### 5 Emerging Trends in Telemedicine: A Closer Look at Online Healthcare
As we edge further into the digital era, emerging trends in telemedicine continue to disrupt traditional healthcare. Here’s a closer look.
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#### 1. Increase in Remote Patient Monitoring
With wearable technology on the rise, remote monitoring has gained significant popularity. Not only do these devices telecast real-time health updates to healthcare providers, they predict potential health issues based on certainly analyzed trends. This preemptive healthcare prevents any severe consequential effects.
The future forecast states a rise in the RPM market, with over $31.326 billion being the expected value by 2023[^1^].
#### 2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telemedicine
AI’s involvement in telemedicine is transformative. From early disease detection to on-demand patient data analysis, AI is changing the game.
AI-driven bots, for instance, can detect abnormalities in patient data and sound alerts for immediate medical intervention. Moreover, AI-symptom checkers provide possible outcomes and suggest follow-up actions without requiring physical consultations[^2^].
#### 3. Direct-to-Consumer Telehealth
Direct-to-consumer telehealth is a forthcoming trend where patients can reach out to clinicians using their personal devices directly. This means quicker wait times, same-day appointments, and cost savings.
The DTC telehealth market is projected to see a CAGR of 19.2% from 2020 to 2027[^3^].
#### 4. Blockchain in Telemedicine
With blockchain technology, telemedicine overcomes issues like data security, transparency, and interoperability. Blockchain creates unalterable, secure medical records which can be easily shared among authorized doctors.
By 2025, the global medical sector’s blockchain market is anticipated to reach $5.61 billion[^4^].
#### 5. Virtual Reality (VR) in Telemedicine
VR in telemedicine aids in patient recovery by providing virtual therapeutic sessions.
Those undergoing physical therapy can benefit from VR sessions. Here, they can perform exercises in a virtual environment under the supervision of healthcare providers. This way, patients can safely recover at home.
By 2024, the VR healthcare market is predicted to reach around $2.4 billion[^5^].
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Telemedicine clearly holds the future of healthcare. As these trends show, we are quickly moving towards a world where online healthcare will usurp traditional systems. And when you’re unwell, isn’t it better to consult the best medical minds from the comfort of your couch?
[^1^]: Research and Markets. 2020. Global Remote Patient Monitoring Market 2020-2027
[^2^]: Statista. 2021. AI Predicted To Bring Efficiency To Healthcare
[^3^]: Grand View Research. 2020. Direct-To-Consumer Telehealth Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis
[^4^]: BIS Research. 2020. Blockchain in Healthcare Market
[^5^]: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research. 2020. Virtual & Augmented Reality: Health Care’s New Reality
