A Year of Transformation

It’s no surprise that we’ll be experiencing massive modifications in the delivery of healthcare in the coming year. The tumultuous upheaval in the healthcare industry over the past few years has highlighted the need for a total transformation of the entire system. So what should be our focus in 2024?

Trends to Watch

Recently Med City News, an online healthcare resource, addressed the issue of industry-wide challenges. They determined that the healthcare industry is undergoing a significant shift involving patient care delivery, healthcare worker shortages, and technological changes that are redefining the entire field of medicine. As we look into the future, 2024 promises a profound transformation.

Here are significant areas of focus for the upcoming year:

• Hurdles for AI innovation in healthcare. The appeal of AI technology in healthcare is undeniable. Despite concerns regarding patient privacy, security, compliance, and ethical considerations, AI implementation has seen a noticeable increase.
  
  Look for regulations to start rolling out in the coming year aimed at governing AI access. In healthcare, these impending regulations will redirect innovation towards the ethical application of AI, emphasizing its role as a complement to human interaction rather than a replacement. AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, and effectiveness and alleviate burnout among clinicians will reshape patient care practices.
  
  
• Increased threat of cybersecurity attacks. As the healthcare industry continues to advance technologically, organizations must anticipate an increase in cybersecurity attacks and proactively implement strategies to combat these threats. We saw numerous headlines this past year of bad actors targeting sensitive information and data.
  
  It is imperative moving forward that healthcare technology solutions incorporate security as an integral part of their design and that it becomes ingrained in the organizational culture. To safeguard sensitive data, organizations must employ multiple safety measures. Cybersecurity must be a collective, ongoing effort, and consistently reinforced throughout the year with robust technological solutions and initiative-taking practices.
  
  
• Revolutionizing nurse training for the future. The persistent challenge of nursing shortages is forcing the industry to explore technological solutions to ease the burden on clinicians. In 2024, we’ll see a major shift in focus on virtual training and mentoring programs, enabling seasoned nurses to contribute by virtually training and monitoring new RNs. This strategic use of technology aims to bridge the workforce gap, improve patient care, and retain experienced nurse talent.
  
  
• Transition to team-based and virtual care. The traditional one-to-one approach to patient care in hospitals is evolving into a team-based, virtual care model. Virtual care will eventually integrate into patient care practices across the patient spectrum. For now, a phased approach of virtual care implementation is best so models can be tailored to each organization’s needs, with experienced nurses overseeing virtual patient observations, admissions, discharges, and mentoring.
  
  
• Behavioral health to take center stage. In the upcoming year, there will be a heightened focus on behavioral health, emphasizing solutions for both patients and clinicians within healthcare. This expanded awareness aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding behavioral health, fostering a more inclusive environment, and widening access so that more patients and workers can receive the necessary support.

Transform Your Recognition Program

You’ll also need to update your employee recognition program to address the substantial changes you will incorporate. Our healthcare-focused technology-driven recognition system is configured specifically to meet the changing needs of your people, brand, patients, and culture. Give us a call today to learn more.