Healthcare Predictions for 2024
The healthcare landscape changes with every new year. As we march ahead into 2024, there are many key developments to watch out for as a clinician. Here are the healthcare predictions for 2024.
Continued Labor Challenges for Facilities
The nurse shortage we experienced in 2023 is expected to continue in 2024. There are a number of factors driving the shortage, including a retirement boom, lack of educators, and of course, burnout after the COVID-19 pandemic. Persisting talent shortages for healthcare facilities mean increased reliance on short-term staffing, which is great news for contract clinicians. So, if you are looking to jumpstart your travel or contract nursing journey, now is the time!
AI Will Prove its Value in Healthcare
One of the most important healthcare predictions for 2024 will be artificial intelligence continuing to prove its value across healthcare systems. One of the most common ways AI is already being implemented in healthcare is in image analysis. AI has been applied to medical imaging to detect anomalies in radiological scans that could indicate disease, tumors, or other abnormalities. However, some of the most advanced AI applications are in genomics, where AI is being used to analyze patients’ DNA to create disease treatment plans that are personalized to people on a genetic level (sometimes called precision medicine).
A major use case for AI in healthcare for this upcoming year is virtual assistants. Implementing AI virtual assistants in healthcare facilities will involve training an AI algorithm to respond to questions that doctors, clinicians, or patients might have. Virtual assistants can even be programmed to help nurse managers organize daily operations like scheduling appointments, keeping records, and even communicating with patients.
Demand For Personalized Care Will Rise
The demand for high-quality, personalized care in the healthcare industry has never been higher, especially as patients have more options for care than ever before with the advent of Telehealth. One of our healthcare predictions for 2024 is that patients will expect the same level of convenience, personalization, and accessibility in their medical experiences as they do from other customer service touchpoints. This extends to the financial side of healthcare as well. Patient finances will continue to be a focus, as finding easier ways to pay for treatment will become a huge part of the patient’s overall medical experience. Looking ahead, collaboration among payors, providers, and insurers will be more crucial. Each entity plays a pivotal role in creating a healthcare system that is efficient, accessible, and sustainable. When it comes to embracing innovation in 2024, all three must come together to affect meaningful change.
Mental Health Technologies Will Take Center Stage
In recent years, there has been a shift in the way society perceives and prioritizes mental health. This cultural transformation has placed mental health at the forefront of healthcare conversations. The spotlight on mental health is growing as new technologies emerge to manage and increase access to treatment. One of the major healthcare predictions for 2024 is that teletherapy platforms, mental health apps, and other digital tools for mental health management are likely to boom. The convenience, accessibility, and affordability of teletherapy platforms like tech giants BetterHelp and Talkspace have made mental health services more widely available to patients. They not only offer a bridge to care for those who may face geographical or logistical barriers, but also appeal to the broader population seeking convenient and reasonably priced mental health support. In 2024, we will see the healthcare and digital sectors continuing to merge, especially in the mental health realm.
