AI, Blockchain and Wearables Are Transforming the Healthcare Industry
Digital breakthroughs have created a revolution in the Healthcare sector. Internet of things (IoT), the Blockchain, AI and sophisticated medical minded wearable devices have now become synonymous to home healthcare. The pharmaceutical industries too have witnessed the digital effect in its overall functioning.
The market prediction of growth of healthcare wearables is beyond 14 billion dollars by 2022. From calculating, the numbers of steps to checking heart pulse these wearables have carved out space for them in the field of healthcare.
Wearables
Health care has been on the radar on all major technical giants. E.g., Apple and Google have been actively bringing in something new in this field since in recent years. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, people now have the opportunity to take charge of their health. Apple has collaborated with health insurance provider Aetna to launch a new App named Attain that will provide data from its latest smart wristwatch. The wristwatch, which got approval from FDA, too shall be loaded with electrocardiograph or ECG feature. Doctors also have received these devices well everywhere. These devices are opening ways for health professionals and patients to utilize and analyze health-related data.
Google’s product Google Glass has made its way to the clinics of medical practitioners around the globe as their stylish gizmo, keep files, patient records, etc. Samsung too has entered the competition with its range of smartwatches.
AI in healthcare
Being somewhat familiar with artificial intelligence devices, thanks to Alexa and Siri, Doctors and health professionals are implementing AI in the healthcare system. The EHR, i.e. the Electronic Health Record will possibly be the best outcome of using Artificial Intelligence for collecting data from patients using health wearables. The focus is on both home healthcare and traditional healthcare. With a robust Electronic Health System, similar observations at the individual, as well as community level, can be conducted. This change is mainly a blessing for the underprivileged communities that are not able to access health institutions, the elderly, bedridden or anyone who cannot travel. Companies are making claims that AI can provide the diagnosis of common as well as some of the most complex ailments much faster and with better accuracy than the doctors can.
Blockchain technology
The apprehensions of introducing AI to the healthcare sector regarded the privacy and security of data of patients and firms. The concern is quite genuine and understandable. Inarguably health records are among the sitting gold mines in the cybercrime world. Their storage and security thus become utmost important. The upcoming Blockchain technology stands out as an answer to this issue. Application of Blockchain technology to the transmission and storage of data would make it decentralized. It will make the whole system faster and safer for everyone involved.
It is just the beginning of the revolution in the entire healthcare industry.
Devin Smith is a Microsoft Office expert and has been working in the technical industry since 2002. As a technical expert, Devin has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as office.com/setup.