Mega Trends in Healthcare Connectivity

The future of healthcare is connected.

Despite having an abundance of connection platforms and solutions, human beings are more fragmented than ever due to accelerated change, and the overwhelming need to keep up with it all. The way we manage our relationships and lives has been subject to much more change over time, especially as we deal with constant influxes of information and ways to process that information. One relationship largely affect by this siloed reality is that of a patient and their care network, whether it be their healthcare providers or even manufacturers. Being an important relationship that affects the standard of care and resulting outcomes, unique efforts are underway to bridge this gap between patients and these stakeholders.

Staying Connected Through Clinical Data:

Using devices and wearables, providers can view, interpret and assess patients’ clinical data remotely.

For example, The Echoes app created by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Evelina Children’s Heart Organization (ECHO), measures heart sounds which can be processed further to obtain medically relevant data. Patients place their smartphone on their chest, pressing “record” - in which a signal processing algorithm filters the heart sound to remove background noise. HCPs can hear and analyze their patients’ heart sounds without clinic visits.

Immersive Experiences to Increase Patient Motivation:

Using educational content and gamification to improve patient adherence.

For example, Sidekick Digital Therapeutics (DTx), a platform based on gamified health apps, helps patients modify behaviours and adhere to therapy through CBT principles and gamification strategies. It is already in use supporting drug therapies in areas such as atopic dermatitis and breast cancer.

Going Beyond Transactional Connections between Patients & Manufacturers:

Drug manufacturers are focused on creating organic, social relationships with patients.

For example, Johnson & Johnson's SHARE Network program asks patients to recount their health stories—and explain how a drug from its Janssen unit changed their lives, using all types of medium, from speaking engagements to written testimonials to videos for branded and unbranded campaigns.

Mega Trends in Healthcare

Inclusivity

The future of healthcare is inclusive.

Growing intolerance towards discriminatory practices, and greater awareness and expression of inclusivity through all forms of media (social media, journalism, research, pop culture, art) has paved the way for inclusivity to be a strong pillar in every space.

We live in a world where we are regularly exposed to the disparities felt by minority groups and individuals. The healthcare space is no exception, whether it be poor access to services or bias shown by stakeholders. Therefore, it will only become more crucial to create opportunities, products, and spaces for those who feel overshadowed, unaccepted, or unacknowledged in this evolving health system.

Addressing Racial Inequities in Healthcare Services:

With growing cultural consciousness and knowledge of racial inequities, new organizations are supporting POC as ways to go beyond barriers.

For example, 4D Healthware, is a Black-led virtual healthcare service provider that works with Federally Qualified Health Centers to reach medically underserved patients. Specifically patients who don’t have time to see a doctor during normal hours, or those who fear discrimination if they go to a medical facility.

Accessible and Universal Design Principles:

Accessibility standards are front and center in the design, development and implementation of healthcare technologies in order to make them usable by all.

For example, University of Illinois, non profit partners from Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are pledging to shape the future of accessible technologies by expanding speech recognition capabilities for people with disabilities and diverse speech patterns using AI and machine learning.

Closing the Gender ap i Male focused Therapeutic Areas:

Increasing calls to action to prioritize women's cardiovascular care are being announced by key healthcare stakeholders and organizations.

For example, The American Heart Association (AHA) has released a call to action for stakeholders around the globe to identify and remove barriers that women face in cardiovascular care. This is relevant across all aspects of the therapeutic area, whether it be representation in research, understanding of sexspecific risk factors, or equitable care delivery at access points.