7 Innovations in Healthcare Disrupting the Industry in 2020

Recent news states that a 5.3% increase in the American healthcare cost will remain constant through to 2026. Yet, the innovations in the healthcare industry will impact the cost and quality of health provision. The technological advancements in the healthcare sector will increase efficiency. 

Healthcare practitioners are already taking advantage of these innovations. These advancements in healthcare will lead to compounding improvements in the industry. 

If you have a keen interest in healthcare, the innovations in the industry will thrill you. Check out these seven innovations in healthcare that will disrupt the industry in 2020. 

1. 3D Printing 

3D application has been prevalent in the manufacturing sector. The healthcare industry is embracing this innovation to enhance service delivery. This technology saves costs in healthcare delivery. 

Through 3D printing technology, healthcare practitioners can customize designs to produce patients’ prosthetics. Surgeons are utilizing tissue engineering. So, it has become possible to undergo the process of organ transfer. 

Burn victims can regain back healthy, beautiful skin. They don’t have to deal with unattractive skin grafts. 3D printing enables professionals to use skin biopsies and human plasma to create new skin. 

What’s more, healthcare consultants are using 3D printing to educate patients. Using 3D images in consultation gives a real view of the condition. Patients living unhealthy lifestyles might get an awakening by viewing the state of their organs. 

2. Electronic Health Records 

One of the innovations in healthcare is Electronic Health Records. This technology will change data handling. While this technology is not new, it has experienced a facelift.

Big data has made it possible to have a patient’s real-time information. EHR technology is becoming indispensable following an increase in healthcare data. 

You don’t need to provide your details for each visit. Your doctor can retrieve your medical history within seconds. The process improves efficiency in service delivery. 

With EHRs, healthcare providers can communicate and update the data as necessary. The rate of medical errors reduces. Providers can further correct a patient’s issue that didn’t get enough attention. 

Hospitals are already partnering with software providers. This collaboration helps to make patient’s medical records accessible on the phone. Recently, Apple introduced medical records as part of its Health App. You have to use your iPhone passcode to access your medical records.

3. Healthcare Credentialing 

Healthcare organizations verify that a healthcare provider has legit credentials as a routine. The process ensures that all healthcare providers are competent. This can save hospitals unnecessary lawsuits. 

For the last few years, hospitals have been credentialing through emails and paper. The process is overwhelming. With this method making errors is imminent. 

But with the advances in healthcare, medical credentialing is now not as complex. The use of credentialing software makes the process faster. A professional doesn’t have to wait for weeks for verification. 

With reliable tools such as Ready Doc, you can have results within a short period. Advancements in medical credentialing will have significant impacts on the hiring process. 

4. Health Wearables 

The growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases has necessitated innovations in health wearables. The wearables help consumers to observe their health conditions. They can track heart rate, glucose levels, and sleep to gain more insights into a condition. 

Heart rate trackers and smartwatches are amongst the most popular wearable technologies. Developers are innovating to address the increasing number of lifestyle diseases. Companies such as Proteus are leading in the development of wearable medical devices. 

With the wearables, a patient can know when to rush to the hospital. For people with diabetes, monitoring glucose is one of the best ways one can manage the condition. The health wearables devices have improved the quality of life of people. 

5. Telehealth 

Telehealth ranks as one of the innovations in healthcare. Telehealth tools are products of digital information and communication. The technologies enable a patient to have remote access to a range of healthcare services. 

For people in the rural or inaccessible areas, telehealth is a dream-come-true. Those with mobility issues also benefit. A patient can have easy access to several medical specialists without visiting a clinic. 

With the right telehealth tool, doctors can communicate seamlessly with patients and colleagues. The software makes it possible for healthcare providers to coordinate. As a result, errors emanating from inconsistent communication are reduced. 

6. Blockchain Technology

The compound annual growth rate of blockchain technology is projected to increase by more than 67.1% by 2023. With the trends in consumer data protection, the growth of blockchain technology is inevitable. The increasing need to safeguard consumer data is further increasing its prominence. 

Blockchain secures patient data. It reduces the chances of data falling into the hands of unintended parties. Healthcare providers can transfer confidential data without fear of compromise. 

A healthcare provider or patient has to sign to access the data. If you don’t have a pass, you can’t access the system. Blockchain has increased patients’ confidence in electronic information recording systems. 

Without this technology, confidential information is at risk of hackers. Medical information in the wrong hands can be disastrous. Fortunately, blockchain makes it hard for scammers to steal data.

7. Drone Delivery

Quick transfer of medical supplies can save a life. Yet, traditional transportation can’t guarantee such efficiency. Drone deliveries are making a significant difference in the healthcare sector. 

The effectiveness of drone technology is a guarantee. UPS tested the efficiency in the delivery of tissue and blood through drones. This approach reduces transportation errors, such as loss of goods during transit.

This healthcare innovation will enable people in the interior to get medical supplies. It complements telehealth. 

Innovations in Healthcare Will Have Significant Implications in the Industry

Several healthcare technologies are in the budding stage. In the next few years, most healthcare organizations will adopt these advancements. Embracing innovations in healthcare will change service delivery in health organizations. 

Currently, the list of healthcare innovations is inexhaustible. As technologies continue to improve, the advancements in healthcare are increasing. The resultant efficiency will prompt more innovations in the coming years. 

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