2025 Predictions: What to Expect in Healthcare Technology in the Year Ahead and Beyond
As the healthcare industry moves into 2025, advancements in technology reshaping how care is delivered, managed, and optimised.
From the expansion of artificial intelligence to sustainability becoming a core focus, healthcare tech is poised to improve outcomes for patients and the planet alike. In this blog, we explore the key trends and predictions shaping the future of healthcare technology, from cybersecurity and patient engagement to remote monitoring and surgical robotics.
Continued Expansion of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Healthcare Technology
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in healthcare was one of our top predictions last year, and there is no doubt that it will continue to revolutionise healthcare in 2025. Expect to see AI and ML advancements in diagnostics, treatment planning, and operational efficiency. AI-powered tools are already being leveraged for predictive analytics, allowing healthcare providers to anticipate patient needs and optimise treatments before issues escalate. These tools can detect patterns in vast amounts of data, enabling earlier detection of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, and neurological disorders, which could otherwise go unnoticed.
In addition to enhancing clinical care, AI is improving operational efficiency by streamlining administrative tasks, reducing the burden on healthcare professionals. For example, AI-driven chatbots and automated systems are being used for patient scheduling, resource allocation, and even to assist in insurance claim processing. This reduces the administrative load on hospitals, freeing up time for caregivers to focus on patient care.
Importance of Sustainability in Healthcare Technology
In 2025, expect the issue of sustainability to feature more prominently in the field of healthcare technology. The push for sustainability is transforming industries worldwide, and healthcare is no exception. As one of the most resource-intensive sectors, healthcare faces a dual challenge: improving patient outcomes while minimising environmental impact. Throughout Ireland and the rest of Europe, sustainability in healthcare technology is already underpinned by strong policy frameworks. The EU Green Deal, for example, sets ambitious targets for reducing emissions across all industries, including healthcare. Funding programs like Horizon Europe support projects that advance green technologies and eco-friendly practices in medicine.
The transition to digital healthcare solutions itself is a game-changer for sustainability. By digitising processes such as medical record-keeping and consultations, healthcare organisations will significantly reduce paper waste and the environmental impact of travel. For example, DMF Systems’ GeneCIS Suite, including modules like eReferrals and eDischarge, digitises patient information and communication, significantly reducing paper usage and contributing to environmental sustainability. By streamlining processes electronically, these tools help healthcare organisations minimise their carbon footprint.
By building a healthcare system that serves both patients and the planet, it appears as though Europe leads the charge in proving that sustainability and innovation are not just compatible—they’re inseparable.
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Recognition of the Need for Robust Cybersecurity in Healthcare Technology
The rapid digitisation of healthcare systems has introduced significant cybersecurity challenges, so expect to see an increased focus on the need for cybersecurity solutions in 2025. Healthcare systems hold vast amounts of sensitive patient data, including medical history, financial information, and even genetic data. Cybercriminals exploit these vulnerabilities, launching attacks that range from ransomware to data theft. According to ENISA, the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity, cyberattacks on healthcare systems increased by 60% in recent years, disrupting services and threatening patient safety.
The EU’s NIS II Directive (Network and Information Security Directive 2) is reshaping how healthcare institutions address these threats, marking a decisive step toward enhancing cybersecurity across critical sectors, including healthcare. This directive introduces more stringent requirements to bolster cyber resilience. It applies to a broader range of organisations, including medium-sized healthcare providers, and imposes stricter mandates to improve preparedness and response. Key aspects of NIS II include:
- Mandatory Risk Assessments: Organisations must regularly evaluate cyber risks and implement measures to address vulnerabilities.
- Incident Reporting: Healthcare providers must report significant cyber incidents within 24 hours, enabling faster coordination and response across the EU.
- Supply Chain Security: NIS II emphasises securing third-party vendors and digital supply chains to prevent breaches originating from external partners.
With the implementation of the NIS II Directive, Europe is leading the way for a safer, more resilient healthcare system. By prioritising cybersecurity, healthcare providers can better safeguard patient data, protect critical systems, and ensure uninterrupted services in the face of evolving threats.
Greater Focus on Driving Patient Engagement
Wearables and health apps are revolutionising patient engagement, shifting the focus from reactive care to proactive health management. These tools are widely adopted and allow individuals to monitor chronic conditions, track lifestyle metrics, and manage their well-being more effectively. According to a Deloitte report, digital tools are increasingly integrated into healthcare systems to encourage individuals to take charge of their health, improving both treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction, and this trend will only continue to grow in 2025.
One of the primary drivers behind this transformation is the growth in the use of wearable devices—such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and remote monitoring systems—that help patients track everything from heart rate and physical activity to sleep patterns. Research highlights the potential of wearables to offer continuous data streams to healthcare providers, enabling more personalised and real-time care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
In addition, health apps empower patients to set personal health goals, receive reminders for medications, and even engage in virtual consultations with healthcare professionals. These apps have been particularly effective at fostering a patient-centered approach, which is becoming a cornerstone of global healthcare systems as they strive to improve outcomes and patient autonomy.
More Emphasis on Remote Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is rapidly gaining momentum, with healthcare leaders increasingly recognising its value for improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on hospital systems. According to a recent survey, 41% of healthcare leaders in Europe plan to invest in AI-powered technologies for remote monitoring by 2025. This shift aligns with broader trends in digital health and telemedicine, which are reshaping how care is delivered across the continent.
Remote monitoring enables healthcare providers to track patient health metrics in real-time from the comfort of their homes. This technology is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. A Deloitte report notes that RPM allows for earlier intervention, helping healthcare teams detect complications before they become acute, which in turn improves patient outcomes. Moreover, by reducing the need for frequent hospital visits, RPM supports a patient-centered approach, promoting better patient engagement and more personalised care.
Remote monitoring tools can reduce hospital readmissions and ease the strain on overburdened healthcare facilities, making them a key strategy for addressing the growing demand for care while optimising resource utilisation.
As healthcare systems continue to digitise, remote monitoring will become an even more integral part of the care continuum, ensuring better management of long-term conditions and minimising unnecessary hospitalisations.
The Rise of Surgical Robots
Surgical robotics is experiencing significant growth, fueled by advancements in precision technology and AI. According to reports, the European surgical robot systems market is set to reach $3.3 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 9.6% annually. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of robotic surgery across various specialties such as orthopedics, gynecology, and urology. Robotic systems are improving surgical outcomes, making procedures more precise, and reducing recovery times.
These technologies are also addressing workforce shortages in specialised medical fields. As the demand for skilled surgeons increases, surgical robots help to mitigate this by allowing surgeons to perform more procedures with enhanced accuracy.
The expansion of surgical robots also promises more cost-effective healthcare solutions as prices for robotic systems continue to decrease, allowing more hospitals to invest in this transformative technology. This trend is expected to reshape the future of surgery by making cutting-edge techniques accessible to a broader range of medical institutions across the region.
2025 is set to bring about some major advancements in healthcare technology, blending innovation with sustainability, efficiency, and security. With Europe leading the way in adopting cutting-edge advancements, the focus on patient-centered care and green initiatives ensures a future where healthcare serves both individuals and the planet. As these trends gain momentum, the integration of AI, remote monitoring, and robotics will push the boundaries of what is possible, transforming healthcare into a more personalised, proactive, and resilient system.
I really like this idea but there’s a lot of chatter about the environmental impact of AI and how much energy is required to power AI so I feel this may cancel out the sustainability gains it can provide.
