By Dana Jacoby
As we put a bow on 2022, we set our sights on the emerging healthcare trends that will break through in 2023. It has been a rough past few years for providers. However, here are a few hot topics in healthcare to pay attention to next year.
Improving Patient Experience
It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is under immense pressure to improve the patient experience. With the rise of consumerism in healthcare, patients are increasingly demanding more personalized and convenient care. As a result, healthcare organizations are turning to technology to deliver a better patient experience.
Healthcare organizations are using patient portals to give patients 24/7 access to their health information, allowing them to schedule appointments, pay bills, and message their care team. They’re also using mobile apps to provide patients with on-demand access to care and education resources. Plus, we see an increase in wearables and remote monitoring devices to collect real-time data about patients’ health status and provide them with personalized feedback.
Increased AI Usage
There’s no question that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent in all industries, including healthcare. In fact, according to a recent study by Accenture, AI could create $150 billion in annual savings for the US healthcare economy by 2026. And with the ever-increasing amount of data generated by electronic health records, wearables, and other connected devices, it will only become more integral in the coming years.
We can expect to see more personalized medicine as AI is used to predict which treatments will work best for individual patients based on their specific genetic makeup. Additionally, AI will likely play a role in reducing readmission rates as providers use it to identify early warning signs of deterioration. And lastly, expect AI-assisted robots to become commonplace for wound care and physical therapy tasks.
Mental Health Investment
Another hot topic in healthcare is the awareness of the importance of mental health in recent years. This recognition has led to increased investment in mental health care in terms of funding and resources.
There are several reasons for this trend. First, mental health disorders are now better understood and recognized than in the past. Therefore, more people are seeking help for their mental conditions.
There is also a growing realization that mental health disorders can majorly impact physical health. Therefore, patients and providers realize that treating mental health disorders can improve overall health outcomes.
More Telehealth Services
Telehealth services are becoming popular since the pandemic, as they offer patients greater convenience and accessibility. As such, online doctor visits, e-prescriptions, and virtual health coaching are becoming more commonplace. This change is partly due to the increasing use of technology in healthcare and because telehealth services can often be more cost-effective than traditional in-person care.
Telehealth allows patients to receive care from providers who work far away. This accessibility can be beneficial for rural patients who have trouble accessing care. In addition, telehealth can save patients time and money by eliminating the need for travel.
As we close out 2022, your medical facility must consider how it can address the hot topics in healthcare and adapt to the times to improve the patient experience.