New trends in healthcare are revolutionizing the industry amidst the ongoing concerns related to COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent variants. Although healthcare professionals are seeing a decline in cases, the reality is that some of the impacts of the virus are here to stay. In this blog, Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) examines some of the continuing trends in healthcare for 2022 and how they may affect you. How many are you tracking? Let’s take a look.

Telehealth

Telehealth practices are here to stay, despite the recent loosening of mask mandates and other restrictions. During the height of the pandemic, quarantine and social distancing were pivotal factors that prompted physicians to treat patients in their homes via Zoom, FaceTime or other platforms. Although telehealth has been available for years, this virtual care model has proven itself not only as a valuable and popular tool for today’s health care professionals and patients, but it has established itself as a long-term model in the healthcare system, especially for psychiatry where diagnoses and treatment doesn’t require physical examination. Here are some of the benefits that telehealth provides:

  • Saves time driving to and waiting in a doctor’s office.
  • Eliminates exposure to sick patients in waiting rooms.
  • Convenient for those with mobility issues or lack of transportation.
  • Easier to reschedule or move appointments if necessary.
  • It might be easier to communicate certain issues over the phone than in-person for some patients.

Wearable medical technology

The latest advancement in innovative technology is playing a major role in today’s healthcare trends. Medical wearable devices like “smart” watches and fitness trackers are giving users the upper hand when it comes to keeping up with their own health. These popular devices are empowering patients to be more responsible with their own health and also generating valuable data for improving preventative medicine as well. Here are some ways in which wearable technology is helping patients and their practitioners:

  • Encourages proactive healthcare by helping detect certain health issues in their early stages.
  • Medical alert devices can detect emergency situations when used for monitoring health issues. Additionally, the device can be set up to notify family members and health care professionals in order for emergency care to be rendered quickly.
  • Puts patients in control of their health with real-time data and fitness tracking.
  • Allows health care providers to monitor patient data over longer periods of time, thus enabling them to provide a more accurate diagnosis, determine trends and thus identify more effective treatments for the individual patient.

And were you aware there are devices that can monitor ultraviolet (UV) exposure, fix circadian rhythm, and even regulate body temperature? There’s even a device that can help improve posture. No more slouching!

Home healthcare

If you think house calls are a thing of the past—think again. At-home services like hospital-at-home and even house calls are trending as two of the fastest growing advancements in healthcare. The surge of patients in hospitals during the height of the pandemic was a wakeup call for the need for planning and establishing a way to deliver acute care beyond hospital walls. Providers are forecasted to research and promote best practices when it comes to telehealth training. The expectation is that the industry will see a shift toward integrating virtual healthcare with in-person care.

Mental health and emotional well-being

There’s no denying the pandemic took a toll on our mental health and emotional well-being, leaving more people than ever before seeking care. The silver lining, however, is how this trend has brought mental health to the forefront and reduced the stigma surrounding it and shedding light on the importance of emotional well-being. Employers are providing access to treatment through online resources and digital therapy. Colleges and universities across the globe are providing additional fitness, mindfulness training, self-care and counseling services through their curriculum and wellness departments, which is increasing retention and graduation rates.

Read our inspiring blog about Xavier graduate and psychiatrist, Dr. Sumeet Singh, and how he treats 600 patients per month—via Zoom.

Do you have a dream of becoming a doctor? The time couldn’t be better. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the United States may see a shortage of doctors between 37,800 and 124,000 by 2034—in both the primary and specialty fields.

Pursuing a medical degree at XUSOM can turn your passion into a reality. Apply today.