The healthcare ecosystem is rapidly evolving as emerging technologies combine virtual and in-person care. This hybrid approach provides patients with more accessible, efficient, and tailored treatment options for their health care needs. Here are ten important technology trends driving hybrid healthcare.
1. AI-Enabled Diagnostics
Artificial Intelligence is positively impacting diagnostics in healthcare by analyzing large data sets that would take a human far too long to assess. Machine learning tools recognize patterns in imaging, lab results, and genetic data. They can also enhance the odds of early disease detection, increase clinician decision support, and reduce wastage of critical resources. For example, many organizations are using AI to identify diabetic retinopathy from retinal scans and to identify deterioration of a patient in the ICU.
2. Integrated Digital Recordkeeping
Integrated digital records are the backbone of hybrid healthcare. Electronic health records (EHRs) that synchronize across hospitals, clinics, and virtual touchpoints mean that providers have access to a patient’s information when they need it.
Having records digitized helps to reduce errors, improve patient care continuity, and ensure that documentation for visits is streamlined. Most EHR-EMR software options are created with built-in compliance and analytics tools. They make it possible for medical providers to optimize results.
3. Remote Monitoring Tools
Wearable sensors and home-based monitoring devices are giving providers the ability to remotely monitor vital signs, including heart rate, glucose levels, and blood pressure. This helps develop continuous data trails and inform interventions with less probability of hospital readmission. You can now manage chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from home.
4. Appointment Scheduling Apps
Patient portals and scheduling apps are changing how care is accessed through clinics and health organizations. Patients can book, reschedule or cancel appointments, both in-person and virtual, anytime, anywhere.
Some advanced scheduling portals are offering waitlist notification for patients looking for in-person appointments, pre-visit instructions and patient autonomy. Integrating telehealth can improve efficiency in the clinic.
5. Secure Messaging Systems
HIPAA-compliant messaging systems are providing a secure and direct method for communication between patients and providers. Unlike email or text messaging, these secure messaging systems easily encrypt the data end-to-end, and often allow patients to integrate the communication with their records.
Secure messaging systems can be used for follow-up responses, lab test explanations, questions about prescribed medications, and many other uses that facilitate continuity of care without the need for patients to return to the office.
6. Wearable Technology Adoption
Smart watches are now fitted with medical-grade sensors and can log health data in real-time. This health information can easily be uploaded to the patient’s EHR or health record if needed or it can be discussed during their future appointment.
Consumer-grade devices are increasingly becoming sophisticated and their integration into medical protocols is happening faster to help support preventive care strategies.
7. Payment Systems for Hospitals
Digital payment systems designed specifically for healthcare are providing healthcare organizations with a seamless, contactless payment stream. Patients can now pay their co-pays, prepays, deposits, and balances with mobile wallets, through a patient portal, or a text link. These systems will come with automated reminders and payment plans to facilitate cash flow for the provider while maximizing convenience for the patient.
8. Cloud-Based Disease Management Platforms
While hospital and laboratory data have been shared through various systems for years, cloud technologies are advancing disease management by providing direct access to more data streams-from original diagnoses, assessments and treatments to home devices and wearables, such as blood glucose monitors and smart watches.
Each hospital, laboratory and point-of-care data source contributes to a real-time data set about the patient’s health. Cloud-based platforms support population health initiatives, enable remote and hybrid care teams to work together, and improve response to disease outbreaks, public health emergencies, etc.
9. All-In-One Practice Management Software
Today’s medical practices require more from technology than appointment scheduling, billing functions, etc. Integrated software systems, which combine the functions of various standalone software systems into one interface, are emerging as the way forward.
Scheduling, clinical documentation, telehealth, reporting, inventory tracking, etc., are all now included in more comprehensive software products. Having an integrated system will enable better resource allocation, relieve administrative burden and improve workflow efficiency.
Endnote
Hybrid healthcare is not the future, it is the present. Patient expectations are changing and provider models have to keep up. These technologies are creating a foundation for healthcare delivery to be more responsive, transparent and continuous. Staying abreast of these advancements is important to stay competitive and patient-centric as a healthcare delivery organization. If your practice is acquiring technology, consider upgrading your EHR and practice management first as it is the foundation of hybrid care delivery.
