Emerging Health Technology Trends to Keep an Eye On in 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, three key trends are shaping the future of IT technology for 2023: the adoption of zero-trust security, the leveraging of social determinants of health (SDOH) data, and the prioritization of clinician wellness through automation.
Zero-Trust Security in Healthcare IT
The concept of zero-trust security is evolving, moving away from static models towards dynamic frameworks that offer Continuous Security Validation and Contextual Access Control. These adaptable approaches monitor user behavior, device health, and threat intelligence in real-time, ensuring robust security measures. Moreover, the emphasis on "Zero Trust for AI" underscores the importance of human oversight and incremental trust in AI outputs to prevent potential security risks arising from blind AI reliance.
Acting on Social Determinants of Health Data
Healthcare IT is increasingly integrating SDOH data into its operations through advanced predictive analytics and AI-powered tools. These innovative solutions analyze patients' socio-economic, environmental, and behavioral data to identify high-risk individuals and inform personalized care plans, thereby improving outcomes and resource allocation. AI adoption for clinical decision support and risk stratification is a top priority for many US health systems in 2023.
Prioritizing Clinician Wellness through Automation
The rapid expansion of digital health, including AI-enabled diagnostics and telemedicine, is not only enhancing patient care but also alleviating clinician workload. By automating administrative tasks and streamlining workflows, AI and machine learning are helping to reduce burnout among healthcare professionals. This focus on clinician wellness not only benefits the healthcare workforce but also contributes to improved patient care.
NYU Langone Health is at the forefront of these trends, investing in initiatives that address patients' health literacy needs, providing subway cards for medical appointments, and partnering with community organizations to provide food. The institution is also analysing SDOH data systemwide using its integrated enterprise digital systems and has built an enterprise portal with real-time analytics, using Tableau's visualization and reporting software.
Leon Medical Centers, a healthcare organization operating in Florida, has adopted Nuance Communications' Dragon Medical One speech recognition software to improve clinical workflows and documentation. The software allows physicians to dictate patient notes during or immediately after a visit, increasing productivity and thoroughness.
Highmark Health, another leading healthcare organization, has implemented a suite of security tools to enhance its zero-trust security, including multifactor authentication, VPN software, anti-virus software, data encryption, data loss prevention software, IoT network security technology, network access control technology, microsegmentation, and more.
As these trends continue to shape the future of healthcare IT, a focus on secure, data-driven, and human-centered innovations promises to improve both patient outcomes and clinician well-being. With 65% of healthcare organizations aiming to have data governance frameworks in place by the end of 2025, prioritizing the ethical and explainable use of AI for predictive, preventive, and personalized care is becoming increasingly important.
Integrating Science and Technology for Health-and-Wellness Improvement
By leveraging advanced techniques like AI and machine learning, science and technology are playing crucial roles in transforming healthcare for the better. For instance, AI adoption in clinical decision support and risk stratification is a significant trend promoting personalized care plans.
Enhancing IT Security for Healthcare through Technology
The implementation of zero-trust security frameworks, which monitor user behavior, device health, and threat intelligence, represents a key advancement in maintaining robust security measures in healthcare IT settings. Moreover, the emphasis on securing AI outputs is essential to mitigate potential risks arising from blind AI reliance, thereby demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between science, health-and-wellness, and technology.
