Healthcare Trends To Expect In 2024

Published By Blog Breed

Over time, every industry has to transform to a certain degree. They have to leave some practices, tools, and policies behind and adopt new ones to better serve their consumer base. The same stands true for the healthcare industry.

Of late, the sector has been going through sweeping change. The frequency of embracing disrupting trends intensified even more in the aftermath of the coronavirus.

To give you a better idea, we have put together a list of trends that are likely to dominate the healthcare industry in 2024:

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1. Cybersecurity

Hackers have been targeting healthcare providers throughout 2023. But now, hackers have even gone beyond phishing attacks. They also stole sensitive information and sold it on the dark web. Ransomware attacks targeted healthcare facilities in the United States, particularly in recent months.

These attacks highlighted the importance of cybersecurity investment and secure data storage. As more work is done remotely nowadays, IT teams will have to communicate cybersecurity best practices to staff to avoid attacks and fix vulnerabilities. So it will not be surprising to see an increased investment in cybersecurity technology and talent by health systems in 2024.

2. The Workforce Safety

The Healthcare industry offers great financial perks to the healthcare staff. Whether you have a terminal degree in nursing or a diploma in practical nursing, you are likely to get a good salary and live a comfortable lifestyle.

However, currently, many aspiring healthcare workers are reluctant to join the industry due to a lack of safety in the face of COVID-19. It is expected that employee safety will become a top priority for healthcare providers in 2024.

3. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) will help solve problems the healthcare industry has been facing for quite some time. Besides, it can also a lot of money to the healthcare industry. A well-documented report states that IoMT devices could save roughly 300 billion dollars by empowering physicians to practice medicine more efficiently.

Telemedicine, for example, saves money because it keeps all non-essential consultations off the hospitals. This minimizes both time and infrastructure costs. IoMT devices have the greatest value for administering healthcare. They can come in handy to provide healthcare in remote areas where full-time hospitals are not a feasible option.

That way, patients with limited mobility can have regular consultations at their homes. A portable point-of-care device can perform almost any routine test and share the results with a doctor remotely.

4. Predictive Analytics And Big Data

The healthcare industry can avoid disasters if medical professionals have better ways to predict the future. Health institutions can no longer rely on analyzing behavioral trends or medical claims in the past 30 days to build their forecasting systems.

They need real-time insight. Considering all these factors, the most ground-breaking trend in healthcare technology is hands down the use of big data and predictive analysis. Rapid digitization has made it possible to capture useful clinical data.

The wearable technology is capable of recording continuous data at a low cost. Interoperable systems along with new regulations have enabled healthcare providers to use predictive analysis for the greater good.

Recently, this technology was exploited to anticipate spikes in coronavirus-positive cases. Big data was also used to develop vaccine strategies, which included identifying high-risk populations based on a range of factors. It is proven that healthcare cannot move away from big data. This is true for its business side as well. Analytics and business intelligence can provide benefits that make any investment worthwhile.

5. Focus On Behavioral Medicine

Many contemporary chronic conditions are the byproduct of behavior. In developed countries, obesity, smoking, inactivity, and substance abuse are major causes of death.

Nearly half of all deaths in America are due to preventable causes. It is also estimated that as many as one-third of adults have a mental health disorder. So it should not come as any surprise that behavioral medicine is gaining attention.

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), less than half of adults suffering from a mental disorder receive treatment. What is more, 70 percent of people with a mental health disorder have a physical condition. This is partly why the AHA has declared support for policy changes to improve access and quality of behavioral healthcare.

6. Personalized Medical Care

Patients want digital interaction, but personalized care is what keeps them loyal. A survey highlighted that an “ideal” healthcare experience requires personal touches, regardless of whether the patient is receiving consultation online or in person. Patients feel it is essential that healthcare professionals listen to them show empathy, and communicate clearly.

Wrapping Up

There is no denying that the healthcare industry was caught off-guard when coronavirus hit the scene. Medical infrastructure was not prepared to cope with such a daunting situation. However, apparently, healthcare providers have learned their lesson. They are leaving no stone unturned to fight future problems along with dealing with the current challenges. The rapid adoption of the above-listed trends is a reflection of that.