Hospitals and health systems have been discussing the issue of engaging patients digitally first for some time, but fewer than you think have made significant strides forward on this front.
Likewise, data-driven decision making is a phrase that has been thrown around a lot in healthcare, but in many cases it is a dream that has not yet become a reality.
At the same time, as providers aim to make trust and transparency the foundation of their daily operations, they are often not as advanced in those efforts as they hope.
But all three of these imperatives are poised to make significant progress in 2025, according to researchers David Nicholson, Principal Consultant at Cella by Randstad Digital.
Randstad Digital is a digital enablement company that helps facilitate the rapid transformation of businesses by providing talent, capabilities, technologies and business advisory services across niche industries, including healthcare. Cella by Randstad Digital, a partnership division of the Randstad portfolio, offers consulting, staffing and managed systems.
With more than 30 years of experience across scientific, clinical, legal and digital disciplines, Nickelson works with healthcare organizations to address complex challenges by developing and delivering technologies and services. We asked him to look at the year ahead and describe where he sees progress being made.
Q: You point to digital-first patient engagement as a key issue for hospitals and health systems in 2025. Why is that, and what kind of developments do you anticipate?
A. Digital-first patient engagement is expected to become a defining factor in healthcare delivery by 2025. This transformation is driven by several powerful forces. Today’s patients, accustomed to seamless digital experiences in other aspects of their lives, now expect the same level of convenience and accessibility in their healthcare interactions.
Additionally, the ongoing shift to value-based care models emphasizes patient outcomes and cost efficiencies, making digital tools that enable patients to actively participate in their care even more important.
Furthermore, in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape, a strong digital presence and superior patient experience can be a critical factor in attracting and retaining patients. Finally, the wealth of data generated by digital engagement provides unprecedented opportunities to personalize care, improve operational efficiency, and drive data-driven decision making.
Looking to the future, we can expect several key developments that will shape the future of digital-first patient engagement.
These include:
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The emergence of multichannel communications, enabling patients to communicate with providers seamlessly through different channels
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integration AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to automate routine tasks and provide timely responses
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Using data and artificial intelligence to deliver personalized content and recommendations
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Expanding remote patient monitoring for proactive care
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Increasing adoption of digital therapies for convenient and accessible treatment
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Integrating wearables and IoT devices for a more comprehensive view of patients’ health
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Focus on access and equity in health to ensure all patients benefit from digital health systems
To effectively capitalize on these trends, hospitals, health systems and insurers must invest in robust digital infrastructure, develop comprehensive digital strategies, train staff on digital tools and best practices, prioritize data security and privacy, and continually evaluate and improve their digital offerings based on the patient. Feedback and data insights.
By seizing these opportunities and proactively adapting to the evolving digital landscape, healthcare organizations can enhance patient engagement, improve health outcomes, and position themselves for success in the years ahead.
Q: Data-driven decision making is also high on your list for 2025. Why is it increasingly important this year, and what types of technologies will be key?
A. Data-driven decision making is expected to revolutionize healthcare delivery by 2025. Fueled by the explosive growth of health data and advances in analytics technologies, this approach offers the potential to dramatically enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation.
At the heart of this transformation is the power of data to unlock valuable insights. By leveraging data-driven insights, healthcare providers can personalize treatment plans, predict patients’ needs and intervene early, ultimately improving health outcomes. For example, Predictive analytics can identify individuals at high risk for developing certain conditions, enabling proactive interventions that can prevent or mitigate adverse events.
In addition to improving patient care, data-driven decision making can also enhance operational efficiency. By optimizing resource allocation, staffing levels, and patient flow based on data-driven insights, hospitals and health systems can achieve cost savings and improve overall efficiency. Furthermore, data analytics can identify areas of waste and inefficiency, leading to more cost-effective care delivery.
Finally, data-driven insights can guide strategic decisions regarding investments, expansions and service offerings, ensuring healthcare organizations remain responsive to the evolving needs of their communities.
Several key technologies will play a pivotal role in enhancing data-driven decision making in healthcare. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, predict outcomes, and support clinical decision-making. Real-world data and real-world evidence provide valuable insights into patient behavior, treatment effectiveness, and disease progression.
Predictive analytics can predict patient needs, identify high-risk individuals, and optimize resource allocation. Data visualization and dashboards can make complex data sets more accessible and actionable for healthcare professionals. Interoperability, which enables seamless sharing of data between different systems and organizations, is essential to unlocking the full potential of data-driven insights.
By embracing these technologies and investing in the necessary infrastructure and expertise, healthcare organizations can harness the power of data to transform care delivery, improve outcomes, and drive innovation.
S. She says trust and transparency will be crucial for healthcare delivery organizations in 2025. Why is this increasingly important, and what types of technologies can be deployed here to help?
A. Trust and transparency are no longer optional for healthcare providers – they are imperative. This year, this will be even more evident. The shift toward value-based care further emphasizes the need for transparency. This model prioritizes patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness, necessitating open communication about care delivery and pricing.
As health care costs rise, patients bear a greater share of the financial burden, so transparency in pricing and billing practices benefits everyone. Additionally, the proliferation of options in today’s healthcare landscape enables patients to compare providers and make informed choices. In this environment, trust and transparency become key differentiators.
Furthermore, the increasing use of digital health tools and electronic health records has raised concerns about data privacy and security. To build and maintain trust, healthcare providers must demonstrate their commitment to responsible data stewardship. Finally, evolving regulations are pushing toward greater price transparency in health care. Providers and insurers need to proactively adapt to these changes.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing trust and transparency. For example, price transparency tools can enable patients to compare costs and understand their out-of-pocket expenses. Clear communication in plain language is essential to explaining complex medical bills and insurance policies.
Proactively disclosing information about costs, treatment options, and potential risks can further build trust. Strong data security procedures and transparent data privacy policies are non-negotiable. In addition, patient engagement technologies can facilitate communication and provide easy access to information.
By adopting these strategies and prioritizing trust and transparency, healthcare organizations can not only meet regulatory requirements, but also cultivate stronger relationships with patients, ultimately improving the overall quality of care. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
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