With the evolution of mobile-based technology, it is unsurprising that apps are now being utilised by the healthcare sector. In fact, of the 2.8 million apps on Google Play, an estimated 99,366 belong to medical, health and fitness categories. One of the main drivers for this boom is said to be the rise of health-issues and innovative technology. The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, accelerated growth in the sector, driving the adoption of digital health solutions. To cut through the clutter of apps, healthcare startups are adopting innovative strategies and new technology to stand out from the crowd. At Allied Legal, we have devised a list of the most popular health-tech app trends:
Telehealth
According to Forbes telehealth is amongst the leading health-tech trends. Telehealth and telemedicine connects patients with doctors, nurses and specialists through electronic information and telecommunications infrastructure. 2020 was a big year for telehealth solutions, with COVID-19 influencing the advancement of virtual consultations. Practitioners can now provide advice and care remotely using video conferences and computer-based systems, saving clinicians and patients time and money. Australian startups like Coviu are exemplifying the popularity and success of telehealth. The health-tech startup facilitates sessions between allied health professionals and patients via simplistic and secure video consultations.
Telemedicine has the potential to impact the education and clinical support fields. However, before these developments proceed, agreement on standards for the coding and dissemination of medical information will need to be established. We recommend seeking the advice of a startup lawyer if you are unsure how to store or distribute confidential medical information.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important addition to modern technology, with huge opportunity for growth within healthcare. According to a new study, AI is being used to “support not replace clinicians” in the analysis of medical images, production of medicine and facilitation of medical imaging. Though further study into its impact on patient safety is required, the technology is looking promising.
Australian startups like HealthMatch are making waves in the industry, with the integration of AI to match patients to clinical trials. Another obvious example of AI in the healthcare sector are chatbots, which are employed to schedule appointments, answer questions and access medical information. AI has become so popular that the Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AAAIH) is currently engaged with more than 95 national and international partners, including Australian startups, academics, clinicians and other practitioners.
Personalised Health Solutions
Apps that utilise a user’s health data, including their medical history and lifestyle are extremely popular. This includes services which monitor a patient’s wellbeing through calorie or menstrual trackers to heart rate and BMI. Naturally, this comes with privacy concerns relating to the sharing and distribution of sensitive data. With a growing awareness of health-tech’s privacy implications, it is important to prepare thorough privacy policies for your startup. According to a recent study by the BMJ, 28% of mobile health apps do not offer any privacy policy texts. Without adequate policies, your health-tech startup may be vulnerable to fines and other legal ramifications. If you need a privacy policy or you are unsure about data-sharing practices and privacy laws, we recommend consulting a startup lawyer.
Need help? Contact Us.
At Allied Legal, we understand the trends and opportunities within the health-tech space. We work with numerous health-focused founders and health-tech startups, so we understand your particular needs. If would like to consult one of our startup lawyers, give us a call on 03 8691 3111 or send us an email at hello@alliedlegal.com.au.
You might also like our article Allied Legal’s Guide for Australian Health Startups.
