The healthcare industry significantly impacts people’s physical well-being and the economy. We all rely on the same system to handle illnesses and injuries. Yet, many people don’t have access to healthcare. Many agree that something needs to change. While most companies dislike change, it is unavoidable in any developing society. However, the world is changing quickly. Thus, the healthcare system should also change, particularly in the United States.
The healthcare industry is undeniably complex. Healthcare experts, such as a hospital’s board of directors, create and enforce policies to ensure everything runs smoothly. Additionally, they must meet state and federal policies. As medicine advances, we require more healthcare specialists. New diseases, treatments, and discoveries lead to more people seeking and receiving medical help. As a result, the United States needs more hospitals than ever before. Subsequently, more executives are required to oversee and manage new buildings.
Trends for the Future of Healthcare
Further, medical technology is continually advancing. These advancements require new policies, management changes, and personnel. In short, the world of medicine is itself constantly moving.
Yet, while the healthcare industry is constantly advancing to help more people, almost anyone anywhere will tell you healthcare needs to change. For example, many individuals across the United States still lack access to a doctor and medicine. Not seeking medical care includes location, cost, and lack of insurance. Especially in rural areas, people do not have a local hospital, trauma unit, or even a doctor’s office. According to an article from 2021, over 80% of counties across the United States did not have adequate access to healthcare services.
More accessible healthcare needs in the world. Hospital, pharmacy, or physician access can significantly impact a community. Preventative treatment, yearly appointments, and emergency medicine improve life quality and catch life-changing and serious illnesses.
Because of these factors, healthcare should become a trend. Everyone everywhere should have access to quality medical care. Let’s look further at five reasons why healthcare should become more widespread.
Future Benefits of Healthcare
1) Healthcare Benefits for Aging Population
Approximately 76 million people were born during the ‘Baby Boomer’ era, between 1946 and 1964. As of 2019, the United States census estimated that around 71.6 million Baby Boomers live in the country, making them the second-largest living generation. Recently, in September of 2020, data showed that approximately 40% of Boomers had retired. As most of the era will reach 65 by 2030, this number is only expected to rise.
As more Boomers age into Medicare, their extensive population puts pressure on already limited healthcare resources. Additionally, Fresh scientific discoveries and advancements in healthcare boost life expectancy. In 1922, the typical lifespan in the United States averaged around 60 years. As of 2021, this number rose to 79 years. As a result, the data implies that the baby boomer generation will live longer and rely on healthcare than any other generation.
To keep the healthcare system running smoothly, hospitals and government programs must hire more experts to handle the influx. Also, this large population and their needs require more hospitals and, thus, more doctors and healthcare professionals.
2) Healthcare for Political Influences
Politics have always been a powerful force for change and influence. As presidential policies directly impact our healthcare, the two are undeniably connected. In fact, according to a 2020 study, healthcare was considered the most important issue to voters. The issue played a part in determining which party almost one-third of people voted for.
However, many individuals get caught in the crossfire amid the arguing and search for policies that both parties can agree on. The constant back-and-forth of policies affects those with chronic conditions. These individuals see their health coverage come and go. Not only can this result in massive medical bills, but it also endangers people who would rather wait out a policy than taking on debt. Further, some individuals will choose never to seek medical assistance for this exact reason.
While no easy fix fits the country’s needs, policymakers can help ease the process. Professionals interested in working in healthcare policy can contribute to a shift in how things get done. There are three types of healthcare policy employment. They are as follows:
Healthcare system
The healthcare system is rapidly changing, and candidates with experience in health policy are in high demand. These individuals guarantee that medical institutions adhere to protocol. Often, these policymakers sit on the board of directors. They will oversee a hospital or a group of hospitals within a network or city. Policies at this level are often based on the needs of the hospitals’ specific demographic. However, they must remain in line with state and federal rules.
Healthcare Consulting
Many healthcare providers lack the financial means to hire policy experts. As a result, they hire one or more consulting firms. Like in-house policymakers, these experts tailor their policies to fit the needs of the individual hospital or network. However, some consultants may work with larger entities, such as the government.
Government Policy for Healthcare
Government policymakers influence large-scale policy development. Healthcare analysts that work for the government examine and assess current health programs. They will make recommendations to improve individual and community health. Additionally, they help create new policies based on data and needs. These policies affect healthcare at either a local, state or federal level.
3) A Growing Pharmaceutical Industry
In reaction to healthcare advancements and the growing need for medications, there has been a great deal of growth in the pharmaceutical industry. Despite this growth, up to 100 million Americans do not have convenient access to a pharmacy. Without access to a pharmacy, communities struggle to get needed medications and essential items like baby and hygiene products. Further, without services like immunizations and blood pressure testing, the general wellness of a community falls.
On the other hand, adding a pharmacy to these areas can positively impact the economy. Less sick people mean fewer sick days. Additionally, the creation and management of the building would add more jobs. Honestly, adding pharmacies to these pharmacy deserts would improve both the economy and the health of a community’s people.
4) Improved Health Leads to Improved Work
On a larger scale, widespread and accessible healthcare would improve the economy. Sick and stressed employees do not perform as well as healthy employees. Whether we’re worried about a project or our performance or are generally overwhelmed, we’ve all felt work-related stress. However, when it builds up, it can impact our health. Many companies encourage workers to use their vacation days as needed, but sometimes it’s not an option, or we take that break too late. At that point, we can find our health falling.
Sometimes these health issues are long-lasting or challenging to shake. Without medical help, some may even face serious consequences such as heart issues, substance dependency, and worsening chronic conditions. As a result, some may struggle to carry their workload or may even need to leave the workforce to care for themselves.
Thus, it is best to get the help we need before it’s too late. More accessible healthcare would allow us to take better care of ourselves. After all, we can’t get help if there is no hospital or doctor to turn to. Keeping our country healthy improves the individual quality of life and our productivity. Thus, our health is tied directly to the local and global economy.
5) Technological Advancement for Healthcare
Every element of our lives, including our health, has been influenced by technology. Technological advances improve data-gathering and research and allow the development of new treatments.
In the healthcare industry, technology is a critical driving force. Medical professionals have developed a variety of monitoring equipment throughout the years, including wearable heart monitors, digital glucose monitors, and more. As a result, patients can understand what is going on with their bodies at home. Further, doctors can monitor their patients remotely. This lessens the need for lengthy hospital stays. Additionally, telehealth appointments allow doctors to speak with patients from their phones or computer.
Other products are designed for chronically ill and disabled individuals to maintain independence and stay in their jobs and homes. Advancements include technology such as screen readers for the blind, advanced wheelchairs, quality of life devices, and more. For example, new apps allow individuals with severe food allergies, sensitives, or disorders to identify safe food items and restaurants quickly.
Final Thoughts
The devotion and expertise of qualified medical professionals are critical to the healthcare sector’s future success. More accessible healthcare is vital to ensure the wellness of our country. Technological advancements increase our lifespans and introduce new treatments for complex illnesses. However, if people cannot first find a doctor, then these advancements are a waste. People cannot exist without competent health care. Hence, the economy and the future of the United States rely on it.
