A detailed overview of connected healthcare

In recent years, the entire healthcare landscape has undergone a transformative shift, adapting to various technological advancements. Healthcare providers are slowly moving from traditional models to newer methods that are more efficient in order to ensure better patient outcomes. Among all these latest trends, one concept that has gained huge traction is connected healthcare. Characterized by the utilization of advanced technologies and digital mediums, this approach has emerged as a solution to various challenges in the healthcare sector.

What is connected healthcare?

Connected healthcare refers to the integration of technology in healthcare in order to enhance patient-centric care. This is an approach that emphasizes the importance of seamless communication between healthcare providers, patients and other key players in the healthcare ecosystem. This leads to better patient engagement and improved healthcare outcomes.

Key components of connected healthcare

Connected healthcare is a broad term that has several different aspects addressing various challenges in industry. Some of its key components include:

·         Precision medicine

Precision medicine, also referred to as personalized medicine, is an approach that involves tailoring medical treatments to individual patients. Instead of using a generalized method to prevent, diagnose or treat a disease, medicine is chosen based on insights gained through various data points captured from the patient. This data includes information about an individual’s genes, environment, lifestyle, etc.

·         Digital biomarkers

Digital biomarkers are data points collected through digital tools, like medical wearable devices, smartphones and other sensor-based devices. The information can help pharma companies in various ways, such as new drug development, introducing new medical devices, etc. Apart from this, digital biomarkers also help in evaluating the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment methods.

·         Electronic health records

Electronic health records, commonly referred to as EHR, are digital versions of a patient's medical history. EHRs are stored on digital platforms and have emerged as popular alternatives to manual patient records because of the great amount of convenience they offer. Just like their traditional counterparts, these digital records also consist of comprehensive medical history, such as ongoing and past medications, allergies, diagnoses, etc.

·         Remote patient monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a process in which healthcare providers monitor patients without being physically present with them. For this, essential health data is captured using appropriate digital medical devices and then shared with the healthcare provider. This is particularly beneficial for managing chronic diseases. Apart from this, it can also help in providing patients with necessary post-operative care. 

Apart from the aforementioned things, key opinion leader intelligence is also a crucial aspect of connected healthcare. Commonly used in pharma key opinion leader intelligence is a concept that can prove to be equally beneficial in connected healthcare as well. Key opinion leaders i(KOLs) are influential figures who possess extensive knowledge and experience in their particular fields. One of the primary roles they play is creating awareness about new trends that are being introduced in the industry. These individuals not only provide insights into the benefits of these technological advancements but can also affect the decision-making of patients as well as healthcare providers by leveraging their credibility.