Digital Transformation in Healthcare in 2026: 11 Trends

The healthcare industry is undergoing a massive digital transformation. Healthcare workers can get things done faster, services are more personalized, and data is more secure and safe from cyberthreats.

However, adapting to the digital transformation in healthcare is no easy feat. Hospitals and healthcare companies need a flexible and risk-taking mindset, which is where a fractional CMO in healthcare can come in handy. These professionals can help your healthcare company adapt to new technologies and use them to yield positive business results.

It’s time to get with the times, and learning about emerging healthcare trends is the first place to start. Let’s discuss the digital transformation in healthcare and the different trends to look out for.

What Is Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation integrates digital means and technologies into all business areas. This fundamentally changes how businesses conduct different operations and deliver value to customers. It involves deploying modern systems to boost speed and efficiency instead of sticking with outdated legacy systems.

Companies can speed up data gathering by shifting from manual, paper-based filing systems to computer-based ones. Incorporating automation is another option that streamlines repetitive tasks and reduces administrative burden on employees.

What Are the 4 Main Areas of Digital Transformation?

The digital transformation in healthcare focuses on four main areas: 

Customer Experience

Digital transformation in healthcare improves the patient experience through enhanced personalization efforts and seamless user experiences. Write complete and specific landing pages with all crucial details about your hospital or healthcare facility. This includes contact information, local addresses, areas of expertise, and client testimonials 

The more you give your audience, the easier it’ll be to convince them to fulfill a call to action, such as booking an appointment. Use automation when possible to minimize waiting times. Consider patient portals, where patients can complete intake forms online before their appointment and have their information automatically added to the system.

Data and Analytics

The healthcare industry deals with gigantic volumes of data each day. Digital technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, can make a massive difference. They collect and analyze big data, removing the need to do it manually and reducing the burden on staff.

Some healthcare organizations still use legacy systems, which results in poorly recorded data. You can upgrade your system by adopting an automatic data collection model that leads to more reliable and accurate data collection.

Digital transformation also eliminates data silos with centralized data management systems. This makes data more easily accessible to all departments, facilitating sharing and collaboration.

Business Model Transformation

The digital transformation invites companies to revisit their current business model, find ways to improve it, and adapt it to new technologies. Ask yourself:

• Does your current business model make sense in a digital business environment?
• Given your current model and the industry’s new digital changes, can you still achieve your goals?

Look for ways to improve or enhance your current strategies to fit today’s market. In the healthcare industry, you can adopt telemedicine and AI-based tools to improve the patient experience, reduce waiting times, and streamline administrative tasks.

Digital Operations

The digital transformation also aims to improve efficiency and remove operational bottlenecks wherever possible. Tools like automation and centralized platforms have allowed healthcare facilities to reduce manual labor, save time and costs, and get things done faster.

Some ways to achieve this include using a central platform that manages and organizes all workflows from one system. This helps you identify any weaknesses or issues and take immediate action to improve them. Automation is another essential method, streamlining administrative tasks and increasing speed and efficiency.

What Is Digital Healthcare Transformation?

Digital transformation refers to integrating technology and digital means in healthcare processes. Some of the commonly used technologies we see in healthcare today include:

• Telemedicine
• Artificial intelligence
• Healthcare apps
• AI-enabled medical devices
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Blockchain electronic health records
• Predictive analytics

These new technologies reshape how we approach healthcare as a whole, from how we interact with doctors to how we maintain the safety and security of patient data. Telemedicine lets patients receive treatment and consult with professionals without traveling to the hospital. Healthcare apps and IoT devices have also made it easier for users to monitor their health on time.

This digital transformation aims to improve the healthcare industry by reducing staff manual labor, making operations more efficient, lowering costs, and increasing patient satisfaction.

What Is Digital Strategy in Healthcare?

A digital strategy is a detailed plan that outlines how a healthcare organization will approach the integration of new technologies. This includes outlining the goals of this digital transformation, what technologies to use, and how specifically these will help achieve their goals.

A digital healthcare strategy should align technological innovation with business and clinical objectives. A strong digital strategy typically involves:

• Setting clear SMART goals (e.g., improving patient experience or reducing readmission rates).
• Investing in the right technologies like EHR systems, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI tools.
• Ensuring data interoperability to ensure data accessibility and usability across different systems and departments
• Conducting regular support and training for healthcare staff
• Addressing compliance and security to protect sensitive patient data (e.g., HIPAA in the U.S.).

