Three Trends in the Healthcare Industry Because of the Pandemic

Even before the COVID-19 outbreak had modified the healthcare industry, the care delivery domain was highly unsustainable. Because of an urgent need, several changes had arrived quickly and intensely in the healthcare industry due to the pandemic. No one anticipated these changes.

The trends, according to Benjamin Gordon Palm Beach

It’s still uncertain whether the changes in the healthcare industry because of the pandemic are permanent. However, the following three trends will shape the healthcare industry’s future even after the pandemic.

Brand loyalty dims as healthcare customers pay more heed to convenience and provider relationships

The healthcare industry attaches enormous importance to customer loyalty as a profitability driver. Several companies work hard to attain it, especially as there is an increase in customer indifference towards the brands. According to a 2020 survey, approximately 36% of customers shared zero preference for a specific healthcare brand when compared against independent practitioners. There was an increase of 5% from 2018.

The pandemic seems to have magnified this trend. Today, about 45% of customers say that they have switched to other healthcare brands, and 62% aim to make shifts before the end of the pandemic. However, there is good news for healthcare companies. They have what it takes to get back the customer’s trust.

Telehealth can avert deferment

The concept of telehealth has got intensified during the pandemic. According to the latest studies and reports, there was an increase of 154% in telehealth visits during March 2020. The percentage has increased significantly in comparison to March 2019. Research highlights that over 41% of the customers are using telehealth regularly. Today telehealth has shifted from being an alternative care delivery medium to a necessary care option to ensure provider and patient safety and observe social distancing protocols. It has urged global healthcare companies to elevate their virtual care programs. But despite this fast adoption, we are still unsure whether it will be a permanent change in the healthcare industry, even after the pandemic.

Patients increasingly prefer online channels

Apart from an increase in the use of telehealth services such as telemedicine for diabetes, customers have also shown a growing preference for using online channels to seek healthcare data. Customers have also shown a growing preference for using online channels to seek healthcare data. It is also done for managing their wellness and health, even when such innovations are not used adequately by the healthcare providers.

Additionally, social networks are also essential health resources for customers and millennials. According to the latest studies, close to 90% of adults over 67 years and baby boomers use social media for sharing and sourcing health data. As customers shift to online channels for their health, it is essential for provider organizations to effectively use these channels to connect with customers and retain customer loyalty.

Benjamin Gordon Palm Beach says that the pandemic has been painful and challenging. However, it has also shed light on the critical customer-driver enhancements and improved patient experience for sustained success and growth of health systems and hospitals. In addition, healthcare companies have shown that they are capable of flexibility during testing times.