Digital Technologies Reshaping Healthcare in 2025

As we begin 2025, healthcare technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. From AI-powered diagnostics to virtual reality training, these innovations are fundamentally transforming patient care and medical practice. Here's an in-depth look at the technologies leading this revolution.

1. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): Connecting the Future of Healthcare

The Internet of Medical Things represents a quantum leap in healthcare delivery, creating an interconnected ecosystem of medical devices that share and analyze health data in real time. With the IoT market projected to reach $6.2 trillion this year, healthcare organizations are rapidly adopting these transformative technologies.

Recent Industry Developments

The latter half of 2024 saw several groundbreaking advances in IoMT:

• Medtronic's acquisition of Mazor Robotics (November 2024) integrated advanced IoMT capabilities into spinal surgery platforms, enhancing surgical precision through real-time data tracking.
• GE Healthcare's launch of an AI-powered medical imaging system (October 2024) revolutionized remote patient monitoring, particularly benefiting rural healthcare delivery.
• Philips introduced a comprehensive connected health platform (September 2024) for chronic condition management, seamlessly integrating data from wearables and remote sensors.
• Siemens Healthineers unveiled their next-generation patient monitoring system (August 2024), enabling real-time vital sign tracking and enhanced communication between patients and providers.

Key Benefits

IoMT's impact extends across the healthcare spectrum:

Patient Monitoring has evolved with devices like Fitbit and Garmin trackers, smart implants such as Medtronic's Azure Pacemaker, and continuous glucose monitors providing real-time health insights. The Apple Watch's ECG feature exemplifies this advancement, offering clinical-grade atrial fibrillation detection.

Hospital operations have been streamlined through automated inventory management and equipment tracking, while patients are empowered to take control of their health through mobile apps and accessible health data.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The Cognitive Revolution

AI and ML continue to reshape healthcare delivery, with applications spanning diagnostics, treatment planning, and predictive analytics. This transformation is particularly evident in three key areas:

Diagnostic Innovation

Advanced AI tools, including IBM Watson and Google's DeepMind, have achieved remarkable accuracy in detecting conditions ranging from cancer to diabetic retinopathy and Alzheimer's disease through sophisticated medical image analysis.

Treatment Optimization

Systems like Varian's Ethos Therapy demonstrate AI's potential in adaptive radiation therapy, automatically adjusting treatment plans based on real-time patient data.

2025's Emerging AI Trends

The field has seen remarkable developments in:

Medical Documentation: AI-powered scribes like Freed and DeepCura are revolutionizing clinical documentation, freeing physicians to focus on patient care.

Preventive Care: AI-driven analytics are helping identify at-risk populations and address health disparities through targeted interventions.

Drug Discovery: AI has accelerated pharmaceutical research, leading to breakthroughs in antibiotic development against drug-resistant bacteria.

3. Digital Therapeutics (DTx): Software as Medicine

Digital therapeutics represent a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, offering evidence-based interventions through software applications. These solutions are distinguished by:

• Rigorous clinical validation
• Regulatory compliance
• Seamless integration with existing healthcare systems
• AI-powered personalization

Kaiku Health's oncology platform exemplifies DTx's potential, offering sophisticated symptom tracking and early intervention alerts that have demonstrably improved patient outcomes and reduced emergency visits.

4. Virtual and Augmented Reality: Immersive Healthcare

VR and AR technologies are transforming medical education and patient care through:

Medical Training: Platforms like Osso VR provide realistic surgical simulation environments for risk-free practice.

Surgical Innovation: Solutions like Brainlab's AR surgical guidance system enable precise visualization of anatomical structures during procedures.

Pain Management: FDA-approved programs from AppliedVR demonstrate VR's efficacy in chronic pain treatment.

5. Gamification: Engaging Patients in Their Health Journey

Healthcare gamification has emerged as a powerful tool for patient engagement and behavior modification. Key applications include:

• Chronic disease management through apps like mySugr
• Fitness motivation via platforms such as Zombies, Run!
• Rehabilitation gaming through systems like RGS
• Mental health support with apps such as SuperBetter

Looking Forward: Healthcare's Digital Transformation

As we progress through 2025, these technologies are converging to create a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem. The integration of IoMT, AI, DTx, VR/AR, and gamification is not just advancing medical capability—it's fundamentally reimagining how we approach health and wellness.

This technological renaissance in healthcare promises improved patient outcomes, enhanced operational efficiency, and greater accessibility to quality care. As these innovations continue to evolve, they pave the way for a future where healthcare is more precise, personalized, and proactive than ever before

 

Which technology are you looking to adopt at your firm this year? 

Which new innovation are most closely watching?

do let us know via the comments or simply email us at medixcel AT plus91 DOT in 

- Dr Vishala Bodetti and Nrip Nihalani

A Short Brief on HMPV - Human Metapneumovirus

 

You may have noticed recent news reports discussing Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). While it’s important to stay informed, we at Plus91 want to assure everyone that there is no cause for alarm. HMPV is not new, and most cases are mild and manageable.

To help you better understand HMPV, we have written up 2 separate briefs on the topic. One for the general public, which is written in a kid friendly manner, and another for the majority of Plus91's ecosystem , doctors, researchers and medical staff. 

These documents answer common questions about the virus. Please take a few minutes to read it and share with your friends and family who may be concerned too

If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our inhouse doctors.

A Short Brief on HMPV For Doctors, Medical Staff and Researchers:

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, closely related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It was first identified in 2001 but has been circulating in humans for at least 50 years.

Key Characteristics of HMPV:

1. Target Population:
• Primarily affects children under 5 years, older adults over 65 years, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
2. Symptoms:
• Similar to other respiratory infections, including fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
3. Transmission:
• Spread occurs through respiratory droplets, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces (fomites).
4. Diagnosis:
• Typically diagnosed using RT-PCR tests from nasal or throat swabs. Multiplex panels like BIOFIRE can also identify HMPV.
5. Severity:
• Most cases (90–95%) are mild. Severe cases requiring hospitalization are less common and often involve high-risk groups.
6. Treatment:
• No specific antiviral treatment exists. Care is supportive, focusing on symptom management (e.g., paracetamol for fever, hydration, and oxygen therapy if needed).
7. Fatality Rate:
• Low, with less than 1% fatality in most cases.
8. Prevention:
• Standard precautions, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when symptomatic, can help reduce transmission.

 

Comparison to Other Respiratory Viruses:

 

HMPV shares clinical features with viruses like RSV and influenza but is less widely recognized. Unlike COVID-19, HMPV does not pose a significant pandemic threat.

HMPV infections are common worldwide and contribute significantly to respiratory illnesses, particularly during the late winter and early spring seasons in many regions.

Link to document - A Short brief on HPMV :

Short Brief on HMPV - The Kid Friendly Version

Note that HMPV is like a tough cold that most people get better from quickly, but being careful can keep you and others around you safe!