Technology is changing the health care industry in many ways. Still, one of the most significant changes is happening in the home care sector. Thanks to digital technology and artificial intelligence advances, we can now provide more efficient and effective home care services than ever before.
The worldwide market for home health services is expected to expand from 94.17 billion dollars in 2022 to 153.19 billion dollars in 2029, with a CAGR of 7.2%. In recent years, we have seen many digital health startups emerge, focusing on improving home care. These companies are using technology to solve some of the most pressing challenges in-home care, such as caregiver burnout, medication adherence, and patient engagement.
Here are four ways that digital and technology are transforming the home care industry:
IoMT (Internet of Medical Things)
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a growing network of interconnected devices and sensors that collect and share patient data. Here are some examples of IoMT devices that are being used in home care:
Wearables
In the past, patients had to come into the hospital or doctor’s office for routine check-ups and testing. But now, with the help of wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches, patients can monitor their health at home. These devices can track heart rate, steps taken, and sleep patterns.
Many wearable devices can now connect to other devices like smartphones and share data. This data can then be used by caregivers to provide better care.
GPS trackers
A common problem in-home care is that patients wander off and get lost. GPS trackers can help solve this problem by tracking the location of patients in real-time. These devices can be worn as a bracelet or pendant or placed in a pocket or bag. They can also be placed in a car or wheelchair. GPS trackers allow caregivers to see the patient’s location at all times, which can help them respond quickly if the patient wanders off and has an emergency.
Enterprise Mobility Solutions
Information in the past was often stored in paper files, which made it difficult to access and share. But with enterprise mobility solutions, such as smartphones and tablets, caregivers can have all the information they need at their fingertips. These devices allow caregivers to access patient records, schedule appointments, and even order supplies from anywhere. This can help them save time and be more efficient in their work.
Digital Marketing of Home Care Services
As the home care industry continues to grow, it is becoming more critical for companies to market their services online. In the past, most home care companies relied on word-of-mouth to get new clients. This is no longer enough as technology has made it easier for patients and caregivers to find and compare home care services online. And that’s where home care marketing can help companies reach a wider audience and promote their services more effectively. Some standard digital marketing techniques that home care companies use include:
Web design
An effective home care website must be easy to use and navigate. It should also be mobile-friendly, as more and more people are using smartphones and tablets to access the internet. A well-designed website can help a home care company stand out from the competition.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
SEO is the process of optimizing a website for Google search. This can be done by using keywords on the website and in blog posts and building backlinks to the site. SEO can help a home care company attract more visitors to its website and improve its chances of being found by potential customers.
Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising
PPC is a type of online advertising in which companies pay to display their ads on Google search results pages. When someone clicks on one of these ads, the company pays a fee to Google. PPC can be an effective way to attract new clients to a home care business.
Artificial Intelligence Solutions
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in personal care and healthcare services has significantly shifted how patients and caregivers think about and react to the prospect of better living.
For patients, this has meant a fundamental reevaluation of what it means to get and stay well. In the past, many people saw their health in episodic treatment — they went to the doctor when they were sick and then returned to their lives. Now, thanks to AI, patients are beginning to see their health in continuous improvement. They are looking for ways to use data and technology to proactively manage their health and wellbeing on an ongoing basis.
Some common AI solutions that are being used in home care include:
- Biometric-based triggers with AI sensors
- AI apps for preventive care
- Updates & information via AI voice assistants
- Virtual nurse AI assistants
Blockchain Technology
In the past, home care companies have used various methods to store patient data. But with blockchain technology, this data can now be stored securely and accessed by authorized users only. Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology that allows information to be shared between parties in a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way.
This makes it ideal for use in the home care industry, where patient privacy and data security are paramount. Some common uses for blockchain in-home care include:
- Secure storage and sharing of medical records
- Payment processing
- Supply chain management
- Appointment scheduling
Home Care Transformation
Digital and technology are transforming the home care industry. Patients and caregivers benefit from improved access to information and more efficient and effective services. With the help of these new technologies, home care is evolving to meet the needs of today’s patients and caregivers. We’ll also see even more creative uses of digital and technology in the future as the home care sector expands.
