The world of healthcare experienced another year of challenges, some new and some old. In looking forward, what are the trends driving healthcare? And how will they impact community hospitals?
Staffing Remains a Concern
Hospital staff and clinicians face burnout after two years of fighting a pandemic. In a webinar featuring Dr. Victor Dzau, president of the National Academy of Medicine, he referenced a survey of physicians. It revealed that 40% are suffering from depression. Additionally, 60-75% of clinicians reported exhaustion, sleep disorders and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). As a result, 20% of healthcare workers have left the field.
For community hospitals, retaining and attracting new employees will be a primary initiative. In addition, technology can help to augment the staff providing much needed support in a time of significant staffing shortages. As an example, using Internet of Things (IoT) devices could help scale frontline work and increase operational efficiencies. Virtual patient monitoring could also support clinicians with data collection to predict or prevent adverse events.
The Need for Real-Time Resources and Assets Is Critical
Supply chains are still attempting to rebound across every industry. Demand never dropped, so the supply chain never got the chance to catch up. As such, the historic predictability of a stable supply of resources has diminished.
Optimizing supply chains is essential in 2022 and beyond. Optimization means improving sourcing while continuing to reduce costs. To achieve this, community hospitals will need to take a proactive approach to supply chains, understanding vulnerabilities and evaluating partnerships.
Leveraging technology for real-time availability of resources and assets can help stakeholders make data-driven decisions and foresee potential shortages before they become an emergency.
Telehealth Is Here to Stay
Telehealth finally saw mass adoption in the past two years, revolutionizing healthcare. It’s become a key element to ensure access to primary care, mental health and chronic disease control.
Moving forward, telehealth will still play a key role. Using telehealth to supplement in-person care may deliver the best results for patients, however, there is still much to resolve regarding data integration, reimbursements, cost-sharing and policy.
Financial Strains Continue
Since the pandemic began, the demand for healthcare hasn’t decreased, but many hospitals folded, nonetheless. Many had to halt services and procedures that were revenue generators to care for COVID-19 patients. Revenue cycle teams are balancing the current needs of patients and their care with the need to maintain the hospital’s vitality. With strategic Revenue Cycle Programs, community hospitals can find ways to increase revenue in a variety of areas while best supporting their communities.
Continued Emphasis on Data and Analytics
Data in healthcare has never been more important. It offers so many opportunities to improve care and operations. The healthcare data analytics ecosystem is maturing, and those hospitals that leverage it can drive efficiencies, which ultimately can positively impact revenue. Our TPC Members recognize that the future of healthcare is in using clinical, financial, and operational data to drive value-based decision-making.
Ensure a Better 2022 with TPC
As always, changes in the healthcare industry continue to abound. TPC is the platform that provides our Members with a network of support and a portfolio of options to help manage current trends and enable them to thrive – despite the headwinds of the industry. Your community hospital, too, can take advantage of our capabilities in 2022 and beyond.
Learn more about how TPC can support you and how we’re “Stronger Together” by contacting us today.