# Connected Physician Doctors self-educate by linking into knowledge-sharing platforms. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 22, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-physician ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Connected Physician trend? **Connected Physician:** As consumers begin to take more responsibility for their health and wellness, medical professionals are embracing socially minded platforms that encourage self-education and exploration of peer-to-peer shared data. Linked to the fast accelerating nature of consumer expectations around healthcare service, this shift demonstrates the need for physicians and researchers to curate their own set of digital tools that help make sense of the bevy of data emerging from new technologies. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 20, 2016 to Apr 13, 2017 - Published: Apr 22, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Instant Entrepreneurship](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/instant-entrepreneurship), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Connected Physician trend ### Connected Healthcare Platforms Medical professionals are embracing socially minded platforms that encourage self-education and exploration of peer-to-peer shared data. ### Virtual Healthcare Apps Doctors are now using mobile apps to conduct virtual visits and offer patients broader access to medical expertise. ### Intelligent Healthcare Devices There is an increasing use of intelligent healthcare gadgets that can offer quick and non-invasive medical readings or diagnoses. ## What the Connected Physician trend means for industry ### For Healthcare IT The integration of digital and IT into the healthcare industry is driving an explosion of innovation and the industry is poised to benefit from it. ### For Wearable Technology The medical wearable technology market is predicted to grow exponentially, with more wearable health and fitness devices being deployed in clinical settings. ### For Telemedicine The rise of virtual care and telemedicine has led to explosive growth for platforms enabling remote consultations. ## Workshop question The connected lifestyle means consumers can become more independent. As this pattern progresses and life becomes more automated, how will your brand remain relevant to the consumer? ## Trend signals for Connected Physician Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 49%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 49% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Connected Physician trend 5 featured examples from Jul 20, 2016 to Apr 13, 2017. - [Symptom-Checking STI Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/symptom-checker): This Symptom Checker Provides Information About All Aspects of Intimacy (Category: Tech) Implication: Collaborating with educational technology companies to develop interactive sex education apps for schools and parents. - [Treatment-Suggesting Thermometers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ear-thermometers): The 'Earmo' Ear Thermometers Take Readings in One Second Flat (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The 'Earmo' ear thermometers indicate opportunities for innovation in the healthcare technology industry, particularly in the development of smart devices and connected healthcare… - [Doctor Delivery Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doctor-delivery): The GPDQ App Helps Londoners to Order Doctors To Their Door (Category: Tech) Implication: The healthcare industry has an opportunity to innovate by creating more on-demand services that make accessing medical help more convenient. - [Virtual Doctor-Visiting Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doctorvisiting): The eVisit App Offers Easy Access to Physicians Round the Clock (Category: Tech) Implication: Healthcare is the industry that has already been disrupted with innovations like virtual doctor-visiting apps as they offer fast and remote medical consultations. - [Connective Doctor Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doctor-app): The MDLinking App Uses Virtual Reality to Help Doctors Share Information (Category: Tech) Implication: Developing innovative applications and platforms that leverage technology to improve collaboration and information sharing within the medical field. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)