Healthcare Tech: Can It Keep Up?
- CIOs report a rapid increase in technology adoption within healthcare, fueled by artificial intelligence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and evolving patient demands.
- What: Accelerated adoption of technology in healthcare, particularly AI-driven solutions.
- Why: Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising patient expectations for seamless digital experiences, and the potential to improve cancer care.
Healthcare Tech Adoption Accelerates, Driven by AI and Patient Expectations
Table of Contents
CIOs report a rapid increase in technology adoption within healthcare, fueled by artificial intelligence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and evolving patient demands. Cancer centers are often leading the charge.
The Speed of Change
The healthcare industry is experiencing an unprecedented acceleration in technology adoption,according to leading Chief Data Officers (CIOs). This shift is being propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI),the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,and increasingly refined patient expectations.
Eric daffron, Vice President and CIO of Southeast Health in Dothan,Alabama,described the pace of change as “lightning speed,” noting the rapid integration of AI into existing and new healthcare products. He emphasized that the rate of change is remarkable.
“Technology changes and proposed adoption seem to be coming at us faster than ever before,” Mr. Daffron told Becker’s. “Patients now expect a healthcare experience that is as seamless as banking or retail-driving investments in mobile apps, patient portals, and virtual care.”
Cancer Centers Lead the Way
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre, technology is now “at the core of cancer care delivery and research,” according to CIO Aaron Awan. He highlighted precision oncology,digital-first clinical trials,and advancements in interoperability as areas experiencing particularly rapid adoption.
“Healthcare has historically lagged in technology adoption, but cancer centers are now often leading the charge-because the stakes are so high, the data is so rich, and the potential to improve lives is so tangible,” Mr.Awan explained to Becker’s.
A Shift in Volume and Velocity
Both Mr. Daffron and Mr. Awan agree that the most important change isn’t a single technology, but rather the sheer volume and speed of innovation. The healthcare landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic, requiring constant adaptation.
“The way you do things today can look vastly different tomorrow,” Mr. Daffron said.
