2020 marked a time of change and adaptation. COVID-19 required healthcare organizations to move quickly to solve a variety of new problems, including a shift towards telehealth, changes to in-person care, and even a reworking of our healthcare spaces. However, these changes have occurred in a healthcare context where marked change was – and is – already underway.
Drawing upon the information presented in the recent Health Leaders Round Table, let’s take a look at some of the innovations currently happening in the healthcare space and what they might mean for your practice.
- Care beyond the clinical context. Hospitals are connecting with community care managers and health workers to ensure that patients receive follow-up care post-discharge. Databases and scheduling software can be used to make sure these connections happen in a timely manner. Patients are also increasingly empowered to take control of their own health and care.
- Enhanced digital front doors. Digital front doors are personalized web and mobile platforms that allow patients to take control of their health. Healthcare providers are enhancing the experience to make it easier to find, use, and pay for care. They’re also using AI and machine learning to automate paperwork and admin – a win for both patients and staff.
- Predictive monitoring to improve outcomes. Rather than waiting for adverse outcomes in chronic illness cases, tech such as machine modeling allows providers to monitor patients proactively and intervene earlier. This adds value for providers and for patients, who can better manage their health-related decision-making.
- Voice recognition technology to streamline procedures. Voice recognition tools can reduce the time spent in front of the computer and are also ideal in a touchless environment. They can be used in surgical, clinical, or even administrative settings and help get healthcare workers back in front of the patient.
- Surge monitoring to predict staffing needs. Provider costs are some of the costliest billing elements in healthcare. Data modeling can help predict staffing levels, minimizing unpredictability, and striking a balance during surges and quiet times.
- Maintaining that personal touch. Technological innovations are vital for delivering efficient, effective care, but medicine is human at heart. This personal touch can be maintained through a whole-person care approach that maintains one-on-one connections while also being scalable through its use of technology.
- Breaking down technological barriers. More technology isn’t always the answer. Some patients don’t have broadband access; others have limited phone minutes or data. While a digital-only shift suits many patients, there need to be alternative approaches to reach these community members.
As healthcare providers move forward into 2021, they face an opportunity to leverage the changes ushered in by COVID-19 to embrace patient-centric technologies, streamline the care experience, and break down barriers to care. In some cases, these changes may require retrofitting a space or moving to a new, tech-enabled one.
At Gittleson Zuppas Medical Realty, we specialize in helping healthcare providers identify the exceptional medical spaces that will help them meet their goals. If you’re considering opening, moving, expanding your practice, or just want to revitalize your existing one, reach out to us and we will help you navigate the best path.