Top Trends in Healthcare IT

In recent years, software has been playing an increasingly important role in the healthcare industry, with software solutions being developed that are specifically designed to address the needs of hospitals and other healthcare organizations. These innovative solutions range from hospital inventory management software to electronic medical record (EMR) software, and they have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of a hospital’s workflow while ensuring that patient records are secure at all times. With more hospitals starting to rely on these solutions, here are just some of the top trends in healthcare IT.

Some top trends in healthcare IT

#1: Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare software is catching on as hospitals and medical practices continue to seek ways to increase efficiency and save time. AI systems now monitor patients' heart rate, breathing, physical activity, sleep quality, blood pressure and many other characteristics that can predict an impending health problem. They also track data from medical tests (like X-rays or biopsies) so that doctors can keep a detailed picture of their patient's progress at their fingertips. On top of all that, AI software helps clinical staff determine which test results need urgent attention by filtering out normal variations in data--so no more agonizing waits for results. Artificial intelligence is like a super powerful filter, said David Kibbe.

#2: Integrating with EMR Software

Electronic medical record software (EMRs) are a huge component of any healthcare organization’s operations. EMR software helps streamline and automate data entry, maintenance, and retrieval processes by interfacing with various other software applications. If you want to know more about EMR integration with your ERP or supply chain management system, reach out! Integrating an ERP solution is no easy task; it requires multiple stages that span many months or even years. To ensure you're on top of trends related to integrating with EMR software, follow these three tips: 1) Interfaces: First things first—make sure your hardware and software platforms can communicate with each other. 2) Integrations: A few points after launch is always better than a few months prior to launch; make sure everything is integrated before going live. 3) Flexibility: The best way to ensure successful interoperability is to ensure flexibility at every step along the way.

#3: Simplifying Patient Records

Healthcare is a complicated field, with lots of moving parts. A hospital has numerous departments to account for and each staff member wears multiple hats. It’s hard enough to keep track of everything, which is why many hospitals are implementing systems like electronic medical records software and hospital inventory management software. These tools have made life easier for medical professionals—and are helping hospitals save time, money and energy on things that don’t directly impact patient care. For example, take one very basic but often overlooked feature: search capabilities. These allow medical staff to quickly find relevant information—such as a patient’s diagnosis or medicines he or she is taking—in mere seconds instead of minutes or hours. It seems like such a small improvement but it can have major impacts on efficiency.

#4: Data Analytics

Data analytics is just one of many features software companies are incorporating into their healthcare products. Electronic medical records help hospitals store information on patients’ health and make it easier for doctors to access them. Hospital inventory management software, meanwhile, helps keep track of supplies. Analytics allow healthcare organizations to use data from these systems to see how they can improve patient care and streamline processes.

#5: Telehealth

Telehealth software can help tele-specialists provide patients with remote monitoring and care. This software allows for high quality video visits, using either audio or high definition (HD) video. This means a doctor can effectively diagnose, treat and monitor their patient via video chat from anywhere there is an internet connection. A study by TeleHealth Systems found that physician office visits using telehealth technology reduced missed visits and emergency room visits. In addition to saving money for healthcare organizations, it also increased patient satisfaction by eliminating long waits for appointments or trips to clinics and hospitals. Telehealth software makes it easier for doctors to connect with patients outside of normal business hours as well, often scheduling appointments at any time of day with clients who have flexibility around their schedule — which helps them manage medical needs more easily.

#6: Diagnostic Tools

Tools that help physicians diagnose and treat patients. Some of these tools can be an EMR (electronic medical record) and others are specific to a certain condition. Diagnostic Tools helps doctors get a firm grasp on patient treatment so they can provide better service and care in a timely manner. Tools such as hospital inventory management software provides fast, accurate tracking of medications, equipment, supplies and other items for use in managing a healthcare facility or any other enterprise with large stock inventories.

Conclusion

Cloud technology and software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools are some of the biggest trends on our list, reflecting growing consumer demand for remote and mobile healthcare solutions. Cloud computing promises fast data access, real-time collaboration, and automated security—all at an affordable price.