8 developing healthcare trends

Strategies to engage more value-conscious patients and consumers are among eight key healthcare trends that will develop over the next five years, according to the new 2016–2021 FutureScan Healthcare Trends and Implications environmental assessment.

The report was issued by the American Hospital Association's Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD) and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Eight healthcare "thought leaders" drew their conclusions from surveys of more than 500 healthcare leaders around the country, according to an announcement.

"The report explores key aspects of change that are transforming the healthcare field and having a profound impact on providers. It also includes expert insights into action steps executives and strategists can take to position their organizations for success in the rapidly evolving environment," SHSMD President Larry Margolis said in the announcement.

In addition to engaging value-conscious consumers–cited by 99 percent of respondents--the report also identifies the following trends:

  • Exploring capital models required to finance transitions in healthcare
  • Identifying change management skills and competencies that leaders need
  • Accelerating innovations that improve the value of healthcare
  • Developing wellness programs that improve health and reduce medical costs
  • Reengineering healthcare at a massive scale
  • Assuming risk in caring for defined populations
  • Integrating behavioral health and medical care

Hospitals & Health Networks reported that nearly nine out of 10 surveyed said that over the next five years most of their hospital's insured patients will belong to incentivized health plans that reward patients who meet certain health targets. A similar number predicted that at least 25 percent of patients who require care for chronic conditions or rehabilitative care will receive it from their hospital remotely.

Other experts have noted that hospitals can step up their consumer-centric care by taking steps to reduce wait times, make healthcare more convenient and give patients more options, FierceHealthcare previously reported.

Meanwhile, hospital leaders can improve their change-management skills by fostering a culture that can adapt to change. That includes, in part, empowering frontline workers to have a say in how to improve work processes, FierceHealthcare has reported.

To learn more:
- here's the announcement
- read the H&HN article
- order the report