What Are Three Examples of Digital Technology Being Used in Clinical Practice?

Digital Authority Partners is no stranger to developing customized digital marketing strategies for healthcare companies. We have three examples that demonstrate our expertise and approach.

First is Orthogonal, a software development firm that struggled with low traffic and engagement. Our solution was a comprehensive SEO audit and content marketing strategy to boost engagement and site performance. This resulted in a 65% increase in page views and time spent on the site and a 43% increase in conversion rate.

We also helped Omron create an omnichannel digital experience for their FDA-approved wearable blood pressure monitor. By creating a user-friendly and intuitive mobile app, along with Alexa integration and voice-enabled user flows, we positioned Omron as a leader in digital health innovation. This resulted in a 4x increase in sales and even led to Omron bagging the Time Innovation of the Year.

Lastly, we used our SEO and content marketing expertise to help imaware™ achieve #1 rankings for over 1,400 keywords and an 11,000% increase in monthly traffic within two years. This helped position imaware™ as a leading firm for celiac disease testing.

What Are the Biggest Challenges to Digital Transformation in Healthcare?

Some healthcare companies have trouble adjusting to digital transformation for various reasons. Let’s explore some challenges associated with achieving digital transformation in healthcare.

Lack of Technology Experience

Because digital transformation involves a lot of technology and technical knowledge, some healthcare staff and administrators cannot adjust due to limited understanding and exposure to technology. Technology also evolves quickly, not giving them enough time to learn, adapt, and integrate these new technologies into daily workflows.

Proper training and support from management should be prioritized here. Healthcare institutions invest in continuous education and support whenever new technologies are introduced to ensure staff can use them to their full potential.

Privacy and Cybersecurity

Because hospitals and healthcare institutions deal with large volumes of data each day, they’ve become prone to cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access.

Moreover, healthcare providers, such as those in the U.S, must follow complex legal and regulatory requirements. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which requires strict data privacy and security guidelines.

As healthcare organizations use new digital tools, they must prioritize the security of patient data. This is usually done by investing in tools and technologies that offer advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time monitoring to prevent cyber threats and risks.

Resistance to Change

New technologies could disrupt the daily routines of staff who have grown used to their current systems, which may lead to hesitation and resistance. This may also stem from fear that they will be removed from their jobs and replaced by machines.

Healthcare higher-ups, professionals, and staff need to communicate and identify the reasons for resistance. Practice two-way communication and active listening so employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Be open to feedback via surveys or interviews; you can also offer educational resources to help employees understand these new technologies.

Reliance on Legacy Systems

Some hospitals stick to outdated systems because they have been working for years. However, sticking to old technologies holds progress back and prevents hospitals from advancing in digital transformation. Legacy systems could also result in cyberattacks and threats because they have poorer security and are not updated as frequently. 

Hospitals can best slowly ease into using new technology by testing different systems to see which works best before committing to them. They should also choose systems with increased cybersecurity compatible with the current tech stack.

Data Interoperability

One reason healthcare is falling behind in digital transformation is the incompatibility of different technologies. For example, medical diagnosis software might use a different database from your EHR software. This incompatibility leads to healthcare workers spending more time gathering data on two separate apps.

To fix this issue, healthcare facilities should check the flexibility and compatibility of new software before integrating it with their current tech stack. When choosing new software, you can seek free trials to determine how it integrates with your existing system to see if there are any challenges before committing. 

Increased Costs

Investing in new technology takes up much of a healthcare company’s budget. This is even more challenging for smaller companies that don’t have the same budget or resources as larger enterprises. Not only is it expensive, but learning new software also takes time, meaning healthcare professionals may have to cut back on time spent caring for patients.

Healthcare companies should carefully examine new technologies’ costs and current finances to see if the investment is worth it. It’s also crucial to explain the return on investment to your team, not just in terms of finances but also in improving patient outcomes.

Healthcare Marketing

Nowadays, patients usually turn to online resources for health-related questions and needs, emphasizing the need for a strong marketing presence. Traditional marketing methods like TV commercials and print ads may not be enough for a healthcare institution to stand out in a digital world.

Additionally, healthcare marketing involves navigating complex laws regarding medical services or products. Healthcare providers must comply with regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), restricting how healthcare services can be promoted. 

