Status and Trends of the Digital Healthcare Industry
10.4258/hir.2024.30.3.172
- Author:
Na Kyung LEE
1
;
Jong Seung KIM
Author Information
1. College of Medical Science, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Healthcare Informatics Research
2024;30(3):172-183
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
