Exploring Healthcare Trends for 2022

February 1, 2022

Over the past few years, healthcare has seen significant progress at all levels, from research and development to patient care. The industry continues to make advancements in technology and service delivery models, and 2022 is not likely to be an exception. Changes across the industry will impact everything from data management to healthcare insurance. Companies need to prepare and adapt to a rapidly evolving industry to remain competitive.

What Are the 5 Trends in Healthcare for 2022?

As the year rolls on, you can expect to see ongoing developments in technology that allow for greater efficiency, accessibility, and innovation. Here are the five trends to look out for in 2022.

1. Continued Use of Telehealth and Remote Medical Care Services: Over the past two years, telehealth and remote medical care services skyrocketed and then leveled off at 38 times the rates seen in 2019. Changes in regulations and improvements in technology made remote services easier for providers and patients alike. While there are still security concerns, there is a general acceptance of telehealth, ensuring its place in the health care industry.
2. Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning improve efficiency and understanding across the healthcare industry. Researchers use these technologies to analyze large-scale data for pharmaceutical development, clinical trial results and patient responses to therapies and drugs. AI and machine learning will find their way into more aspects of the healthcare industry in 2022.
3. Incorporating Genetics for Personalized Medicine: Progress in genetics and innovations in pharmaceutical development is leading to a trend of personalized medicines, allowing for dosing based on an individual’s genetic makeup. This trend is just getting off the ground, but it will likely grow substantially in 2022.
4. Use of Extended Reality in Treatment and Training: Extended reality encompasses augmented, virtual, and mixed reality. In each technology, users have an altered perception of the world based on a digital experience. ER is making its way into the treatment protocol for behavioral and psychological therapies and training for surgeons and other doctors. This technology provides patients and medical students with a safe way to learn new skills.
5. Experimenting With Digital Twins: Digital twins are models of real-world systems that allow experimentation without risk through simulations. The technology enables researchers to study drug effects and treatment methods without the risk to real people in the healthcare industry. Currently, digital twins are limited to single systems, but it is likely that eventually, researchers will have whole-body models to work with.

What Can You Expect in Healthcare Insurance?

Technological and service delivery advancements will impact the insurance industry. Providers will need to be responsive to changes in healthcare to remain effective and relevant. Rapid pharmaceutical development, personalized medicine, remote care and extended reality will change the shape of healthcare, requiring insurance providers to evolve and adapt their services. ◼