Top 6 Trends That Will Redefine Healthcare Today and Tomorrow: A Guide

All those who are part of the medical community are involved in a noble profession – one that saves lives and offers support for illnesses and diseases. However, the ongoing pandemic has brought to light certain issues that plague healthcare in India and across the world. More than 4 lakhs people have lost their lives due to COVID-19 [1]. 

There are many reasons for this. Severe shortage of medical supplies and staff is one. India aims to achieve a ratio of one doctor per thousand population by the year 2024, according to reports [2]. Another reason is rising medical expenses. Most people in India do not have medical insurance or a health cover that can help them. Approximately 40 crore people in India lack financial cover for their health, which is alarming [3].

Without a healthcare policy, managing treatment expenses is difficult. Despite these disparities, the healthcare sector was able to surpass challenges through sheer determination and with the help of digital technologies. Digital transformation has ushered in a dramatic change in the medical sector. To understand key trends in healthcare for 2022 and beyond, read on.

Leveraging facilities for virtual healthcare

One of the major impacts of the digital transformation of the healthcare system was the shift towards remote care. When the number of active COVID-19 cases was increasing, the number of doctors was much lower than the demand. This increased the pressure on the healthcare system. Treating this concern as a top priority, virtual care facilities were developed.

While there are certain barriers in technology like slow internet connections, the shift towards remote care can help in solving many issues. The main goal behind the development of these digital health technologies is to provide better access to care. Using telehealth during the pandemic has been beneficial for both healthcare professionals working under extreme stress and patients. Telehealth guidelines help to improve doctor-patient relationships more effectively too. 

Investing in AI technologies

To address the shortage of healthcare professionals, technologies like AI and machine learning have and will play key roles. With their help, medical staff can streamline their responsibilities. These facilities also help patients gain better control of their health through virtual assistance. These technologies are mutually beneficial for both patients and medical professionals. 

Implementing AI in healthcare helps in the following ways:

• Predicting patient outcomes
• Optimizing operational efficiency
• Integrating diagnostics
• Understanding patients and their requirements in a better way
• Detecting conditions like cancer in its early stages
• Analyzing the risk of developing a health ailment
• Deciding a comprehensive approach for disease management
• Executing surgeries and operations that address shortage of healthcare professionals

Forming strategic partnerships

Public and private sector alliances can help in implementing digital health technologies more effectively. This will help improve access to care and the patient experience. In fact, 41% of Indian leaders of healthcare view collaboration as the way forward to implement digital transformation [4]. Both consumer and B2B health tech firms can aid in achieving this aim. 

Providing out-of-hospital care

Going forward, ambulatory care may witness a drastic improvement in the healthcare sector. Ambulatory care offers medical services without the need of going to a hospital or any other medical facility. Here, the treatment may be provided in the following places:

• Ambulatory surgical centers
• Outpatient departments
• Specialty clinics

With the help of this approach, proper medical care and attention can be provided to many who are unable to afford hospital expenses. By extending the care outside hospitals, this facility can benefit a large number of people. 

Implementing sustainable practices

India has decreased its CO2 emissions by focusing on renewable energy sources. By promoting sustainable practices, the healthcare system can deliver better medical care, and India can further reduce its CO2 emission. As the role of the healthcare system is vital in enhancing environmental sustainability, many hospitals today are implementing such practices as their top priority.

Offering a health cover to tackle costs 

Healthcare plans play an important role in developing a flexible healthcare system. With this goal, the Government of India has initiated a health insurance scheme called Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The sole aim of this scheme is to provide access to healthcare for people who are unable to afford huge treatment costs. This scheme reduces the healthcare costs for patients thereby ensuring that no one is deprived of medical care. 

Apart from this government scheme, there is a wide range of comprehensive healthcare plans offered by private insurance providers. These can help you address your health without delay or compromise. You can browse through Aarogya Care plans on Bajaj Finserv Health and choose a budget-friendly plan that best suits your requirements. These plans provide coverage for both illness and wellness. With unique features like online doctor consultations, huge network discounts and preventive health check-ups, these plans are the best options to get the right medical care.

As we witness the transformation in healthcare in India, these 6 key pillars can be true gamechangers. Benefitting both doctors and patients, they can help in reducing costs, improving access, and be planet-friendly too!