Digital Health Trends for 2024

The digital health world is constantly evolving, and 2024 is no exception. In this article, we at BeKey reveal the top trends that are shaping the future of healthcare and technology. We explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is not only enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare services but also creating new opportunities for innovation and growth. We also look at how the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual hospitals, mental health tech, and outsourcing and offshoring are changing the way healthcare is delivered and accessed.

If you want to learn more about these trends and how they can impact both healthcare providers and patients, read on and let us know what you think.

Trend #1: AI Chatbots & Virtual Assistants

One of the most visible and widespread applications of AI in healthcare is the use of chatbots and virtual assistants. They can provide 24/7 support for common medical queries, appointment scheduling, and basic healthcare advice, alleviating the workload on healthcare professionals while enhancing accessibility and convenience for patients.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global healthcare chatbots market size was valued at $314.3 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.2% from 2021 to 2028. Such growth is caused by the increasing adoption of smartphones and smart speakers, the rising demand for virtual health assistance, and the growing awareness of the benefits of chatbots in healthcare.

Trend #2: AI in Healthcare Management

Another area where AI is making a significant impact is healthcare management. This refers to the administrative and operational aspects of healthcare, such as billing, coding, scheduling, claims processing, and compliance. These tasks are often time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors, which can affect the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.

However, with the help of AI, healthcare management can be improved and streamlined. AI can automate repetitive and tedious tasks, optimize workflows and processes, and enhance accuracy and reliability. AI can also provide insights and analytics that can help healthcare managers make better decisions and improve performance and outcomes.

According to a report by Accenture, AI applications in healthcare management could potentially create $150 billion in annual savings for the US healthcare economy by 2026.

Trend #3: IoT-Powered Virtual Hospitals & Telemedicine 3.0

In healthcare, IoT can enable the creation of virtual hospitals and telemedicine 3.0, which are the next level of remote healthcare delivery. Virtual hospitals are healthcare facilities that use IoT-connected devices, such as sensors, wearables, and cameras, to monitor and treat patients in their homes or other locations. They can function as centralized hubs for managing multiple patients remotely, using AI and cloud computing to analyze data and provide feedback and interventions.

Telemedicine 3.0 goes beyond remote consultations to a holistic approach to delivering patient care and treatment. It involves the use of IoT-connected devices, such as smart pills, patches, and implants, to provide real-time data and feedback, as well as the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance the patient experience and outcomes.

According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global IoT in healthcare market size is expected to grow from $72.5 billion in 2020 to $188.2 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 21.0%. Some of the factors driving this growth are the increasing demand for home healthcare, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing adoption of smart devices and wearables.

Trend #4: AI Predictive Analytics & Remote Patient Monitoring Devices

AI predictive analytics can help improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders, as well as prevent adverse events and complications. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices can measure and transmit vital signs and other health data from patients to healthcare providers, without the need for physical visits.

AI predictive analytics and RPM devices can work together to provide better healthcare outcomes for patients, especially those with chronic conditions or at risk of developing them. AI predictive analytics can use the data collected by RPM devices to provide personalized and timely feedback and interventions, such as medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or emergency alerts.

Trend #5: Mental Health Tech

Mental health tech includes various types of digital tools and platforms, such as apps, chatbots, online platforms, VR, and gamification, that can provide mental health services, such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Mental health tech is a growing and promising field, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased the demand and need for mental health care. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global mental health apps market size was valued at $1.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.2% from 2021 to 2028.

Trend #6: Outsourcing & Offshoring in Healthcare

Outsourcing and offshoring in healthcare can offer several benefits, such as cost reduction, quality improvement, scalability, and flexibility. The myth that HIPAA-compliant solutions can only be made onshore has been successfully dispelled. Thanks to different cloud vendors and their solutions, any professional company from any part of the world can develop proper software. In our view, during periods when many digital health companies are striving to reduce costs, outsourcing and offshoring development are likely to emerge as a clear trend.

According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the global healthcare IT outsourcing market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2020 to 2027.

In Conclusion

These are some of the top trends that we at BeKey believe will shape the digital health world in 2024. If you are looking for a reliable and professional partner to help you with your digital health project, we are here to help with our extensive experience and expertise in developing and delivering digital health solutions. We can support you with every stage of your project as well as with maintenance and support, ensuring that your solution is always up and running.