The year is 2023, and technological breakthroughs and altering societal needs are having a significant impact on the healthcare environment. From tailored medication to virtual care, the healthcare industry is undergoing a transformation that is redefining how healthcare is offered and received.
Last year, according to Lensa, the key healthcare employment trends included technological advancements such as precision medicine, telehealth, and wearable devices, demographic shifts that require a multi-pronged response, and changing staffing needs due to fluctuations in healthcare needs.
Let’s compare and take a look at the top healthcare trends projected to emerge in 2023 and how they will affect the sector as a whole.
Rising demand for healthcare
The aging population is one of the primary causes of this trend. People will require more healthcare services as they live longer, notably for chronic disease management and long-term care. Furthermore, breakthroughs in medical technology and treatments are allowing people to live with illnesses that were once fatal, demanding continual medical care.
The COVID-19 epidemic has significantly boosted the demand for healthcare services. The pandemic underlined the necessity of easily available and high-quality healthcare, and many people are seeking medical attention for COVID-related difficulties as well as other health concerns that may have been postponed as a result of the pandemic.
There is also an increasing desire for non-traditional healthcare settings, such as telehealth and home healthcare. Telehealth allows patients to obtain medical care from a distance, which is especially beneficial for people who reside in rural areas or have trouble accessing regular healthcare facilities. Home healthcare is becoming more popular as people seek to avoid hospitals and receive care in a more comfortable and familiar setting.
Recent policy changes in healthcare
Healthcare policy changes can have a considerable impact on the healthcare business, including employment trends. Here are some recent healthcare policy developments and their possible influence on healthcare employment:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), popularly known as Obamacare, was passed in 2010 and has resulted in significant healthcare policy changes in the United States. The bill has increased access to healthcare for millions of Americans while also creating new job possibilities in the healthcare business.
Medicare for All is a proposed healthcare policy that would provide all Americans with universal healthcare coverage. While the proposal’s contents differ, it is anticipated to increase demand for healthcare services and job prospects.
The COVID-19 epidemic assistance packages, including money for healthcare services and job creation. For example, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 offers $8.5 billion for rural healthcare providers and $7.6 billion for community health clinics. This financing could result in a greater demand for healthcare workers in these situations.
Innovation and technology
Technology and innovation are reshaping the healthcare industry and influencing job trends. The demand for individuals with technology competence, data analytic abilities, and preventive care understanding is likely to expand as healthcare providers continue to implement new technologies and focus on preventive care.
Increased Demand for Technologically Skilled Individuals: With the constant innovation in healthcare technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI), the healthcare business is in desperate need of individuals with technological competence.
Data Analytics Expansion: The use of data analytics is becoming increasingly significant in healthcare since it allows healthcare practitioners to make better-educated decisions about patient care. This is increasing the demand for healthcare data analysts and informaticists.
Need for Cybersecurity Professionals: As the healthcare business relies more on technology to manage patient data, it becomes more exposed to cyber-attacks. As a result, healthcare organizations require cybersecurity experts who can protect patient data and prevent cyber threats.
Shift in Preventive Care Emphasis: There is an increasing emphasis on preventive care in the healthcare business, which includes promoting healthy lifestyles, early screenings, and disease management programs. This trend is increasing demand for healthcare professionals that specialize in preventative treatment, such as health coaches and wellness coordinators.
Other critical considerations
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 15% from 2019 to 2029, adding over 2 million jobs, there are shortages in certain professions, such as nursing and primary care. It is noted that these shortages are expected to persist, creating opportunities for healthcare workers who specialize in these areas.
Furthermore, the healthcare industry is emphasizing diversity and inclusion, with a focus on hiring more women, people of color, and people from marginalized communities. According to Lensa’s report, healthcare firms are investing in diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives, which will likely result in more diverse employment practices.
In simple words
The healthcare industry is predicted to continue to grow significantly in 2023 and beyond. An aging population, advances in medical technology, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will all fuel demand for healthcare services and experts.
With a greater emphasis on telehealth and digital health in the aftermath of the pandemic, the healthcare industry may transition toward more distant and flexible work arrangements.
The healthcare job landscape in 2023 is expected to be dynamic and ever-changing, posing both problems and possibilities for both healthcare workers and employers.
