The Future of Telehealth and Virtual Care in 2024
Telehealth and virtual care have become increasingly popular in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2024. Brad Younggren, President & Chief Medical Officer at Care Innovation, predicts that there will be further evolution of hybridized care models, where virtual care components are used to improve access and patient experience. With the rise of in-home models and the growing at-home lab testing market, telehealth and technology will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality outcomes in the comfort of patients’ homes. Machine learning and large language models will also have a significant impact by increasing efficiencies and enhancing both the patient and provider experience. These innovative approaches will help reduce provider burnout and ensure that health systems can match the right providers with patients at the appropriate time.
Nurse Leaders Drive AI-Enabled Virtual Nursing in 2024
In 2024, nurse leaders will spearhead the shift towards AI-enabled virtual nursing, according to Stephanie Lahr, President at Artisight, Inc. This transformative path forward is driven by the need for healthcare organizations to address staffing challenges, retention issues, and the demand for improved patient care. By leveraging AI technology, healthcare organizations can overcome these challenges and provide better patient care. Virtual nursing allows for efficient and responsive care delivery, especially in situations where physical staffing may be limited. This shift towards AI-enabled virtual nursing will revolutionize healthcare delivery and help bridge the gap in nursing shortages.
The Expansion of Novel Care Settings in 2024
Jonathan Shannon, Associate Vice President of Healthcare Strategy at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, foresees a continued expansion of novel care settings, such as telehealth and retail health clinics, in 2024. While this expansion provides patients with more choices and options, it also further fragments the already complex healthcare ecosystem. These new players and classifications in healthcare, combined with the push for interoperability, highlight the need for robust identity management strategies for both consumers and providers. Healthcare organizations need to modernize the patient experience to meet the demands of today’s consumer-centered care model while also ensuring the security and management of sensitive data.
Greater Interest in Oncology Digital Health Solutions in 2024
Oncology has the potential for significant digital transformation, and in 2024, Andrew Norden, Chief Medical Officer at OncoHealth, expects to see greater interest and adoption of oncology digital health solutions. Cancer care is becoming increasingly complex, requiring additional support services such as symptom management, mental health care, and nutritional support. Embracing a virtual-first approach can improve access to cancer treatment and support for patients, providers, and payers. Existing oncology digital health companies are likely to see increased interest, and the emergence of more startups in this space is predicted. Employers will also expand their benefits to include virtual supportive care programs due to the high priority of cancer care in their benefit programs.
AI-Driven Growth in Telehealth: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in 2024
Wyatt Oren, Director of Sales for Education, Future of Work, and Telehealth at Agora, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a critical role in driving the growth of telehealth in 2024. With the increasing adoption and accessibility of telehealth, AI integration will further enhance patient outcomes. AI-powered applications, such as intuitive symptom checkers and advanced chatbots, will enable patients to access guidance, assistance, and even preliminary diagnoses. On the other hand, physicians can leverage AI’s analytical capabilities to swiftly identify conditions, understand patient needs, and provide personalized treatment plans. With a more comprehensive view of patient health and care, telehealth in 2024 will deliver exceptional care that results in healthier and happier patients, regardless of the care setting.
These predictions provide a glimpse into the future of healthcare in 2024, highlighting the potential for telehealth, virtual care, AI-enabled nursing, expanding care settings, and the application of AI in healthcare. As technology continues to advance, so too will the possibilities for improving patient care, enhancing access to healthcare services, and driving better health outcomes. It will be fascinating to see how these predictions unfold as we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The Future of Telehealth and Virtual Care in 2024
As an analyst, I predict that the market for telehealth and virtual care will continue to grow and evolve in 2024. The use of hybridized care models, in-home care, and technology advancements like machine learning and large language models will improve access, patient experience, and reduce provider burnout. Telehealth and virtual care will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality outcomes in the comfort of patients’ homes.
Positive news: Nurse Leaders Drive AI-Enabled Virtual Nursing in 2024
In 2024, nurse leaders will spearhead the shift towards AI-enabled virtual nursing. This shift is driven by the need to address staffing challenges, retention issues, and the demand for improved patient care. AI-enabled virtual nursing will revolutionize healthcare delivery, providing efficient and responsive care, especially in situations where physical staffing may be limited. This shift will help bridge the gap in nursing shortages and enhance patient care.
Positive news: The Expansion of Novel Care Settings in 2024
In 2024, there will be a continued expansion of novel care settings, such as telehealth and retail health clinics. While this expansion provides patients with more choices, it also further fragments the healthcare ecosystem. Robust identity management strategies for both consumers and providers will be crucial in managing this fragmentation. Healthcare organizations need to modernize the patient experience while ensuring the security and management of sensitive data.
Positive news: Greater Interest in Oncology Digital Health Solutions in 2024
In 2024, there will be greater interest and adoption of oncology digital health solutions. The complex nature of cancer care requires additional support services, and a virtual-first approach can improve access and support for patients, providers, and payers. Existing oncology digital health companies are likely to see increased interest, and new startups may emerge in this space. Employers will expand their benefits to include virtual supportive care programs, recognizing the high priority of cancer care.
Positive
