Voice, Health and Wellbeing 2020

The Voice First technology market is expected to grow to reach $49 billion worldwide. Device makers and software firms are fighting for leadership in both devices and voice assistant software. Health providers are eager to participate. In the past few years, multiple health-related voice assistants have been introduced, including those services branded by trusted healthcare organizations, adding to those from Mayo Clinic and Boston Children’s Hospital.  By 2019, it was becoming easier to ask about specific drugs online. Also by 2019, medical transcription offerings multiplied – potentially replacing the role of 17,000 scribes. In addition, organizations are beginning to voice-enable hospital rooms, physician charting, and wellness tracking for consumers.

Although work is being explored in using the voice as a health diagnostic tool, most uses today are rudimentary and/or experimental. But the future is exciting. With the beginning of HIPAA-compliance, diagnostic capabilities based on voice, and increased personalization capability, Voice First technology promises to provide greater assistance to health professionals and a better experience for consumers at home.  2020 will see more entrants into this early segment, refining what works and adds value.