Healthcare of the past in the 70’s to 90’s (Health 1.0) was viewed as a paternalistic and hierarchical arrangement, consisting of paper-based medical records with deep human relationships. Health 2.0 evolved in the last decade to bring us advanced health record management systems with the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR), personal health records (PHR), and clinical imaging. Fast forward to today and we are deeply entrenched in the “connected patient” ideology with Health 3.0.
In 2018, Healthcare continues to go through a massive transformation as even more “connected patients”, leveraging mobiles, social channels, fitness trackers and devices have immediate access to the top global specialists at affordable prices.
In Health 3.0, patients are no longer content with taking a backseat — they want to be driving their own care and making the choices about how they engage with local and international providers. Connected consumers want to be active partners in their own care, from middle-income housewives looking to source top rate cosmetic surgery surgeons, to upper-income business executives seeking the “fountain of youth” --the choice of first-class affordable healthcare is now accessible to all.
As options for consumers increase, meeting the needs of the internet savvy consumer is not without its challenges for patients, global health providers, and technology companies.
Despite these rapid advancements, Healthcare remains incredibly personal and companies depending purely on technology “tech” without the personal element of touch, simply isn’t enough.
The combination of “tech and touch” that leverages proven processes, enabled by technology but delivered by experienced consultants is essential for providers and care teams to engage with patients at a deeper level. Effective and timely patient relationships result in better care and clinical outcomes.
The future of healthcare in 4.0 will continue to evolve bringing artificial intelligence (AI), supported by distributed encryption technologies like blockchain, but till then the combined approach of tech and touch is well suited to bridge the gap of Health 3.0 where the use of innovative technologies continue to enhance the quality and safety of care delivery, contain costs, while supported with human care and compassion.
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