08 Mar 5 Healthcare Trends Physicians Should Be Aware of This Year
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving – and in 2023, it will be no different.
From changes in technology and telemedicine to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, many factors will shape the future of healthcare.
Here are five of the leading trends physicians should be aware of:
-
Ongoing Physician Staffing Shortages
Unfortunately, staffing shortages will continue this year due to retirements and widespread burnout. Over the past few years, healthcare staffing shortages have led to the use of contract labor to fill labor gaps even as severe COVID-19 hospitalization rates have declined.
High labor costs are expected to remain static this year. Without another COVID wave, demand for contract labor in 2023 should normalize to about 60% above 2019 levels. And while some groups and practices are boosting permanent staff pay to attract needed workers, others are still unable to curb soaring labor costs. Factor in inflation and there will be continued pressure on health systems to reassess their full-time employee compensation packages.
-
Increased Utilization of Artificial Intelligence
AI is reshaping the world of medicine. To prove the point the 2023 market forecast of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools in healthcare is projected to reach a staggering $20 million. In addition, various AI-aligned technologies such as computer vision, natural language processing, and pattern recognition algorithms are gaining popularity within the healthcare sector due to their effectiveness. AI and ML can also be utilized to automate tedious tasks like processing insurance claims or managing medical record keeping.
-
Quality Care Improvements
As part of the shift towards value-based care, there will continue to be an emphasis on measuring and improving the quality of care provided. This may involve implementing new technologies and processes to track and improve clinical outcomes, reduce unnecessary tests and procedures, and reduce waste. Physicians may need to invest in these quality improvement initiatives to stay competitive and meet the expectations of payers and patients.
-
Increased Use of Workflow and Process Automation Technologies
Automation technology will continue to be a key component of an effective practice management strategy, delivering productivity gains and improved patient outcomes. Because automation substantially boosts data accuracy, we will see an increased number of physicians and practice owners automating daily patient information and workflow processes. For example, by automating telehealth workflows, a practice’s primary schedule will be updated to reflect accurate online schedules for patients, appointment reminders will automatically trigger, and payments can be easily collected.
-
More Reliance on Remote Patient Monitoring Solutions (RPM)
This year, physicians will likely see the continued growth of virtual care options, including remote patient monitoring (RPM) and virtual visits with physicians. These technologies can help improve access to care for patients, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.
Serving as an extension of telehealth services, RPM is predicted to gain popularity by vastly improving patient outcomes and care management. It will ultimately become ubiquitous across the healthcare landscape, improving outcomes for patients suffering from chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart conditions, and hypertension.
Contact Annashae Today
At Annashae we’re dedicated to the placement of highly-skilled clinical practitioners in short and long-term positions. As a nationwide medical staffing and consulting firm, we provide a range of services that enable our candidates to quickly find the career opportunity that fits their needs. For information on how you can further your clinical career, contact us today.