Five Healthcare trends for 2023
The Covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst for change in healthcare, and as we approach the three-year anniversary of the outbreak, digital transformation remains high on the agenda. Healthcare industries have traditionally fallen behind when it comes to implementing digital strategies, with only seven percent of all healthcare organisations making the switch, compared to 15 percent of companies in other industries.
So why has the healthcare industry failed to keep up with the pace of change? Is the slow rate of adoption down to the organisations, leaders, members, or the innovations themselves?[1] Regardless of the reason, healthcare organisations must invest in transformation and workforce talent to thrive. The future of healthcare depends on resilience and innovation to propel value-based care and ultimately improve the quality of life for the population.
In this blog, we discuss what we think will be the top five trends for healthcare in 2023:
Rise of Big Data:
Big Data gathers information by monitoring behaviour through various channels enabling analysts to identify patterns and trends for future use.
For the healthcare industry, Big Data can provide predictive analytics so that hospitals and clinics can estimate future admission rates, allowing them to correctly predict and plan for both quiet and busy periods. Data sourced through hospital technology such as self-check-in and smart queue management systems will enable staff to prepare for those peaks and troughs. Mapping out exactly when each site will be at its busiest means that hospital managers can allocate resources and funds effectively. Data can also be used to predict when large orders of certain medicines will be required. This can make sure that stock is available during busy periods such as Christmas and New Year.
Centralised data:
The more data that is available to the Directors of the NHS, the more powerful they will be. Giving staff and NHS Trusts a full 360-degree view of patient care can only improve processes and help identify bottlenecks within a patient’s treatment pathway. This data can then be used at a higher level to inform budgets and reduce costs across the country.
Using a central patient record system will give clinicians easy access to large datasets and patient histories, enabling them to analyse trends in detail and improve patient care. By using this information, clinicians will be able to improve workflow, which in turn will result in better patient care and provide the right information when updating policies.
Point of Care and Primary-Care Systems:
During the pandemic, we have seen a huge increase in point-of-care (POC) and primary-care systems being mobilised and used much more widely. We have also seen demand increasing for corresponding ultrasound systems that could be used in conjunction with these systems, which we expect to continue into 2023.
Ultrasound imaging (sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to view inside the body. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can also show the movement of the body’s internal organs as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.
Waiting times and cancellations are two of the biggest problems faced by the NHS in all departments and for all patients owing to the ongoing pressure placed on our health service by the pandemic. POC ultrasound technology is one piece of the puzzle that could accelerate the patient’s journey from first contact to diagnosis and treatment.
Smart Home Social Care:
While many think smart hubs are for personal use only, they can act as a practical central platform in elderly care. By bringing health data into a centralised location, these home hubs can simplify the monitoring of patients and allow access to remote professional care services. This means a doctor can keep a close eye on patients and even interact with them, without having to be physically present.
These systems can track the safety of patients within a care facility. Cameras can be used to monitor patients and analyse video data to detect if an individual wanders off into restricted areas or experiences a fall. Staff no longer need to keep their eyes on the screens and are alerted if anything happens, leaving them more time to give one-to-one care.
Wearable Technology:
Missed appointments are not only a financial cost to healthcare, but they are a data cost too. When an outpatient misses an appointment, they can’t provide doctors with the required health update thar could then lead to delayed diagnosis. Next year, we predict an increase in demand for wearable technology as more hospitals are implementing more safe self-discharge measures.
Wearable technology provided to discharged patients will collect data regarding their health status which will help to better inform medical personnel. Connected wearables collect detailed information on a patient so medical personnel can detect ailments early, make better decisions and more accurately assess a patient’s health status. This will enable them to detect ailments early, make better decisions and more accurately assess a patient’s health status.
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[1] Meyer and Goes, 1988