The pandemic highlighted inefficiencies in the country’s healthcare system. The crisis also emphasized the importance of improving the healthcare system for the benefit of all stakeholders. While the debate about universal healthcare continues, healthcare institutions should prepare for trends that will affect the industry in the future.
These trends range from technological improvements to an increasing number of individuals who are not interested in taking care of their health. Even if some of these trends do not have any immediate effects on the industry, the time will come when they become major concerns for healthcare stakeholders.
Disengaged Patients
Healthcare deferment rates in the country were around 41 percent as people opted to delay doctor consultations due to the pandemic. Delaying healthcare increases the risk of long-term effects on their health. Aside from the impact on the health of disengaged patients, it also affects the revenue stream of hospitals and clinics since people opt to stay home rather than visit their doctors.
To deal with this situation, medical institutions and facilities should work with reliable healthcare PR firms to connect with their market. These companies have the skill and experience to help healthcare organizations to reach their market and convince them about the importance of consulting a doctor.
And to encourage patients to visit specific clinics or healthcare facilities, these companies use different digital marketing strategies to make the brands of these organizations appealing in the market.
Agile Supply Chains
The pandemic had a significant effect on the supply chain of different industries across the country. But its effect on the healthcare industry was more pronounced as healthcare institutions experienced a shortage in personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep their staff safe from the virus.
In this situation, healthcare stakeholders need to create an agile and reliable supply chain in case a similar global event happens in the future. The supply chain should provide healthcare institutions with several options for sourcing equipment and materials that they need to acquire for hospitals and clinics. And these options should have enough inventory of the products required by the industry.
Another option is for healthcare institutions to create their supply chain where they buy in bulk and control the distribution of the equipment and materials they need. This requires a considerable investment, and healthcare institutions should create good working relationships with suppliers from different areas around the world. Despite the challenge, it also allows them to move quickly and not rely on third-party distributors in case a disaster happens.
Widespread Adoption of Telehealth Services
The pandemic forced people to stay home to avoid getting infected. This came after different healthcare organizations called on the population to stay home to reduce the spread of the virus. Even as people stayed home, many still needed to consult a doctor to deal with their medical conditions.
The situation resulted in the widespread adoption of telehealth services since it allowed patients to see their doctors from the comfort of their homes. And as the pandemic continued, more people took advantage of the services whenever they needed to consult a doctor.
The service also proved helpful for people living in remote areas since they do not need to travel to the nearest town or city to see a doctor. It enhanced access to healthcare, which was an issue that the industry had to deal with in the past. And even after the situation improved, people continue to use telehealth services due to the convenience it offers.
With this, clinics and hospitals can use the service to increase revenue and expand their reach in the market. While there are instances when the patient has to visit the clinic in person, the service allows better access to healthcare for many people across the country.
Increasing Preference for Digital Technology
The latest developments in technology offer a lot of benefits for ordinary consumers. Aside from using telehealth services provided by healthcare institutions, they have also started using wearable tech to monitor their health. Millions of people are using smartwatches and fitness trackers to help them take care of their health.
Even as digital technology allows people to take care of their health, it also has a negative aspect. Many people are using social media pages as sources of health information. While some online sources offer reliable data, others do not use scientific facts for the content they publish.
Due to this, healthcare institutions should share accurate information affecting the health of the population. They should also reach out to the consumers to ensure they get the correct information about taking care of their health.
Understanding upcoming trends in the healthcare industry allow stakeholders to safeguard the future of the population.
