Commentary
MEET THE TECHNOLOGY REGION – ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MUSHROOMS
It’s always fun to see the teams that enter the March Healthcare Classic from the Technology region. Despite healthcare’s stubborn resistance to technological change, it’s inspiring to see so many starry-eyed hopefuls giving it a go. This region is typically rife with first timers, which earns it a reputation as being the “weak” region, populated by teams that limped in through their conference tournaments.
However, one team here is just one of three trends to have made it to every single tournament, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has done not just that but has spawned and splintered into at least three teams in this year’s bracket – in the technology region, AI’s Resurgent Debut and AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support, and in the Healthcare Landscape region, (and need for AI to mitigate). It could be argued that still others are powered and/or dependent on AI. As time goes on, it may be harder to parse AI as a distinct trend as this force infiltrates every aspect of healthcare. AI could very likely be one of those teams that, despite its humble region, ends up changing the sport forever.
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THE EIGHT TRENDS AND THE FIRST FOUR MATCHUPS
AI’s Resurgent Debut in Healthcare’s Front Office (1) speaks to the utilization of AI to materially change administrative and operational aspects of healthcare organizations. New AI tools are automating payer-provider transactions and patient transitions while improving operational efficiency. This top seed takes on Voice-First Healthcare Interfaces (8), which are expected to become a major trend in 2025. Especially for older adults and people with disabilities, voice assistants powered by conversational AI can help patients access health information, schedule appointments and receive medication reminders through simple voice commands.
The next bout pits Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Rise in New Areas (2) against Increased Demand for Patient Portals and Digital Engagement (7), two fresh faces vying for tournament glory. DTx is predicted to gain more traction in 2025, expanding into new domains such as oncology, women’s health and pediatrics using AI-powered algorithms (you again, AI?). Meanwhile, consumers are seeking greater control over their health data and demanding better communication with providers through online portals. Healthcare organizations are expected to invest in digital patient tools and more robust patient self-serve technology to reap financial rewards and improve patient engagement.
Predictive Analytics for Population Health (3) locks horns with Rise of in Specialty Care (6), two more freshman teams with dreams of victory. In 2025, predictive analytics will play a key role in population health management, helping healthcare systems shift toward a more proactive and preventative model of care. Telehealth continues its upward trajectory, with growth that is more targeted and specialized especially in behavioral health and pregnancy care.
In this region’s final first-round contest, another AI spawn takes the court. AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support (4) tools are expected to grow significantly in 2025. Healthcare organizations are moving from proof-of-concept projects to in-production use cases. While certain generations cannot conceive of AI having a meaningful role in diagnosis or treatment, the fact is, it’s coming. This trend will tangle with Continued Rise of Consumer-Facing Digital Technologies (5), a trend that reflects the staying power of consumer interest in health devices and wearables while leveraging data in real-time to achieve confidence and control over health concerns and wellness goals.
Read about the trends in the other three regions: Healthcare Landscape, Care Delivery and Payment.
What trends do you think are the biggest healthcare change-makers?
Join the conversation on LinkedIn and make your predictions by March 14.