As technology is rapidly evolving, especially in the medical field, here are eight healthcare tech trends to keep an eye on in 2023, per physician search and employment firm Merritt Hawkins.
1. Advancing mRNA technology. mRNA was influential in creating a vaccine against COVID-19. Scientists are now exploring how it could be used in the development of new vaccines and therapeutics. Biotechnology company Moderna currently has 35 mRNA developmental candidates in clinical trial stages.
2. Patients embracing telehealth. Surveys and studies have shown that patients want telehealth to stick around in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practices and physicians will have to keep up with technology changes surrounding telehealth.
3. Adapting to data integration and artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence and machine learning is taking over every professional field, but it will take specialists to improve data management and integration. AI can help with rapid diagnosis, assessing surgical wounds and drug discoveries.
4. Securing healthcare data. While transitioning to electronic health records has been helpful for practices, ransomware attacks on health organizations are on the rise. AI can help protect from cyberthreats and assist with information encryption.
5. Creating new pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry will continue to produce new products in 2023, with new treatments for previously unaddressed issues.
6. Using augmented and virtual reality. AR and VR can allow surgeons to view a patient's unique anatomy before and during surgeries for better planning.
7. Implementing 3D printing. 3D printing can be used for model development, medical devices, prosthetics and more.
8. Adjusting to wearables and in-home testing. More devices, like the Apple Watch, are allowing patients to track health data at home. Clinicians will need to learn how to integrate that information into patient treatment.