Tips for Staying Current on Healthcare Trends

Healthcare is in a constant state of evolution. From new research to breakthroughs in technology and newly developed methods, it can be difficult to stay ahead of changes in the industry.

It’s essential for healthcare professionals to embrace lifelong learning and continually add to their skill sets. Ben Spedding, DHA, Academic Program Director for Health Administration, Capella University, recently discussed changes in the healthcare system and how learners can remain updated.

Movement toward value-based treatment (and away from fee-for-service)

Spedding explains that the continued movement toward value-based treatment means that healthcare providers are no longer paid each time a patient returns for additional care after initial treatment. It’s important for healthcare professionals to stay aware of what this change means for both patients and providers.

“For example, if someone comes in to get their knee replaced, the hospital will get paid a lump sum payment from the patient’s insurance company for that knee replacement,” he says. “This means the healthcare provider not only provides high-quality replacement of that joint but is invested in the patient’s full rehabilitation. If that patient doesn’t rehabilitate the best way possible, they will come back for additional care, and that will be at the expense of the healthcare system, not the patient.”

Focus on interprofessional care delivery teams

According to Spedding, there has been a breakdown of the silos in healthcare systems. Physicians, nurses, labs, suppliers, and pharmacies no longer operate independently of each other. A shift in the system is taking place in which all these professions are starting to form teams to discuss and determine best practices and treatments for particular patients. Understanding this new dynamic is key to staying informed about how healthcare teams can work together.

The impact of data and technology

Continually growing technology means data has become the backbone of healthcare. “Data are being used to assess and direct resource allocations for specific issues within the healthcare industry,” Spedding notes. Electronic health records are also now available for all patients. The data from these records are used by the interprofessional care delivery teams to make the best decisions for each patient concerning treatment options. For providers, they must stay on top of data collection methods and delivery systems.

Staying informed and educated

In such a rapidly changing field, how can professionals remain educated and aware of the trends? Spedding recommends the following:

• Acquire professional certifications in areas of interest.
  
• Join a professional organization such as ACHE.
• Network at healthcare conferences and meetings.
• Find an internship or fellowship in an area of interest.
• Consider a master’s degree in healthcare management or administration.

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