Navigating the Future of Digital Health: 2023 Trends

Curv Health Team

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Curv Health Team

Published 

Apr 27, 2023

Navigating the Future of Digital Health: 2023 Trends

Digital Care: The Current State

It’s no secret that digital care has continued to rise since jumping to the forefront of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, over the next three years, the global digital health market is expected to surpass $300 billion while adding over 2 million new users of digital health expected during the same time period[1][2]. This makes one thing clear: the future of healthcare lies with these digital innovations. So, let's check out the main forces behind this transformation and find out how digital innovations are changing up the industry and making patient experiences more efficient, accessible, and secure.

 

Woman exercising at home with guidance from a digital health platform

                                                                                                                                                          

Telemedicine and Digital Care: Changing Healthcare Delivery

Telemedicine and digital care have changed how healthcare is delivered, especially during the pandemic. In 2023, the global telemedicine market was valued at $116 billion. However, when we look ahead to 2030, this market is expected to grow to nearly $460 billion as telemedicine and digital care gain even more traction[3]

This trend is well illustrated by a McKinsey study, which discovered that patients continue to use telehealth services extensively and perceive them favorably, even post-pandemic. The data aligns with these findings, revealing a 38-fold increase in telehealth adoption relative to the period before COVID-19[4].

 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Helping Decision-Making

Since 2021, over 55% of global healthcare organizations use AI models, showcasing just how important AI and ML technologies have become in healthcare[5]. These technologies help healthcare providers analyze vast swaths of data, identify powerful patterns, and, ultimately, make calculated and informed decisions when diagnosing patients. On a more granular level, they also help automate day-to-day tasks such as scheduling appointments and automating billing, saving providers time by trimming down admin work. AI and ML technologies can even improve diagnoses for better health outcomes. A great example of this was on display in a multi-year project conducted at the University of Waterloo. Researchers used motion sensors with machine learning algorithms to enable elderly patients to watch how they were doing on a computer screen compared to the target movement. Overall, they reported that patients were able to perform exercises with more control and less cheating[6]

Digital healthcare provider hosting a virtual call in her living room

Data Security and Privacy: Protecting Personal Data

Cybersecurity budgets are growing globally. And that’s especially true in the healthcare industry, where we have seen the highest annual growth rate out of any industry at 14.1%[7]. As more and more healthcare systems are relying on digital tools, the more pressing the issue of cybersecurity becomes. As digital care solutions become even more popular, the focus and spending on cybersecurity and privacy to keep patient data safe will only increase.

 

Electronic Medical Records: Making Patient Care Easier

As more providers and patients transition to a digital way of care, platforms that can handle patient data and support provider needs, like charting and billing, are becoming increasingly necessary. In fact, did you know that the global electronic health record market is projected to grow by over $10 billion in the next five years[8]. By incorporating telemedicine services, AI-powered tools, and cybersecurity measures, these platforms can create a digital ecosystem that makes healthcare delivery more efficient and accessible by streamlining workflows.

Empowering Patients with Digital Health Tools: Transforming Outcomes 

As digital care continues to gain popularity, patients are turning more and more to a variety of tools to manage their health. From telehealth visits to wearable devices, patients now have access to a range of technologies that can help them better manage their own health and also communicate with healthcare providers in real-time when necessary. The use of digital tools in healthcare has shown promising results, such as improved patient outcomes and greater convenience for patients. For example, a 2022 study by PubMed found that patients that are given a digital physiotherapy program reduced their rehab time without compromising patient outcomes. This was tested with 294 patients, with 62 receiving digital programs[9].  

 

Curv Health's Digital Care Approach

Much of these trends were driving forces behind the creation of Curv Health. Our technology serves both patients and providers to make healthcare more convenient, affordable, and secure. We offer remote consultations, use machine learning to improve physiotherapy diagnoses, and offer customized activities for patients. When providers use Curv, our platform also takes care of patient data, charting, and billing automation. 

References

[1] GTAI, und Roland Berger. "Projected global digital health market size from 2019 to 2025* (in billion U.S. dollars)." Chart. April 9, 2019. Statista. Accessed April 26, 2023. https://www-statista-

com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/statistics/1092869/global-digital-health-market-size-forecast/

 

[2] Statista. "Annual number of digital health users in Canada from 2017 to 2026, by segment (in millions)." Chart. May 1, 2022. Statista. Accessed April 26, 2023. https://www-statista-com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/forecasts/1315453/canada-digital-health-users-by-segment

 

[3] BRC. "Projected global telemedicine market between 2019 and 2030 (in billion U.S. dollars)." Chart. December 14, 2020. Statista. Accessed April 26, 2023. https://www-statista-com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/statistics/671374/global-telemedicine-market-size/

 

[4] Bestsennyy, O., Gilbert, G., Harris, A., & Rost, J. (2021, July 9). Telehealth: A quarter-trillion-dollar post-covid-19 reality? McKinsey & Company. Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/telehealth-a-quarter-trillion-dollar-post-covid-19-reality

 

[5] Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Statista. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www-statista-com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/study/115827/artificial-intelligence-ai-in-healthcare/

 

[6] Improving physiotherapy using sensors and machine learning. Operational Artificial Intelligence. (2021, March 15). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://uwaterloo.ca/operational-artificial-intelligence-research/news/improving-physiotherapy-using-sensors-and-machine-learning

 

[7] European Commission, und European Investment Fund. "Global annual growth rate of spending on cyber security from 2019 to 2026, by industry sector." Chart. October 19, 2022. Statista. Accessed April 26, 2023. https://www-statista-com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/statistics/1359125/annual-growth-in-spending-on-cybersecurity-worldwide-by-sector/

 

[8] PR Newswire. "Electronic health records (EHR) market value worldwide in 2020 and 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)." Chart. August 26, 2021. Statista. Accessed April 26, 2023. https://www-statista-com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/statistics/1264328/ehr-market-value-worldwide/

 

[9] Hardwick-Morris M;Carlton S;Twiggs J;Miles B;Liu D; (n.d.). Pre- and postoperative physiotherapy using a digital application decreases length of stay without reducing patient outcomes following total knee arthroplasty. Arthroplasty (London, England). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35915464/

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