Top Healthcare Information Technology News Stories in 2021

The healthcare industry is one of the most crucial sectors that directly influences a nation’s growth. Today’s healthcare industry is rapidly changing, with technology playing a significant role in shaping it. Keeping up with the latest healthcare information technology news stories can be critical to staying ahead of the competition.

1. The Rise of Telehealth Services

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant shift in healthcare delivery models. Telehealth services have gained momentum, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits. This technology has expanded the reach of healthcare services, allowing healthcare providers to deliver quality care to patients in remote areas.

Telehealth services are estimated to grow even further, with one report forecasting that by 2025, over 36 million telehealth visits will occur annually. This development provides a world of opportunities for healthcare organizations, resulting in quality care delivery, increased patient satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs.

2. The Adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR)

The use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) has been transforming the healthcare industry, driven primarily by the need to manage patient data more effectively. EHRs not only improve the quality of care delivery, but they also reduce the likelihood of errors and enhance communication between healthcare providers.

Since 2018, over 90% of hospitals in the U.S have adopted an EHR system. Further developments in EHR technology are expected, including the incorporation of AI, cloud-based data storage, and enhanced patient engagement features.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize the industry. AI analyzes vast amounts of healthcare data, reducing research time, predicting patient outcomes, and improving diagnosis.

AI tools have been deployed in various healthcare settings, including diagnostics, drug discovery, and robotic surgery. For instance, AI-powered machines can identify early-stage breast cancer with 90% accuracy, significantly reducing the need for biopsies.

4. The Push for Interoperability

Interoperability, the seamless exchange of healthcare data between different systems, has been a hot topic in the healthcare industry. The push for interoperability is driven by the need to share patient data securely and improve healthcare delivery.

In 2021, new regulations mandate that hospitals, healthcare providers, and vendors must be able to exchange and access data seamlessly. This development enhances patient care and reduces costs, enabling healthcare providers to avoid duplicate services and tests.

5. The Growing Use of Wearable Technology in Healthcare

Wearable Technology has been on the rise in recent years, with healthcare providers adopting it in patient care. These wearable devices serve as personalized healthcare assistants, monitoring vital signs, tracking physical activity, and even analyzing a patient’s sleep patterns.

The use of wearable devices allows healthcare providers to monitor patient health remotely and detect any abnormalities early. These devices have the potential to transform healthcare delivery, providing remote patient monitoring, enhanced diagnosis, and improved patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

The healthcare industry has been at the forefront of technological advancements in recent years. Stay up-to-date with the latest healthcare information technology news stories is essential for stakeholders in the industry. The rise of Telehealth services, AI, EHR adoptions, Interoperability, and the use of Wearable technology are some of the most significant developments affecting healthcare delivery. By staying informed about these developments, healthcare providers can adjust their services to meet emerging patient demands, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.