A new year brings new challenges, but it also brings new opportunities.

Nowhere is this more true than in the world of medicine. Technology is a tool that brings change, and the world of Medicine is ripe for it.

Traditionally the medical world has lagged behind most other industries. As NueMD marketing specialist Kevin McCarthy explains: ‘New gadgets and systems are expensive, and healthcare organizations have trouble justifying the expense. Initially, these new technologies also slow down the speed at which physicians and medical staff can work, lowering productivity and cash flow for the practice.”

But 2016 may be the year we see a technological renaissance in medicine finally become a reality.

Here are three ways we see the factors coming together.

1) Telemedicine calls and video

More and more companies are giving employees the option to talk to a doctor remotely through telemedicine. The effectiveness of these virtual one-off consults is debatable, as often patients do not see a doctor familiar with them, their history, or their individual needs.

For some consumers, particularly younger generations, this practice may not be as concerning, however for baby boomers and older generations, there is a desire to connect with a doctor they have known for years.

Ultimately, it is the insight that a doctor has about their patient that will make them more effective. More insight leads to understanding the root cause, which leads to better outcomes through accurate diagnosis. 

The true potential of telemedicine may come along once doctors begin using telemedicine more often with their patients of record, having a trusting relationship combined with accurate and timely information.

2) Electronic real-time peripheral monitoring

The market for medical peripheral devices is expanding exponentially, as consumers seek to track and monitor their own health through digitally connected devices.

Measuring body vitals such as blood pressure, glucose or oxygenation is becoming easier thanks to smart phone connected devices. This means easier access to information for patients, and easier reporting to doctors. The better these vitals are measured, the more they are able to be managed.

3) Shared medical information between doctors

This is a still area of huge contention and legal complications, but as medical information transfer becomes more seamless, secure and simple, the hope is that doctors will soon find a multi-specialist platform that can help to share important patient data quickly and securely.

These are just three trends that are changing medicine through the integration of technology. As the year unfolds, we will see what new emerging technologies continue to enhance and improve the lives of patients around the world.

One thing we can all agree upon is that the future of medicine is almost here.