of healthcare. The ability to manipulate materials at the nanoscale provides a unique toolbox for creating novel solutions and addressing challenges in medical science, ultimately contributing to advancements in patient care and treatment methodologies.
In January 2022, Pfizer engaged in a collaborative agreement with Acuitas Therapeutics to leverage their expertise in the realm of Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery Systems. This collaboration aimed to integrate Acuitas Therapeutics’ advanced delivery system into Pfizer’s mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. The utilization of lipid nanoparticles represents a cutting-edge approach in enhancing the delivery efficiency of mRNA-based treatments, contributing to the advancement of innovative vaccines and therapeutic solutions. This partnership underscores the industry’s commitment to exploring novel technologies to improve the effectiveness and applicability of mRNA-based medical interventions, with potential implications for a range of diseases and conditions.
8. 3D Bioprinting
While 3D bioprinting has been a known technology in healthcare, its recent advancements in creating natural tissue-like, three-dimensional structures have captured the attention of scientists and researchers. The field is experiencing significant growth with the emergence of sophisticated prosthetics treatments and improved technologies, promising a future where it becomes more widely adopted. This advancement not only addresses the hefty costs associated with implants and prosthetic treatments but also opens up diverse options for patients, particularly in the realm of cardiovascular and neurological implants. Moreover, 3D bioprinting is poised to enhance bionic prostheses for knees and hips, offering more personalized and efficient solutions. Currently, the technology is actively developing human organ and tissue structures for research purposes, with the potential to integrate these structures with biocompatible microfluidics, constructing intricate models that replicate the natural functions of human organs.
In June 2023, Schaeffler Special Machinery is set to showcase cutting-edge multi-material 3D printing systems at Automatica. This innovative solution is designed to empower customers by enabling the utilization of inventive material combinations, integrating new functionalities into components and tools, and offering enhanced flexibility in product and tool design. As part of its display of production concepts in the medical sector, Schaeffler Special Machinery will unveil a solution at Automatica that facilitates the adaptable assembly of X-ray tubes, catering to the production of six different variants. Additionally, within the realm of e-mobility, the fully affiliated Schaeffler subsidiary will present a range of solutions, including a system for manufacturing integrated electric axle systems comprising an electric motor, transmission, and a power electronics unit.
9. Big Data in Healthcare
In the realm of healthcare technology, big data plays a crucial role, particularly within the electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medical records (EMR) industry. The integration of big data with medical apps generates extensive datasets, fostering advanced analytics, data-driven decision-making, and the delivery of personalized patient care. The introduction of 5G technology, characterized by high data outputs, increased data speeds, and enhanced device interactions, has significantly bolstered automation tools, thereby improved office efficiency and boosting employee productivity. Looking forward, the anticipation of 6G in the coming years holds promises of even further advancements in data connectivity. Big data analytics emerges as a transformative force in healthcare, revolutionizing telehealth, reducing diagnostic costs, and refining treatment analysis. The utilization of data mining and analysis tools within big data contributes significantly to the treatment of rare diseases, leading to advancements in patient care and healthcare practices as a whole.
With a population of approximately 1.3 billion, Big Data assumes a significant role in the Indian context. According to a study conducted by NASSCOM, it is projected that the Indian analytics industry will reach the $16 billion milestone by the year 2025.
A 2022 paper released by PubMed Central delves into the incorporation of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in healthcare, emphasizing its potential to introduce new technologies in both patient treatment and health management. The paper aims to explore the opportunities presented by the integration of Big Data Analytics in the healthcare sector, drawing insights from a critical analysis of existing literature and presenting select findings from direct research on the application of Big Data Analytics in medical facilities.
10. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) encompasses a collection of internet-connected medical devices, including both hardware and software technologies, that are linked through the internet. The integration of a multitude of medical devices with the internet facilitates the seamless transmission and storage of vast amounts of data. This influx of data, when analyzed, holds the potential to enable the early diagnosis of chronic or emergency medical conditions. Beyond data transmission, the IoMT opens up avenues for innovative applications, such as the deployment of smart robot nurses. Notably, Italian hospitals have already embraced this technology during the COVID-19 emergencies, utilizing smart robots to monitor patients’ blood pressure and SpO2 levels. The IoMT stands as a transformative force in healthcare, offering enhanced connectivity, data-driven insights, and the prospect of advanced technologies contributing to improved patient care and health outcomes. Conceived by two female robotics experts, Moxi stands as the inaugural robot in active use that employs artificial intelligence, constantly adjusting to shifts in hospital workflows through learning from its human interactions. Sporting a mechanical arm, a gripping hand, and the capability to carry up to 70 pounds, Moxi possesses mobility that allows it to traverse hospital corridors and elevators, facilitating deliveries to nurses and other staff members.