The Coronavirus pandemic did not just affect the well-being of the world’s population, but it impacted the entire healthcare industry as well. Within a matter of months, telehealth and virtual care went from an unfamiliar care method to a highly utilized–and lifesaving–solution. And it’s not going away anytime soon. A recent KLAS report indicated that patients today continue to demand more digital health tools that allow them to manage their care and that digital access tools are a central priority when selecting a care facility.
Telehealth in 2022 is proving to be the year that it becomes so much more. Patients and providers alike realize that relationship-based ongoing care is possible with telehealth. Not only does this provide care that is convenient for both the patient and provider, but it is also quality care that assures the comfort of both parties.
Telehealth has given patients an array of digital health and primary care services at their fingertips. It has been a valuable asset during the pandemic, and will only continue to grow and evolve in 2022. Here are some of the trends to watch for in the continued evolution of telehealth in 2022.
Remote Patient Monitoring
The use of telehealth for a variety of health needs is on the rise – and is only expected to grow. In 2020 alone, the use of remote patient monitoring grew by triple digits. Remote patient monitoring through the use of devices such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose monitors, or weight monitors blends the effective use of technology into a continuous need for practitioners.
These wearable monitors provide instant, real-time, and precise data that providers have immediate access to. This digital technology trend is especially helpful in getting health data from patients no matter the location.
Utilization-Based Models
Pre-COVID, practitioners were mainly licensed-based when it came to telehealth usage. This creates a barrier to care because healthcare organizations could not afford to give all of their physicians access to provide virtual care.
Today, we’re seeing companies innovate solutions that reduce those limitations for providers and patients. For example, Let’s Talk Interactive’s new Enterprise platform is utilization-driven and based on sessions, not licenses. Any provider in a healthcare system can see a patient. This gets more providers on the platform to see more patients, which means more people are getting care.
Retail Telehealth
More and more companies want to jump on board with a consumer-friendly virtual care method that benefits everyone. Companies well outside the health sector are now taking a look at telehealth and figuring out how they can apply it to their business model. Technology and retail giants are identifying ways to incorporate telehealth into their business. These companies and their designated payers are launching new care models frequently. While Amazon, Walmart, Teladoc, Best Buy, and CVS have done this already, expect more to launch telehealth services in 2022.
Artificial Intelligence
AI and Robotic Process Automation are cost-effective ways for providers to complete essential tasks. Appointment scheduling, administration, and data management are all ways that AI and Robotic Process Automation are gaining popularity. Through continuous technological advancements, AI is becoming smarter than ever. Healthcare providers will greatly benefit from this trend in 2022 and beyond through the digitizing of day-to-day processes. This will result in more time focusing on the care of their patients– a win-win for everyone.
Cognitive Automation
Cognitive automation acts as the brain behind healthcare organizations and is a rising trend in 2022. This IT trend can help automation capabilities and machine learning algorithms within the healthcare field. While they are not widely accessible today, this will be something to watch in 2022 as it continues to be offered to many more organizations within the healthcare scope.
Hospital at Home
The “hospital at home” model is expanding all across the nation, and hospitals are even getting waivers to offer telehealth services. Remote integration will follow in line with the rise of at-home care as well in 2022. Specialists can evaluate patients through augmented or virtual reality, or through the traditional use of synchronous video conferencing. At-home telehealth is on the rise and is only going to grow in demand in 2022 and beyond.
Team-Based Care
With the rise of telehealth, a team-based care approach will continue to trend upward in 2022. Providers have already found a way to communicate more effectively with both their patients and their patient’s care team in this age of technology. Telehealth will continue to serve as an enablement practice for better, more involved team-based care.
Ready to Implement Telehealth In Your Practice?
Telehealth and its ability to impact the entire healthcare industry is expected to grow. Organizations - especially those in the healthcare space - must determine a way to incorporate telehealth now before they are left behind. We can help you do just that – contact us today to get started.