When we talk about healthcare trends on the rise for 2021, it’s no surprise that the majority of researcher’s focus is on tackling the lingering global pandemic. From trialing new COVID vaccines to developing apps for early detection— COVID-19 has kept researchers busy.
Let’s dive deeper into what we can expect to see in the healthcare industry this year and beyond.
Healthcare Trends on the Rise in 2021
Trend #1 Healthcare Becomes a Consideration in All Aspects of Life
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced how important healthy employees and customers are to a business. Because of this, we can expect safeguarding employee and customer health to be a primary concern of businesses. As a result, biosecurity measures, including sanitation stations and screening devices, and quarantine protocols, will improve safety measures that will reduce the risk of contagious diseases being passed around at work.
The importance of mental health has continued to gain ground in recent months. We can expect to see employers focus on their employee’s mental health, especially remote workers who may feel isolated or struggling to juggle the balance between work-from-home and living at home. Technology will play a significant role in preventing these risks. For example, companies may use apps that monitor a person’s activity and send alerts when it’s time for a break or exercise.
Trend #2: Telemedicine
Telemedicine grew tremendously in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and was expected to grow by nearly 65% in 2020 alone. That’s a trend that will continue. With telemedicine, patients can get one-on-one healthcare no matter where they live without even having to leave the house.
Trend #3: Data and Artificial Intelligence Drives a Shift to Fair Healthcare Insurance and Coverage
The COVID-19 global pandemic proved that people are willing to share their personal data when it can benefit public health—for example, the use of tracing apps. Personal data is also being collected at record rates via wearable technology and online activities. These are giving healthcare providers an increasingly accurate picture of when and where intervention may be needed. Insurance providers will also turn to use advanced predictive technology to gain a better understanding of policyholder risk and thus,be able to set premiums more accurately and fairly.
Trend #4: Smart Cities and Artificial Intelligence Will Improve Our Ability to Detect, Respond to Future Outbreaks
Smart cities use different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect data. All insights they gain from that data helps manage assets, resources, and services efficiently. In turn, the data is used to improve city operations. During the pandemic, we saw smart cities turn their focus to managing the way an increasing number of people will be able to live in close proximity to one another.
Covid-19 has changed virtually every aspect of our lives, and that includes healthcare policy, practices, and how care is delivered. We think the pandemic will affect healthcare trends for years and years to come.
