Melissa Donovan
America’s healthcare system has some issues; there’s no denying that. One main issue that many regular Americans face is healthcare affordability, as much of our healthcare system is private and requires health insurance to access. For those who work in jobs that have health coverage, this is not an issue. But for those without health insurance or those whose health insurance is limited, paying for medication and healthcare can be troublesome.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though, with many qualified and trained staff working in healthcare providing expert care and attention to patients and many hospitals and facilities offering state-of-the-art treatment and services.
Healthcare accessibility refers to how easy it is to access healthcare. This article will explore navigating the next era and how healthcare accessibility is evolving in this country. It is already evolving in the area of education and training; tomorrow’s healthcare professionals can take advantage of online FNP degrees, fast track BSN programs, certificates in mental health care, and more. So read on to learn what healthcare accessibility will look like in America’s future.
Why Healthcare Accessibility is Important
Healthcare accessibility can mean two things. The simpler first definition is that healthcare is accessible in terms of someone being able to find, access, and receive local healthcare. This means that someone who lives in a specific region should be able to find healthcare treatment when and if they need it, as it’s easy to access.
However, healthcare accessibility also means that despite someone’s mental health issues, behavioral issues, disability, or other challenges – they should still be able to access healthcare that suits their unique needs. A basic example of this is wheelchair ramp access and automatic doors at a doctor’s office or hospital.
There can be several accessibility barriers that healthcare providers need to be aware of. For instance, people living with a disability may face challenges in accessing preventive care measures such as mammograms, pap smears, blood tests, and other regular checks that can prevent life-threatening diseases and other serious conditions such as diabetes.
In addition, people with disabilities and mental health issues who live in rural, remote, or distant communities may be unable to access certain specialist providers trained and qualified to treat them due to complex healthcare needs. These people may need to travel a long distance to access treatment or specialized mental health care, which is challenging if you’re living with these issues.
Telehealth and Remote Healthcare
One innovation that the world saw arise out of the global COVID-19 pandemic that permanently changed the healthcare landscape was telehealth or video consultations. This is where a patient can consult with a doctor from the comfort of their own home, using video conferencing technology or a simple phone call. The sheer necessity of preventative lockdowns made this possible, as people were encouraged to stay home and healthcare providers were inundated with COVID-19 cases, making treating basic issues more challenging.
We’re likely to see an uptick in the use of telehealth and remote treatment technologies in the next era, and this is a win for healthcare accessibility. Those living in remote and rural locations will be able to see specialists to treat serious health issues, and it is also a win for those living with crippling mental health issues that can prevent them from leaving the house, such as agoraphobia and psychotic disorders.
Of course, when it comes to physical treatment, these folks may still have to travel, but for general appointments or getting prescriptions, this can all be done remotely via a computer or the telephone.
Digital Healthcare Innovations
One of the highest-impact trends in healthcare accessibility over the next decade or two will be the rapid digital acceleration in the digital transformation of medicine. This goes far beyond the telehealth consultations that we just mentioned.
This digital transformation may see trends emerge, such as hospital treatment at home, health apps, and remote monitors, including vital sign monitoring, blood sugar, and more. Certain health metrics such as cardiac rhythm, weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose will be monitored remotely via wearable devices that feed the metrics straight to healthcare providers via Bluetooth and the internet. This tech will evolve beyond current devices such as smartwatches and will involve devices woven into clothes, sensors placed on certain areas of the body and implants.
There is investment in new medical-grade sensor technology, cloud computing for healthcare providers, and advanced data analytics. Data analytics is an important innovation because better access to data leads to customized, tailored healthcare, which will cut costs of both healthcare provision but also insurance policy premiums.
Over the last few years, digital initiatives have been a critical driver in the increase in global healthcare investment, with digital health startup companies making up forty per cent of fundraising rounds and seed funding.
Tech Company Investment
The next era of healthcare accessibility will see tech giants invest in healthcare. One key example is Google, which has launched a medical device called Derm Assist, a smartphone application that assists dermatologists in diagnosing skin conditions without having to inspect a patient in person. Such tech can save healthcare providers valuable time and can improve access to care for those living far away from hospitals and other facilities.
A Risk with Digital Health Tools – and Mitigation
One risk of digital healthcare is that while these tools can increase access to care, they can also, quite paradoxically, increase disparity in healthcare if people can’t afford or access digital healthcare. Creators and investors in this technology can mitigate this risk by accounting for health equity in the design phase instead of an afterthought after a product or service is launched.
Investment in Mobile Clinics
To address geographical healthcare accessibility barriers and improve access to care, the U.S. healthcare system is seeing increased investment in alternative treatment locations and mobile clinics. So, instead of travelling a long distance to a hospital, patients can access vital healthcare at mobile clinics closer to home, where they live and work.
Again, the pandemic saw an increase in this mode of treatment, with many states deploying mobile clinics inside vans and trailers in rural areas to provide testing and treatment for these communities, who would usually have limited access to healthcare provision.
Another key example of this is the investment in free-standing, modular emergency departments, which can provide emergency healthcare responses for communities without a local hospital.
Cultural Responsiveness in the Next Era Healthcare Accessibility
Hopefully, the next era of healthcare accessibility will see a rise in culturally responsive healthcare services. Some people may not seek vital medical attention if they fear that they will be mistreated or otherwise disrespected by a medical professional due to their culture, religion or race.
To reduce unconscious and implicit bias in healthcare staff, providers will invest in cultural sensitivity training for staff to minimize the chances of discrimination and prejudice in healthcare.
Healthcare Accessibility in Conclusion
The next era of healthcare accessibility is in evolution at the moment, and this illuminating article shares the investments, digital technology revolution, and advances in healthcare design and adaptability that will make healthcare services more accessible now and in the future.
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