Last week, Connect, our community for change makers hosted an event which welcomed two distinguished speakers from the healthcare sector who delved into the transformative impact of technology on the healthcare workforce. This event served as a platform for insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of healthcare and the role technology plays in shaping the industry’s future.
We extend our gratitude to Adam Kirk, Director at mymhealth, NHS Consultant, Senior Lecturer and expert in health / digital therapeutics, and Luis Mieiro, Consultant Geriatrician at Bart’s Health NHS Trust, for a very interesting debate on this crucial intersection of healthcare and technology and for sharing their expertise with our community.
Drawing leaders primarily from the NHS, healthcare technology, and venture capital businesses dedicated to innovating patient care, our event provided an ideal platform for networking and the exchange of experiences.
The event offered profound insights into the changing dynamics of the healthcare workforce:
The Workforce Supply and Demand Balance is Shifting
The healthcare landscape needs to transition from reactive to preventative medicine. This will enable the workforce to shift focus on areas where there is an increase in demand driven by an ageing population with multiple chronic conditions and an increase in mental health needs. Access to healthcare information has also heightened patient expectations, increasing demand for real-time support and care.
Administrative burdens are increasing, with doctors spending more time on bureaucracy than patient care. Efficient digital solutions for administrative tasks can enhance healthcare delivery. Challenges involve workforce retention, training, and adapting to technological advancements. Businesses say they are designing their processes to be patient-centric. However, this landscape is evolving quickly with the use of technology.
Therefore, PharmaCo’s and everyone across the end-to-end supply chain need to think strategically about their operating models to future-proof this change in demand and supply.
Is Technology in Healthcare about Revolution or Evolution?
While big companies aim for revolutionary changes, the NHS struggles with disruptive technology adoption due to risk aversion. Successful integration requires an evolutionary approach, with gradual implementation and adaptation. Patient dissatisfaction with long NHS lead times is driving private sector evolution, increasing competition in the healthcare job market.
Greater access to information and technology has led patients to seek alternatives, such as private health and health tourism, challenging traditional healthcare structures. Evolving systems privately are responding to changing demands and creating a more competitive healthcare job market.
Hence, successful organisations will be the ones thinking about how consumers may look for alternative solutions and those who look to partner with frontline healthcare services.
Good Quality Data Leads to Good Quality Outcomes
Patient data-sharing concerns persist, hindering the efficiency of digital solutions. Confidence issues arise from the public and medical professionals, leading to fears of litigation and increased exposure. Overcoming these challenges requires addressing users’ fears and providing evidence-based outcomes for commissioners and visual reassurance for patients.
In the context of adopting technology, challenges persist across sectors, emphasising the critical role of data in achieving successful outcomes.
How to Transition into a New World Where Technology Amplifies Outcomes
As technology becomes more accessible, future generations will likely trust digital tools over traditional healthcare establishments. Workforce planning must evolve from old-fashioned ratios to understanding evolving patient needs and quantifying risks. Anticipating upcoming healthcare trends is essential for proactively preparing and meeting patient needs in the face of chronic diseases and mental health issues.
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare and technology, our recent networking event illustrated pivotal insights into the industry’s future. From the paradigm shift in workforce dynamics to the delicate balance between technological revolution and evolution, our discussions underscored the imperative for proactive adaptation, efficient data utilisation, and strategic planning to successfully navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.
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