Spotlight Series – Healthcare Technology

The Spotlight Series – Healthcare Technology

Welcome back to the Spotlight Series, where every month we will be shining a light on high demand roles and technologies in the IT sector.

The roles that we will feature will be based on jobs that are in high demand and using increasingly popular technologies.

This month we look at Healthcare Technology.

So, what is Healthcare Technology?

Healthcare technology is any technology, including medical devices, IT systems, algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and blockchain, designed to support healthcare organisations.

Technology plays a vital role in the health of all Australians. From managing health information digitally to advances in gene technology.

Using digital information and modern communication technologies effectively is vital to the future of our health system. Technology plays a role in nearly every area of health.

Here are common technological devices used in healthcare:

  • CRISPR
  • Telehealth
  • Virtual reality
  • Precision medicine
  • Health wearables
  • Artificial organs
  • 3-D printing
  • Wireless brain sensors
  • Robotic surgery
  • Smart inhalers

How has the coronavirus pandemic affected Healthcare Technology?

The focus of advanced research across medicine, vaccines, social care, and environmental health has shifted in 2021 to tackling the ongoing crisis. And every key trend, from biotechnology and smart medicine to virtual and augmented reality, smart cities, digital twinning, and robotics, have had their part to play.

As new vaccines and treatments continue to be explored, breakthroughs enabled by the accelerated pace of innovation we’ve seen this year will better equip the country to face new challenges, as reported by Forbes. *

The biggest areas of change have been:

Virtual care and remote medicine

This has seen the ongoing development of robotic and autonomous healthcare assistants capable of working in hospitals or right in people’s homes. Particularly for minor and routine appointments, the number of virtual visits has skyrocketed during the pandemic.

Genomics and gene editing lead to further breakthroughs

There has been ongoing development of robotic and autonomous healthcare assistants capable of working in hospitals or in people’s homes. These will reduce the likelihood of infection (a big problem in hospitals even before Covid). These also have mental health implications – companion robots are being introduced into care homes in the UK; they were found to be successful at reducing symptoms of loneliness and social isolation.

Data and AI drives shift to fairer healthcare insurance and coverage

The coronavirus pandemic has shown us that there is a willingness to share our personal data when the benefits to our health are clearly communicated. This has been proven by track-and-trace systems nationally, that have reliably kept infection levels in check in some regions.

The emerging healthcare technology trends are **:

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence in healthcare this is an overarching term used to describe the use of machine-learning algorithms and software, or artificial intelligence (AI), to mimic human cognition in the analysis, presentation, and comprehension of complex medical and health care data.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine refers to the practice of caring for patients remotely when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other. Modern technology has enabled doctors to consult patients by using HIPAA compliant video-conferencing tools.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing which in healthcare describes the practice of implementing remote servers accessed via the internet to store, manage and process healthcare-related data. This is in contrast to establishing an on-site data center with servers, or hosting the data on a personal computer.

VR and AR technologies

VR and AR technologies in healthcare is used in Healthcare companies to improve their customer experiences by effectively engaging them in healthcare activities. This way, patients can understand the problem better and get actively involved in their treatment.

Big Data and Predictive Analysis

Big Data and Predictive Analysis methods in healthcare allow providers to determine individuals at risk for developing severe infections or chronic diseases. By identifying those at risk, it provides medical professionals an opportunity for early intervention and chronic disease prevention.

Internet of Medical Things

Internet of Medical Things can be defined as the interplay between bedside monitors, smartwatches and fitness trackers, implanted medical devices, and any other object that transmits or receives a signal containing data that must be accessed or stored somewhere else.

Inspired?

2022 is going to be a substantial year for Healthcare Technology, and the opportunity for experienced individuals will make this an exciting career choice for IT experts to specialise in this sector.

The most popular job roles in Healthcare Technology are:

  • Medical Records Technologists
  • Information Technologists in Medical Settings
  • Laboratory Support Technologists
  • Radiologic Technologists
  • Phlebotomists
  • Surgical Technicians
  • MRI Technicians
  • Dental Lab Technicians

The salary guide for healthcare technology experts depends on your job role within the industry but can range from $80,000 – $180,000 as a salary package.

The technology focused roles we recruit for are:

 Project Managers

Salary range $150,000 – $180,000 Package

A healthcare project manager is responsible for leading and overseeing projects that a healthcare organisation is pursuing to improve operations or patient safety.

Business Analysts

Salary range $120,000 – $150,000 Package

Healthcare business analysts combine advanced skills in management, finance, research, and data analysis and manipulation toward the overarching goal of improving the operations of organisations such as hospitals and hospices.

Product Managers

Salary range $130,000 – $160,000 Base Salary

Healthcare product managers will conduct market research and analysis to strengthen the brand’s marketing efforts and drive sales profits. Planning and executing product launches and relaunches including communication campaigns.

Solution Architects

Salary range $140,000 – $180,000 Base Salary

A healthcare solution architect is somebody who helps hospitals design and deliver a range of solutions to their problems. Healthcare solution architects need to have the skills and the knowledge to create solutions that fit in with the hospital strategy.

Test Analysts

$80,000 – $110,000 Package

A healthcare testing analyst ensures the functional readiness of computer software and hardware products. Their job is to design, develop and administer a series of tests and evaluations that identify any potential issues with the product before its release.

Application Support Analysts/Consultants

$80,000 – $100,000 Package

Healthcare application analysts work in the back office of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, mediating between healthcare practices and information technology. They are responsible for configuring, testing, and maintaining computer systems and applications.

If you want to find out more about how we can support you in your healthcare technology career, please connect with us below:

*: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/11/23/the-5-biggest-healthcare-trends-in-2021-everyone-should-be-ready-for-today/?sh=7515acae21c0

**: https://arkenea.com/blog/healthcare-technology-trends/

Resources

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/health-technology

https://www.proclinical.com/