Shaping the Future of American Healthcare: Key Trends for Healthcare Executives.

In the ever-evolving landscape of American healthcare, optimism is on the rise. For healthcare executives, it’s essential to recognize that change is not only inevitable but also an opportunity for transformation. Over the past three years, we’ve witnessed rapid advancements and, at times, reversals due to the impact of COVID-19. Telemedicine, remote work, universal masking, and the politicization of public health are some of the factors that have reshaped our industry. Amidst these changes, there’s a ray of hope that the next three years will pave the way to address long-standing challenges. Despite numerous initiatives, the US healthcare system grapples with core challenges. A staggering 18% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is spent on healthcare, significantly higher than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average of 10%. Yet, America has the lowest life expectancy among OECD nations. The disparities in outcomes are evident, with avoidable deaths, maternal and infant mortality, assault-related deaths, chronic diseases, and COVID-19 deaths contributing to the discrepancy. 

The Challenge: Clinical inertia

Clinical inertia, a hindrance to treating chronic diseases effectively, disproportionately affects ethnic and racial communities. Moreover, the fragmented nature of healthcare delivery leads to incomplete information, medication overuse, and rising costs. This fragmentation disempowers stakeholders, leaving physicians burned out, health systems struggling, and patients navigating complex systems. Our perspective indicates that several significant trends will converge, driving transformation across three crucial dimensions.

1. Empowered Patients and Improved Outcomes

2. Enhanced Measures of Quality Resulting in Better Choices

3. Novel Economic Models for Better Value

The current state of the healthcare sector

The healthcare sector is in a state of rapid transformation, a period of both excitement and uncertainty. For healthcare executives, the key lies in focusing on patient-centered care, embracing innovation, and leveraging technology to address inequities and enhance quality. These emerging trends promise to create a more equitable, efficient, and patient-focused system. By embracing these changes, healthcare executives can be at the forefront of shaping a better future for all. You can dive into more details in this recent article published in Population Health Management by Brian Stein, M.D., M.S., Chief Quality Officer at RUSH University Medical Center, and Bala Hota, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President and Chief Informatics Officer at Tendo.