Tech-first society demands innovation, shapes the future of work and technology in healthcare.
How are you adapting to the changing landscape?
“The future is now!” is a cliche you’ve likely heard a hundred times. But it seems no less true today than when you last heard it. There is a fundamental shift happening in the healthcare industry, within our tech-first society, and the factors driving it all trace back to how rapidly technology is transforming our society – all leading the future work of healthcare.
Consumers are becoming more comfortable with and reliant on technology in nearly every aspect of their lives. This has led to increased use of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and automation in even the most heavily regulated industries. In fact, some experts believe that 95% of customer interactions will be handled by AI within the next few years.
At the same time, the workforce is undergoing a generational shift – with 75% of the workforce being made up of Millennials by 2025. Millenials and Gen Z have different motivations and concepts of what work should be – leading to the rise of the gig economy and a greater desire to work in freelance or contract positions.
Meanwhile technology in healthcare is also transforming patient care, creating a need for nurses and allied health pros with an ever-evolving set of skills and a knack for adapting.
So what does this all mean? How will this affect your day-to-day work of staffing, patient care, and XX?
Your work processes will change.
According to a Deloitte report, 75% of healthcare facilities are investing heavily in future of work initiatives over the next four years. These efforts are primarily focused on nonclinical and administrative processes including finance, HR/staffing, and customer services/claims processing.
This will require flexibility and adaptability in order to remain successful – but it might also provide opportunity. Like introducing your facility or association to your favorite tech-based staffing platform that not only gives you access to per diem and travel pros, but provides a convenient payment gateway for accounting and market analysis to ensure your staffing rate stays high.
Your staff will evolve.
As the pool of nurses skews younger and technology continues to evolve patient care, your nursing and allied health pro staff will transform as well. Existing team members will need to focus their continuing education to stay up on emerging technology in healthcare. Traditional positions will begin to include more tech-focused skills.
Outside of capabilities, new team members may not want a full-time job. They may choose instead to use per diem and assignments to maximize shift flexibility to fit their lifestyle. Having access to a deeper reserve of qualified pros will help you provide that flexibility while not sacrificing patient care or coverage.
Your patients’ needs will adapt and grow.
While their clinical needs may stay the same, your patient’s needs will change in other ways. Our culture is pushing towards greater value for the cost and a more holistic approach to all aspects of life. So your patients will expect more options, access, and convenience in each interaction with your facility.
Additionally you’ll see a continued increase in consumer digital healthcare devices and the need to incorporate that data into treatment and reporting. This will require a greater partnership with patients, as well as increased education for them.
All of this means your knowledge base – and that of your staff – will need to expand. You’ll need to be subject matter experts in the Internet-of-Things. The ways you communicate and interact with patients before and after they leave your facility will change.
“So you’re saying things will change?”
Let’s see… change, evolve, adapt, grow, transform… Yes. Things are changing and will continue to change. And while change is difficult at times, evolving technology in healthcare is pushing towards improved patient outcomes. Treatments that seem like the stuff of science-fiction are on the horizon. So while there may be some pain in getting there, staying flexible, teachable, and adaptable will not only make you more successful in a changing industry, but will provide your patients with a better experience and care.