The Top 3 Post-Pandemic Healthcare Challenges

While we continue to process the events of the last several years, we are also setting our sights on the near and long-term future. The pandemic produced new challenges while bringing existing ones to the forefront. Today’s post-pandemic environment and ever-changing regulatory conditions require technological innovation in order to prevent and treat disease in the next decade.

According to a recent HealthLeaders Buzz Survey submitted to 100 healthcare executives, these are the three top concerns for hospital and health system leaders:

The Adaptable Workforce

Even in non-pandemic times, healthcare organizations must adapt to constantly changing conditions and needs. As care is delivered by people to people, the healthcare workforce must be flexible and adjust quickly when required. This makes it critical for nurses and healthcare practitioners to be able to easily change or trade shifts while maintaining compliance with requirements like mandated breaks, staffing ratios and overtime rules. New technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can generate predictive, demand-bases schedules that anticipate needs dynamically and enable individuals and organizations to quickly adapt to erratic environments.

Financial Viability

Sister Irene Kraus was one of the first to focus on fiscal management when she coined the phrase “no margin, no mission”. Financial sustainability has been a constant struggle for healthcare organizations, while uncertainties initiated by the pandemic along with new reforms and legislation have increased operating costs and impacted top-line revenue. New calls for price transparency and alternative payment models will require advanced technology platforms that are capable of collecting, analysing and sharing data across entire health systems.

Delivering Consumer Centric Care

Consumers of healthcare have recently begun to exercise their options of how, when and where they receive treatment and advice. Healthcare institutions are therefore beginning to emulate the hospitality industry by looking for creative ways to attract and retain these consumers. Digital transformation has resulted in more choice and control for individuals as they schedule their own online appointments and access health professionals through virtual visits. These new technologies including mobile tools will significantly enhance the accessibility and experience of care for larger communities including individuals in rural areas and those who may have limited mobility. The promise of improved interaction and constant communication stands to elevate the experience of both patients and practitioners.

For more insight on healthcare’s top operational challenges, be sure to check out our Infor - Healthleaders Buzz Survey here.

Written by:

Marcus Mossberger, Head of Marketing, Service Industries