How is the Healthcare Landscape Changing with Technological Advancement?
The technology revolution has come to the Healthcare
Having worked in the Pharmaceutical industry for more than 24 years, I've always thought Healthcare was slow to adopt technology. However, that has changed in the past few years.
The industry has adapted and pioneered in bringing technology to the forefront of patient care. The hot topic these days is technology and AI. Every sector is ongoing a transformation, and Healthcare is no different. The healthcare landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, accelerated by technological advancements. From remote patient monitoring to artificial intelligence, these innovations break down traditional barriers and forge a new path for patient-centered care.
To name a few:
Genomics and Personalized Medicine
I am actively discovering this fascinating space.
With the cost of genome sequencing dropping, offering personalized treatment plans based on an individual's genetic makeup is becoming more feasible. This approach could make treatments more effective and reduce side effects. For example, cancer treatments are increasingly being tailored to the genetic profile of a patient's tumor.
Genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas RNA-editing tools have paved the way for a new era in genomics/epigenomics and transcriptomics/epi transcriptomics. (Genes 2023, 14(1), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14010129: Recent Advances in Genome-Engineering Strategies).
The most recent and impressive example was how gene editing helped scientists quickly develop an effective COVID-19 vaccine.
“We cannot start a discussion without the groundbreaking role cell and gene therapy will have in healthcare. This is truly the next level technology that will change the trajectory of healthcare. And while AI cannot independent transform healthcare, as a tool, certain AI applications have great promise in getting healthcare data to be more structured, assisting with patient communication and education, and helping physicians identify potential care pathways that they may not recognize without large data processing.” — Bethany Hills Grois, Partner at DLA Piper
Digital Therapeutics
Digital therapeutics (DTx) merge scientifically backed research with digital tools to offer users customized, immediate treatments for chronic medical conditions.
The McKinsey & Company report from Jan 2023 shows that digital disease management can significantly improve patient outcomes. Specifically, there was a 45% decrease in major Telemedicine cardiovascular events (MACEs) over three months and a 50% reduction in 30-day hospital readmission rates.
Payors increasingly invest in this technology in a highly competitive landscape to attract a broader customer base and lower overall healthcare expenses.
Digital therapeutics are crucial in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, and diabetes. Inadequate tracking and poor compliance and adherence with medication compromise the effective control of chronic illnesses.
Chronic diseases require a holistic approach, including medication, regular monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments; providers need robust solutions for proactive, all-encompassing patient health tracking and behavior modification. Digital technologies, accessible to nearly two-thirds of the global population with the internet, offer significant promise for enhancing disease management.
“I am bullish on epigenetics and digital therapeutics: — Both represent groundbreaking frontiers in biotech that would be of mass interest. Epigenetics offers transformative potential for personalized, precision medicine, tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles. Concurrently, digital therapeutics herald a new era of holistic wellness, integrating technology for enhanced healing outcomes.” — Rashmi Rao, Managing Director , rcubed | ventures
A U.S. study by Johns Hopkins and Corrie Health with over a thousand patients found a 50% reduction in 30-day hospital readmissions for post-AMI patients using digital health interventions. The study employed continuous vital sign monitoring via connected devices, provided educational content, and managed medication through reminders and adherence tracking. It also facilitated communication with healthcare teams, monitored patients' moods, and allowed them to check medication side effects. This comprehensive digital approach yielded significant improvements in patient outcomes.
Telemedicine
Over time, the nature of doctor visits has evolved.
Although I don't miss the commute, waiting in the waiting area, and the mask (still required in some facilities), I do miss the personal touch of in-person doctor's office visits.
However, Telemedicine has democratized healthcare delivery, enabling medical consultation from anywhere. Platforms like Teladoc, Doctor On Demand, and Amwell have experienced a surge in usage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, telemedicine consultations spiked by up to 50% in March 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This technology is vital for rural and underserved communities, offering greater accessibility and cost savings. This shift has also resulted in cost savings and better resource management for healthcare providers.
According to McKinsey & Company, 2021, telehealth statistics show that telehealth is utilized for 13% to 17% of U.S. patient visits across all specialties. These numbers may not show a constant climb over the next few years, but they are not going down either.
Cleveland Clinic's Express Care Online has effectively provided urgent care services via telehealth. During the pandemic, it was a go-to for many patients who exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 but wanted to avoid emergency rooms.
Wearables and IoT
Wearable technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) are making waves by turning patients into active healthcare participants. Devices from companies like Fitbit and Apple offer features that can monitor heart rate and sleep quality and even detect irregular heart rhythms. According to an article in Forbes, the global healthcare wearables market could reach $34.7 billion by 2026. These wearables encourage users to stay active, provide real-time vital health statistics, and even share data with physicians for better treatment.
My Apple's Series 6 Watch offers blood oxygen level monitoring, heart rate notifications, and ECG. Another latest feature in the Apple Watch is AFib History, FDA cleared for users 22 years and older diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
Well, who knew wearing a watch could be life-saving, except maybe for Agent 007….
Remote Patient Monitoring
With chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart conditions rising, remote patient monitoring is a lifesaver. The Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices (CGMs) have become very popular. Per Nutrisense, the top four brands are Dexcom G6, Abbott FreeStyle Libre, Medtronic Guardian 3, and Senseonics Eversense. These devices automatically measure your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night, providing real-time updates.
