Health Trends 2022 – What’s Next?

There are several interesting trends that emerged in the 2015 Health Trends report. For example, Millennials are expected to lead healthier lives, as reflected in the report. Other trends to look out for include Social structural influences, Telemedicine, and Digital technology. Let’s examine some of these trends. What’s next? Here are a few predictions. And if you’re not sure where to start, you can start by reading the report.

Millennial Health report

The latest Millennial Health report released by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association revealed a downward trend in millennial health. According to the report, six of the top ten conditions affecting millennials are behavioral in nature, with four of them being physical. Millennials are also more likely than older generations to suffer from one or more of these conditions. Mental health is closely linked to physical health, as is demonstrated by the increased incidence of behavioral conditions.

Social structural influences

There are many factors that influence health, and social structural influences are no exception. Research into the causes of diseases and other health problems reveals that the environment, education, and employment status of a community’s residents are critical to overall health. While health disparities in these areas are often difficult to measure, there are indicators available that can help identify these factors. For example, the National Health Interview Survey and the National Vital Statistics System provide data on various aspects of the health of communities.

Digital technology

As healthcare costs and patient satisfaction continue to rise, many providers are adopting ‘as-a-service’ business models to make data more accessible. SaaS-based models allow for easier remote access, real-time collaboration, and predictable costs. This is particularly important as the industry moves away from fee-for-service models toward value-based care. Here are some of the major trends you can expect to see in the coming years.

Telemedicine

In the past, reimbursement for telemedicine services was standard. Today, however, healthcare is no longer delivered by independent physicians and institutions, but by large companies and managed care plans. With over 70 million Americans on managed care, the need for transmitting medical data is greater than ever. As a result, this service will soon become an expense in and of itself. However, this trend is not limited to the medical field. Many other sectors are using telemedicine services to improve patient care.

In-home care

As healthcare costs continue to rise and patients require increasingly complex care, focus on value-based, affordable care will be increasingly important. The American Hospital Association notes that increased focus on social determinants of health is critical for treatment outcomes. This trend is also reflected in a recent CMS review. This trend will further decentralize the healthcare system, shifting the burden from physicians to non-doctors. Home care providers will have more freedom to adjust their schedules to meet the changing needs of their patients.

Self-driven care

Autonomous vehicles may not be as scary as you might think. It can operate on campus, through intersections, and deliver healthcare services. These vehicles are now able to transport patients from their homes to clinics and hospitals. In fact, a self-driving car could be the next step in health care technology. Such autonomous vehicles could even handle riskier tasks, like removing contaminated objects from a hospital.

3D printing

The implementation of healthcare 3D printing represents a paradigm shift in production and designing technologies. The expansion of this technology is dependent upon well-trained engineers. Several manufacturers are experiencing a skills shortage, limiting their ability to innovate, increase production, and maintain quality standards. A shortage of skilled labor is also a factor, limiting the market’s future growth and expansion. In order to meet this shortage, manufacturers must train and recruit more engineers.