Trends in Pediatrics in 2023

Pediatrics is an exciting yet challenging field in the medical industry. Many people love working with kids and helping them live healthy lives can be incredibly rewarding. However, seeing kids face difficult health challenges and helping them through treatments can also be draining and discouraging. New developments in technology and practices are helping pediatric professionals improve the healthcare their patients receive and providing less invasive treatment and monitoring options to allow sick kids to enjoy more normal lives. Here are some of the top trends in pediatrics this year.

Early Diagnostics

Diagnostic tools and methods have been changing dramatically over the past several years. Better technology is leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses for pediatric patients. This includes tests that can be performed on babies that haven’t even been born yet, allowing providers early detection of potential genetic disorders. These early diagnostic tests can allow facilities to be better prepared for potential difficulties during or after birth, leading to better outcomes for the child.

3D Visualization

Abnormal body structures and conditions can be hard for doctors to visualize, especially in children. Virtual and augmented reality technologies allow these physicians to study organ defects and other conditions in more detail, leading to better understanding and the ability to be more prepared for potential surgical interventions. These tools can also help engage pediatric patients and allow them to understand better what is happening in their bodies. Additionally, it can help medical students train more efficiently.

Information Systems

Electronic health records have become commonplace, but recent technological developments are adding additional features and capabilities to these systems. These records are more thorough and efficient, keeping patient information easily accessible and helping to avoid mistakes and errors. Cloud-based systems can ensure everyone involved in a child’s care gets real-time updates on their care and condition.

Smart Medical Equipment

Smart devices are becoming increasingly popular, even in pediatric medical spaces. One example is new infant ventilators that use sensors to deliver different oxygen amounts depending on the newborn’s current condition. Many of them are also portable, allowing faster response in high-risk situations.

Supplements

Digestive health is a big concern amongst many patients, including those in pediatrics. Many new supplements are hitting the market to help increase gut health and immunity, including organic options for parents concerned about pesticides and fertilizers. These supplements can be especially helpful for infants who are unable to breastfeed, helping meet nutritional needs more effectively and minimizing digestive issues.

Telehealth

Patient waiting rooms can be full of germs from other sick patients and can be stressful places for children with anxiety about healthcare. Telehealth was popularized during the pandemic and continues to be a great option for many parents. For mild conditions, patient monitoring, and other scenarios, telehealth can be a great way to serve patients. These appointments can also be more accessible, allowing children to receive treatment more quickly without having to wait for an open appointment at the physical office.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize the healthcare field, including pediatrics. This technology can help analyze records and detect conditions or diseases that might otherwise go overlooked. It has been proven to improve diagnostics and allows for more personalized care plans, thanks to its insight. AI can also be harnessed to improve administrative tasks, such as patient monitoring and scheduling appointments, allowing staff more time to invest in patients’ care.

These developments and trends in the pediatrics discipline are exciting for providers and patients alike. Embracing new technologies and practices can help lead to less stressful experiences for children in healthcare and higher-quality care overall. If you work in pediatrics, expect to see some of these trends in your workplace in the coming year.