2024 is set to usher in a surge in innovative digital health trends. Here are our predictions for what we are likely to see this year:
The integration of Generative AI in the health sector has proven to be a key digital health trend over the last year and will continue to dominate in 2024. Gen AI is a powerful tool with the potential to automate error-prone tasks, provide clinical data instantly and reshape the foundations of the UK’s health system. NICE guidelines have also highlighted the importance of the technology in diagnosing and treating patients in the UK, making it a key trend to watch out for in 2024.
The NHS App, which was launched in 2019, is expected to continue to grow in 2024. New developments to the app will support people who are chronically ill and enables people to stay healthy through self-management. The app allows patients to order repeat prescriptions, book appointments and view their health record, paving the way for a national digital front door.
New partnerships and collaborations between the NHS and industry will be crucial to foster and implement digital health innovation in 2024. Industry, NHS and third sector parties must find new ways to work together to bridge health gaps and create solutions to the health sector’s biggest problems, including workforce shortages, aged care, preventative care and self-management.
Telehealth has been a game changer over the last several years following the pandemic. In 2024 we may see continued advancements in telehealth, including enhancements in virtual consultations, the integration of AI and real-time monitoring through wearable devices. These advancements will be able to provide more personalised experiences and increasingly accurate diagnoses.
The digital health landscape is ever-changing, and new advancements have the potential to make healthcare more efficient, accessible and patient-centric. Through the challenges that the health sector is facing, digital technologies are becoming and indispensable ally in providing care and improved health outcomes.