Digital health trends of 2021

Digital health refers to the usage of connected devices, wearables, software including mobile applications (apps) and artificial intelligence (AI) to address various health needs via information and communications technologies.

The term also encompasses digital care programs. It is the convergence of digital technologies with health, healthcare, living, and society to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery to make medicine more personalized and precise.

By opening up the medical device space to an array of providers such as software or mobile app developers and IT solution providers, it is clear that digital health is the positive impact of technology in healthcare.

Today, we’ll look at 3 key trends in digital health in 2021.

1. Virtual reality in healthcare

In recent times, doctors and residents have been using virtual-reality simulations to hone their skills or to plan complicated surgeries. VR headsets could also motivate wearers to exercise and help children with autism learn how to navigate the world.

VR technology has also been used to treat pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and stroke. In some cases, they are safer than the use of drugs to treat a symptom.

This global virtual and augmented reality in healthcare market is expected to reach $5.1 billion by 2025.

2. At-home lab tests

EverlyWell, LetsGetChecked, MyLabBox and 23andme are some companies that provide tools to make lab tests at home, aiming to be faster and cheaper than official laboratories. These tests allow for you to have multiple important tests without even leaving the comfort of your own home. It is also private and convenient, you do not have to deal with talking to nurses or receptionists or doctor. More importantly, such tests can remove a serious burden off the shoulders of healthcare systems.

The global pandemic has further accelerated this trend as people seek to perform lab tests at home to prevent infection. All in all, testing kits can be great tools for people to take control of their own health data.

3. On-demand healthcare

On-Demand Healthcare connects patients to the healthcare providers available in real-time through websites, mobile apps, or even home visits. 

Patients seeking on-demand healthcare due to their busy lives are ushering in a new age of technological disruption in the healthcare sector. Devices like mobile, desktop, or any other internet-connected devices bond the patients and hospital to approach virtual caring on the demand of patients at any time and from anywhere.

This growing acceptance of mobile health technology as well as the need for doctors and health professionals to meet the changing needs of their patients are contributing factors to the trend of on-demand healthcare in the health industry.

The bottom-line

With the rise of virtual reality in healthcare, at-home test kits, and the rise of on-demand healthcare, the digital transformation in healthcare seems rather promising. Consumers and brands alike will benefit from these transformations as the latter work to improve lives or fulfill a want or need.