Healthcare marketing involves enhancing your online presence so patients can find your company and address their needs and concerns faster. Methods like SEO, content marketing, email marketing, and social media marketing help healthcare institutions better connect with patients, build trust, and deliver timely health education and updates.

One way to achieve this is to seek help from a healthcare marketing agency to create a customized marketing plan that resonates with your target audience. Not only does this increase your client base, but it also ensures that you’re marketing products and services legally while complying with set rules and regulations.

11 Digital Healthcare Market Trends

Digital transformation in healthcare involves adapting to new trends and technologies. Listed below are some trends to explore in 2025.

Telemedicine and Telehealth

Telemedicine and telehealth involve using digital means, like smartphones, computers, apps, and video conferencing, to communicate with healthcare professionals and patients. Patients don’t have to wait long hours in line or travel long distances to the hospital. It covers online doctor visits, follow-ups, remote monitoring, and long-distance consultations.

With telemedicine, patients can receive healthcare services from the comfort of their own homes. This is a significant advantage for those with busy schedules, living in rural areas without access to a nearby facility, or with mobility issues. This also leads to faster appointment-setting and checkups, with some doctors even offering same-day consultations.

Telehealth and telemedicine have also removed geographical barriers, making communication with professionals outside your local area possible. Patients can easily schedule consultations with specialists from all over the country or even the world.

Personalized Patient Care

Every patient has different medical and physiological needs, making the need for personalization more apparent than ever. Nowadays, more healthcare companies and digital health technologies are investing in personalized medicine and patient care.

One way this is taking shape is concierge medicine, a membership-based model offering exclusive, personalized healthcare services.

This gives patients quicker access to appointments and more customized solutions that directly answer their healthcare needs. This also reduces the burden on doctors, as traditional primary care usually entails heavier workloads and lower pay.

Personalized healthcare has become less about one-size-fits-all treatments and more about considering the patient’s unique situation, lifestyle, and preferences. For example, cancer patients have the choice to receive chemotherapy at home rather than staying at the hospital.

Data Analytics and Records Sharing

Healthcare organizations collect large amounts of data daily, from patient records to research and administrative data. Data comes from multiple sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs), wearable devices, and other departments. Technology has allowed healthcare teams to analyze and process this data with minimal errors.

With centralized data management systems, data and record sharing have become much easier and more accessible for all departments. This leads to faster diagnoses, customized treatment plans, and reduced administrative burden.

Big data and data analytics have also allowed for more accurate predictions. This helps doctors anticipate patient needs faster, identify health risks before they worsen, and even predict disease outbreaks and prepare for them accordingly.

Big data’s predictive analysis could also help hospitals and clinics estimate future admission rates. This would help these facilities allocate the proper staff to handle patients, saving money and reducing emergency room wait times when a facility is understaffed.

Wearable Medical Devices: Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things refers to devices that use sensors to transmit information from a specific medical device. These medical devices, such as smartwatches, mobile apps, heart rate monitors, oximeters, etc., have become a game changer in remote health monitoring. 

With these devices, patients can actively monitor their own health, which empowers them to take the appropriate maintenance and preventive measures. This removes the need for frequent hospital visits and saves costs on appointments and procedures.

What’s more, these devices are personalized for each patient. A fitness app can provide personalized meal and workout plans based on the person’s health data. These devices give patients a sense of ownership in improving their health.

Healthcare Apps

Apps rule the world, and the healthcare industry is no different. As more people turn to their mobile devices for their healthcare-related needs, companies are capitalizing on this and developing their own healthcare apps.

Healthcare apps like pulsometers and fitness trackers integrate with other medical devices like wearables and the Internet of Things. These collect healthcare data and provide personalized recommendations and preventive measures. Because of these apps’ accessibility, patients will be more motivated to maintain their health and make informed lifestyle choices.

Some apps also offer personalized services and treatment plans based on genomics. This makes each plan tailored to each individual down to the last detail. Doctors can prescribe customized medicine based on blood sugar readings, resulting in higher efficacy and fewer side effects. Many apps also support telehealth and virtual consultations. Patients can connect with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes using their smartphones. 

Predictive Healthcare

Healthcare companies can develop a predictive model that uses big data, data mining, and machine learning to identify patterns and determine the chances of particular outcomes reoccurring. Risk stratification can also predict which patients to prioritize based on genetics, medical history, quantitative factors (blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.), and more.

