Healthc Inform Res.  2024 Jul;30(3):172-183. 10.4258/hir.2024.30.3.172.

Status and Trends of the Digital Healthcare Industry

Affiliations
  • 1College of Medical Science, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
  • 2Department of Medical Informatics, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
  • 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea

Abstract


Objectives
This review presents a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving digital healthcare industry, aiming to provide a broad understanding of the recent landscape and directions for the future of digital healthcare.
Methods
This review examines the key trends in sectors of the digital healthcare industry, which can be divided into four main categories: digital hardware, software solutions, platforms, and enablers. We discuss electroceuticals, wearables, standalone medical software, non-medical health management services, telehealth, decentralized clinical trials, and infrastructural systems such as health data systems. The review covers both global and domestic perspectives, addressing definitions, significance, revenue trends, major companies, regulations, and socioenvironmental factors.
Results
Diverse growth patterns are evident across digital healthcare sectors. The applications of electroceuticals are expanding. Wearables are becoming more ubiquitous, facilitating continuous health monitoring and data collection. Artificial intelligence in standalone medical software is demonstrating clinical efficacy, with regulatory frameworks adapting to support commercialization. Non-medical health management services are expanding their scope to address chronic conditions under professional guidance. Telemedicine and decentralized clinical trials are gaining traction, driven by the need for flexible healthcare solutions post-pandemic. Efforts to build robust digital infrastructure with health data are underway, supported by data banks and data aggregation platforms.
Conclusions
Advancements in digital healthcare create a dynamic, transformative landscape, integrating, complementing, and offering alternatives to traditional paradigms. This evolution is driven by continuous innovation, increased stakeholder participation, regulatory adaptations promoting commercialization, and supportive initiatives. Ongoing discussions about optimal digital technology integration and effective healthcare strategy implementation are essential for progress.

Keyword

Digital Health, Industry, Trends, Technology, Precision Medicine

Reference

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