Top Healthcare Trends to see in 2023

The UK healthcare industry is reaching a crisis point, with supply outstripping demand. 

The sector must move with the modern times to keep up with patient numbers, treatments, and healthcare delivery expectations. In 2023, healthcare trends are expected to focus on using data and artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive healthcare, leveraging devices and data to consolidate healthcare delivery in the community, encouraging patient-centric care, and introducing new technologies. 

In this blog, we aim to explore these expected technology trends in more depth and inform you how you can get involved in a rewarding industry. 

How will AI in predictive and community care positively impact healthcare? 

AI can help healthcare organisations detect diseases and diagnose illnesses earlier, allowing healthcare professionals to provide better patient care. Additionally, predictive analytics using AI could enable healthcare providers to predict potential health problems before they arise, allowing healthcare staff to get ahead of the curve, and take preventive action that results in better patient and provider outcomes. 

On the community side, AI-powered devices are being developed and deployed in the home to allow healthcare staff to monitor vital signs remotely. AI technology could lead to an influx of healthcare services provided directly in the homes of those who cannot travel due to age or disability, and more importantly improving healthcare outcomes. 

AI can also be used in healthcare delivery to help providers better understand patients' needs, allowing them to provide personalised care plans that fit their patient's healthcare requirements. 

What other technologies are transforming healthcare? 

Professionals will be expected to use healthcare bots in 2023 for various tasks, such as providing basic health information and reminders about upcoming appointments.  

Virtual health assistants are popping up across healthcare organisations, helping healthcare staff make decisions on treatments and procedures by providing real-time data about their patients' conditions. Doctors can use machine learning to detect potentially dangerous medical conditions before they become serious, resulting in earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments. 

Robotic process automation (RPA) is also used to automate healthcare tasks such as data entry, claims processing and billing. RPA can help healthcare organisations reduce operational costs and improve the efficiency of healthcare processes, leading to better healthcare outcomes for patients. Finally, healthcare organisations are exploring using blockchain technology to store healthcare records securely. 

Will there be an increase in robotic surgery? 

We expect robotic surgery to become more common in healthcare in 2023 as the NHS look to reduce costs and take the pressure off an overloaded workforce. Robotic surgery allows the NHS to perform complex procedures faster, resulting in shorter patient recovery times. With robotic surgery, hospitals can reduce the number of healthcare staff needed to operate on a patient while still providing quality care. 

Genomic analysis and quantum simulations  

Due to advanced technology, healthcare in 2023 is set to harness with the power of genomic analysis and quantum simulations. 

Genomic data is big, but healthcare organisations are finding ways to analyse it efficiently. They can use this data for cancer diagnoses based on liquid biopsies, which involve analysing a patient's DNA or other genetic material to detect potential cancers with greater accuracy and timeliness than traditional tests. 

Complementing this is the application of quantum computing technology, which makes simulations faster by simulating complex systems such as proteins and drugs at an atomic level that would have been impossible to do with existing technology. In the long term, quantum computing technology could lead to breakthroughs in healthcare treatments and reduce the need for expensive clinical trials. 

How can you harness the power of technology? 

By studying a BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree, you can learn about industry processes that are at the heart of the modern-day healthcare sector. At the University of Bolton, you can study in our industry-spec Clinical Simulation Suite, which is a study space that mimics the industry environment and helps our students to learn about the key processes that they will encounter in their future job. 

Studying this course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to positively contribute nationally to health and social care organisations with excellent career opportunities. 

Want to learn more about what our supportive learning environment can offer? Find out more about our BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree by reading our full course details.  

To speak to a team member, please contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call on 01204 903807.