It is been more than a year since the coronavirus outbreak plunged the world into crisis. Over the course, the pandemic not only introduced several unpredictable societal challenges but also exposed and exacerbated the inefficiencies and weaknesses within the healthcare systems around the world.
As coronavirus grapples the world with anxiety and hopelessness, it also provided a great reminder for the healthcare sector to stay abreast of the technology. With the push from the pandemic to digitize, healthcare organizations discovered ways to utilize technology for innovation and medicine.
For healthcare institutions such as hospitals, care homes, nursing homes and clinics, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive impact accelerating transformation and digitizing the operations.
In the years to come, healthcare systems have and will continue to encounter increased pressure amid rapidly ageing populations, the growing number of diseases, economic downturns, stringent regulations and workforce shortages. According to a WHO report, there would be a net shortage of over 18 million healthcare workers by 2030. This shortage is likely to deepen due to the COVID-19 crisis and other issues related to the current healthcare system.
An increasing shortage of workforce coupled with COVID-19 impact would eventually outrun supply, creating a huge gap in patient care. In this context, healthcare organizations need to recognize the importance of technological transformation to strengthen their systems, bridge the gap and thrive in the post-pandemic world.
Let’s dig a bit deeper and find out how technology can transform healthcare for the better.
Developing integrated healthcare systems
The new reality for healthcare in a post-COVID era will demand a reform of care systems. The time has come to embrace larger integrated care networks that put patients first to provide systematic health care services. The merits of integrated care include improved health experiences and lower system-wide costs because it is based on solid public health management and prevention at scale.
Digitizing healthcare services
Coronavirus outbreak has persuaded the public to demand convenient access to healthcare services, which sparked the adoption of digital care modalities. Rapid development and implementation of virtual care and digital developments across the healthcare sector can alleviate the strain on organizational resources to a greater extent. Since these technological solutions are in-built with admin portals and command centers, it would be also easier to monitor and manage the capacity and performance of healthcare organizations.
Next-generation technologies such as automated processes and data science can be utilized for formulating a proactive approach thereby improving public health management.
Revise Workforce Management Strategies
Healthcare organization in a post-pandemic setting demands a more dynamic, workforce that can deliver a high level of care. Employee scheduling and Rota creation should be restructured based on the preferred duties and skills instead of job roles and titles. Implementing a workforce management solution also proves beneficial in automating the staffing schedule and rota planning thus freeing them to focus on more critical responsibilities.
Doctors, nurses and all other front-line employees must be empowered to harness the technological solutions to focus on higher-value work. Moreover, having an effective workforce management solution would allow the employees to communicate and work outside the confines of organizations and cooperate with other medical experts to deliver an integrated healthcare experience.
What should be done in existing hospitals and healthcare systems to successfully prepare for future outbreaks?
Healthcare organizations must prioritize resource optimization and workforce management to brace for future outbreaks. It is crucial to utilize technological solutions to improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality care and access. Embracing innovative solutions and driving value-based design will enable integrated care, improve cost efficiency and deliver substantial values.