CGM system for diabetes management notifies users of high or low glucose levels on their smartphones, allowing them to make real-time adjustments to their treatment. This has substantially reduced emergency room visits for diabetes-related complications and potentially improved quality of life for users.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research shows that remote monitoring led to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions, reducing healthcare costs significantly.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML technologies are revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment planning, and drug development. IBM Watson's ability to comb through vast medical journals and databases to suggest treatment options for cancer is groundbreaking. Google's DeepMind, on the other hand, has made significant contributions to AI-based protein folding, revolutionizing drug discovery. AI is hailed as "a game-changer for life sciences."
“With scientific literature doubling every 67 days or so, HCPs want to access the new information when (timing and ease to find it) they need it and how (channel and format) they want it. So, Integrated strategy to communicate data with effective Omnichannel execution will be the key.” — Renu Juneja, Medical Affair Executive, Johnson & Johnson
It is incredibly impactful in analyzing and collating large amounts of data.
There are numerous examples of how AI is helping the Medical community gain efficiency.
AI solutions by PathAI empower pathologists to make precise diagnoses. By minimizing cancer detection errors and introducing innovative personalized treatment approaches, PathAI enhances diagnostic accuracy, helping to treat or even cure cancer patients before the disease becomes life-threatening. This has the potential to save countless lives.
AI is helping doctors with early diagnosis of fatal blood diseases and treating rare conditions. BERG is a clinical-stage biotech platform powered by artificial intelligence, focused on accelerating the identification and development of groundbreaking medicines and vaccines. This shifts the paradigm in Healthcare by rapidly mapping diseases.
The AI tool developed by Google's DeepMind can predict kidney injury up to 48 hours before it happens. The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust applied this technology, and preliminary results indicate a reduction in adverse events related to kidney function.
Last but not least, AI can change Clinical trials in unprecedented ways. AI technologies have enabled researchers to more accurately identify suitable test subjects for experimental medications across various diseases and conditions. The precision in selecting qualified candidates is crucial, contributing to a measurable increase in the success rates of clinical trials. Moreover, AI has expedited the research process while reducing financial investments, benefiting the healthcare industry as a whole.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are being used in medical training, patient therapy, and to assist in complicated surgical procedures. For example, a surgeon can use AR to overlay imaging data onto the patient in real-time during surgery.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Data Analytics
The transition from paper-based to electronic health records has been a milestone in healthcare technology. EHR systems by companies like Epic and Cerner streamline operations and make predictive analytics possible. A Harvard Business Review article states that EHR and data analytics could save the U.S. healthcare system around $450 billion.
For instance, The Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania utilizes Epic's EHR system for its 'ProvenCare' model, a data-driven approach that has reduced hospital readmissions by nearly 44% for coronary artery bypass graft patients.
Blockchain for Data Security
For me, Blockchain is hard to understand. However, I've heard some excellent speakers recently talk about how to use this technology for healthcare and patient data. Data security is a significant concern in Healthcare, given the sensitive nature of medical records. Blockchain technology offers a secure, immutable ledger for storing healthcare data. Guardtime, a blockchain-based company, has partnered with the Estonian eHealth Foundation to secure millions of health records, proving the utility of Blockchain in this sector.
The government utilizes blockchain technology in Estonia to secure its citizens' medical records. A digital signature is created and stored on the Blockchain when a healthcare provider accesses a patient's record. This has significantly reduced unauthorized access to health data.
Regulatory Adaptations and Considerations
Healthcare is a highly regulated industry. This article would be incomplete without looking at the regulatory adaptations of technology.
Regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA are their guidelines to keep pace with technological advancements. The Digital Health Innovation Action Plan by the FDA aims to bring clarity and efficiencies in regulatory processes for digital health technologies.
The Digital Health Innovation Action Plan is an initiative by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modernize and streamline the regulatory pathways for digital health technologies. This includes products like mobile health apps, software as medical devices, and wearable devices that monitor health metrics. The plan aims to promote innovation in healthcare technology while ensuring that digital health tools meet the FDA's safety and effectiveness standards.
The Action Plan typically outlines how the FDA plans to approach digital health technology in terms of regulation, oversight, and guidance. By implementing this plan, the FDA aims to support technological advances in Healthcare while continuing to protect public health.
The FDA-approved IDx-DR, an AI-based diagnostic device that can detect diabetic retinopathy, marked a milestone in the regulatory landscape. This device enables quicker diagnoses and treatment options, reducing the burden on ophthalmologists and healthcare systems.
Challenges
Despite promising advancements, challenges like data privacy concerns, interoperability, and unequal access to technology exist. However, as noted in a Deloitte Insights article, the benefits of technology in healthcare "are too great to ignore," and solutions are on the horizon.
The Veterans Affairs Department's difficulty implementing a new EHR system highlights interoperability and data management issues. However, the overall trajectory suggests that technology will continue positively impacting Healthcare.
By looking at these specific real-world applications, it's evident that technology is not just a theoretical enhancement but a practical solution changing lives and healthcare outcomes for the better.
Technology is reshaping the healthcare landscape at an unprecedented rate, offering transformative and disruptive solutions. From Telemedicine and wearables to AI and Blockchain, the industry is adopting technologies that improve patient outcomes and revolutionize the entire healthcare ecosystem. With continued innovation and regulatory support, the future of Healthcare looks more promising than ever.
I would love to hear your perspectives on this issue we're all navigating through.
A few articles by this publication on related topics that are worth a read:
- How the Digital Health Revolution is Transforming Care Delivery by Urvashi Bhatnagar
- Technology meets wellness: How a Google search turned me into an accidental certified meditation teacher by Dana Gilland
- Demystifying AI's Role In Healthcare by Sasha Wallinger
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