Software Trends in Healthcare [Infographic]

Technology continues to grow and expand its reach throughout the industries of society. Perhaps technology’s greatest impact is being felt in today’s healthcare world as the increased implementation and use of electronic medical records has revolutionized how physicians and patients are involved in their healthcare.

The world expects more mobility, efficiency and customization from their devices and software than ever before … and the same can be said for healthcare technology. Here’s a look at some of the latest software trends within healthcare technology.

Mobile Trends

Smartphones are becoming a part of society’s day-to-day lifestyle. In short, smartphones have taken convenience to a whole new level as the access to limitless amounts of information is literally just a few clicks away. So it’s no surprise that nearly two-thirds of Americans own smartphones.

Consequently, the usage of smartphones and even other mobile devices have impacted healthcare and how patients choose to access their medical information.

• 60 percent of patients use mobile devices exclusively to choose a doctor or healthcare provider
• 80 percent use a smart phone for online searches
• 47 percent use a tablet for online searches

As this data suggests, patients are utilizing their smartphones and other mobile devices at the beginning stages of their healthcare – selecting a doctor. Clearly, this will be something patients rely on throughout the entire healthcare process.

Online Bill Paying

With the access of internet so prevalent in households and at the fingertips of nearly two-thirds of Americans, patients and consumers alike have opted to pay bills online at an increasing rate. In fact, 27 million U.S. households regularly pay at least one bill online per month.

Smartphones and mobile devices continue to play a role in online bill paying as well. Approximately 62 percent of millennials pay at least one bill entirely on their smartphones, while 25 percent of Gen X have paid a bill on a mobile device, along with just 11 percent of Baby Boomers.

Paying bills online is gaining popularity and a feature that all healthcare providers should make available to their patients, if they haven’t already.

Patient Record Access

All of this convenience from technology has had a consequential effect on the expectations of patients in their personal healthcare. Patients are increasingly expecting access to their medical files and records through a patient portal. 

However, the majority of providers do not allow online patient access to their healthcare records – just 40 percent. The move towards online access of patient records has empowered patients more than ever to be personally involved in their healthcare. One-third of all patients can amend or update their records from a web-enabled device.

Through these trends, it’s clear to see how technology continues to impact the healthcare industry. Medical practices should take notice of these tendencies in order to better assess how they can meet their patients where they’re at. Understanding how patients are getting involved in their healthcare will help practices gain a better sense of how to accommodate patients and meet their respective needs.