Predictive analytics can also be used to develop new treatments and drugs. Hospitals can streamline the research process by using predictive models to accurately predict a patient’s response to medication based on genetics, medical history, and other vital data.

Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI 

The AI healthcare market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 38.5% from 2024 to 2030, which means AI will continue to make big waves in the industry. 

We’re already seeing this in chatbots and virtual health assistants. These assistive technologies can fulfill multiple roles, from customer service representatives to diagnostic tools. 

The real power of AI can also be seen in areas like precision health, medical imaging, drug discovery, and genomics. For instance, cancer patients used to receive cookie-cutter treatments with high failure rates. Thanks to AI’s sophisticated pattern recognition, these patients can access personalized therapies tailored to their genetic makeup and lifestyle.

Real-Time Health Analytics

As the healthcare industry shifts from volume-based to value-based care, clinicians are increasingly incentivized to achieve high-quality outcomes. Real-time analytics helps with this by providing timely reports on a patient’s status and outlining steps to improve care.

Data silos and traditional healthcare systems have limited access to comprehensive patient data. This is especially true when data-gathering systems are poorly connected, preventing other departments from easily accessing them. 

Real-time analytics can resolve this issue by offering instant access to a patient’s medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes. This instant access ensures clinicians can make informed decisions that improve patient care while avoiding unnecessary costs.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

The many applications of AR and VR have led to new, innovative treatment methods for patients. These technologies merge the physical and digital worlds, creating immersive experiences that help patients and doctors visualize medical information more clearly.

Let’s take brain surgery. Hospitals can use a VR system to walk patients through brain surgery. The VR technology gives them a virtual look at their brain and shows them what will happen during the surgery.

Another application could be using VR to create 3D models of the brain based on CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and so on. Showing the patient a simulation of their brain and walking through the procedure helps them learn more about their disease and ease their anxiety.

Similar to VR, AR technology can be used to create 3D renders that give surgeons a clearer view of the patient’s organs for surgery based on MRIs and X-rays. This lets surgeons see even the most minor body parts, leading to more accurate readings.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a cybersecurity method that creates impenetrable digital ledgers of online transactions. It allows users to safely exchange information without needing a third-party intermediary.

In the case of healthcare, this means that healthcare data is securely stored and inaccessible to external parties. We may see more healthcare companies use blockchain security to safeguard their patients’ data further.

Blockchain provides an additional layer of security that keeps data encrypted, decentralized, and incorruptible. It also ensures data accuracy, as it cannot be accessed, altered, or intercepted by hackers. Blockchain can be an effective tool in preventing data breaches, improving the accuracy of medical records, and cutting costs.

Fractional Healthcare CMOs

To say that the healthcare industry is competitive would be an understatement. As more organizations emerge and double down on their marketing efforts, your organization must do the same to stay competitive.

However, healthcare companies don’t always have the resources to invest in high-quality marketing. Therefore, hiring a fractional CMO would be the best solution. Fractional CMOs are part-time marketing experts who can bolster a healthcare organization’s marketing initiatives. They offer the full suite of services, including:

• Branding
• Digital marketing channels
• Competitor analysis
• Market research
• Campaign execution
• Performance monitoring
• Marketing compliance

Marketing can be costly, and healthcare institutions already invest enough money in other areas. Unlike full-time CMOs with six-figure monthly salaries, annual bonuses, health insurance, and whatnot, hiring an FCMO requires none. You can pay them for their hours, which frees up your budget for more important matters.

What’s Next for Digital Transformation in Healthcare?

Digital transformation has made significant strides in the healthcare industry, but there is still a long way to go. As more and more new technologies and trends emerge, we expect to see a completely new and innovative healthcare industry within the next few years.

More hospitals will start taking proactive steps to achieve value-based care. We can expect more healthcare organizations to put value-based care from theory into practice. This could be through programs to reduce readmissions or population health tools to manage chronic conditions.

AI will also play a bigger role in boosting personalization and increasing speed and efficiency. Despite the fears and uncertainties regarding AI, we can expect to see it fulfill its role as a powerful healthcare assistant, from identifying errors humans missed to accurately triaging patients.

Talk With a Digital Transformation Expert From Digital Authority Partners

Digital Authority Partners is a healthcare marketing agency that guides healthcare companies throughout their digital transformation journey. Our team combines healthcare marketing expertise with the latest in tech and strategy, so you can focus on what matters: delivering excellent healthcare.
Contact us today to explore how we can accelerate your digital transformation.