By  Al Brander, CSO

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and 2023 promises to bring a number of significant changes and developments. Here are the Top 7 changes to expect in healthcare in 2023:

1. Increased adoption of telehealth services: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth services, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Telehealth allows patients to receive medical care remotely, through video consultations with healthcare providers. This can be particularly beneficial for patients living in rural areas or for those with mobility issues. Telehealth can also help to reduce the burden on hospitals and clinics by allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth has already proven to be a valuable tool in the fight against COVID-19, as it allows patients to receive care without risking exposure to the virus. In the coming year, we can expect to see telehealth become more widely available and more integrated into the overall healthcare system.
2. Greater use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare: AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by automating tasks and providing more accurate diagnoses. In 2023, we can expect to see more healthcare providers using AI to analyze medical images, interpret electronic health records, and even predict patient outcomes. AI can help to reduce the workload of healthcare providers, freeing up time for more complex tasks, and it can also improve the accuracy of diagnoses, leading to better outcomes for patients.
3. Personalized medicine: Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, is an approach to healthcare that tailors treatment to the individual needs of the patient. By 2023, we can expect to see more healthcare providers using genetic information, along with other factors such as lifestyle and environment, to design treatment plans for individual patients. Personalized medicine has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered – as it takes into account the unique needs and characteristics of each patient. This can lead to more effective and personalized treatment plans, which can result in better outcomes for patients.
4. Increased focus on preventative care: In the coming years, we can expect to see a shift towards preventative care in the healthcare industry. This means that healthcare providers will focus on helping patients to prevent diseases and conditions before they occur, rather than just treating them after they have developed. This could involve things like lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and vaccines. Preventative care can help to reduce the burden on the healthcare system by preventing the development of costly and complex conditions, and it can also improve the overall health and well-being of patients.
5. Greater use of digital health tools: In 2023, we can expect to see an increase in the use of digital health tools, such as wearable devices and apps that track and monitor health metrics. These tools can help patients to track their own health and make healthier lifestyle choices and can also provide healthcare providers with valuable data for diagnosis and treatment. Digital health tools can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, as they can help to monitor and manage these conditions more effectively.
6. Increased use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs are digital versions of a patient’s medical history and records, and they can be accessed and updated by healthcare providers in real-time. In 2023, we can expect to see more healthcare providers adopting EHRs, as they provide many benefits over paper-based records. EHRs can help to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of diagnoses, as they provide a complete and up-to-date view of a patient’s medical history. They can also improve efficiency, as they allow healthcare providers to access and update records quickly and easily.
7. Greater emphasis on patient engagement: Patient engagement refers to the extent to which patients are involved in their own healthcare, and it has been shown to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. In 2023, we can expect to see healthcare providers placing a greater emphasis on patient engagement, through initiatives such as patient portals, patient-centered care models, and patient education programs. By empowering patients to take an active role in their own healthcare, healthcare providers can improve outcomes and create a more collaborative and effective healthcare system.

Overall, the healthcare landscape is expected to change significantly in 2023, with the adoption of telehealth, AI, personalized medicine, preventative care, and digital health tools all expected to play a key role. These changes will likely lead to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery, as well as better outcomes for patients. It is important for healthcare providers and patients to stay up to date on these developments, so they can take advantage of the many benefits they have to offer.