The article on Health Data Management discusses the top trends shaping patient care in 2024, focusing on the growing awareness of the need to improve patient experience, a key component of the Triple Aim introduced by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in 2007. Despite progress, healthcare organizations still face challenges due to the complexity of the U.S. healthcare system, integration issues, confusion resulting from the system of care providers, payers, purchasers, and consumers, and rising inflation.
Key trends for 2024 include:
- Harnessing Technology for Virtual Care: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of technology tools to maintain access to healthcare services. Telehealth visits surged, and even though they have declined from the pandemic peak, the use of telehealth continues. Federal agencies are enabling access to care, with Medicare patients now able to receive telehealth services for behavioral and mental healthcare in their homes. Other technologies, like AI-powered mental health assessment platforms, are also coming into play.
- Personalized Care Based on Genomic Makeup: Genomics is becoming mainstream in clinical care, with provider organizations incorporating genomic information into treatment. Integrating genomic information into clinical records is challenging due to data complexity, but efforts are underway to automate the ordering of tests and receiving results within EHRs. Technology vendors are addressing these challenges, and artificial intelligence and machine learning may help solve the complexity.
- Putting Patients at the Center of Their Care: The concept of patient centrality is evolving from theoretical to practical, with more market forces engaging patients in their care. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is emphasizing patient centrality in improving interoperability of healthcare information. Efforts include releasing a Patient Engagement Playbook and encouraging patient participation in care through various initiatives.
The article highlights the importance of technology, genomics, and patient-centric approaches in shaping the future of healthcare, with an emphasis on improving access, personalizing treatment, and engaging patients in their care.