The spread of Coronavirus shook the socio-political, environmental, and healthcare structures of many countries in the world. It increased suffering in almost every aspect of life and gave rise to many crises that the world is still dealing with. However, the healthcare system improvised to adapt to the situation, which worked as a band-aid on the wound. This improvisation helped in subsiding the healthcare crisis and improved healthcare services delivery to the population.
The reality check because of the pandemic crisis acted as a major reason why the healthcare systems all over the world had to transform. They had to evaluate their readiness to deal with major health hazards and find new methods to adapt to the situation. These healthcare aspects play a significant role in dictating our post-pandemic lifestyle. Some of these aspects are:
- Shifting Focus Towards Remote Care
Telehealth of remote care services isn’t anything new. Even before the pandemic, the healthcare industry widely used them during times of crisis and emergencies. But during the pandemic, the health industry finally utilized this method to the best of its capacity. Remote care services are now preferable in large-scale primary screening before the patients visit the hospital. They are also used to supervise a critical patient or have routine follow-ups.
Apart from making remote healthcare services accessible to the patients, it also increases nurses’ job opportunities. The MSN vs BSN war is finally over, as nurses don’t need to pursue years of higher education to secure a job. With a BSN degree, they can work as telehealth service providers. Their job responsibilities will include gathering information, educating the patient, and assessing the severity of symptoms for further procedures.
- Emphasis On The Surveillance System And Data Analysis
The rapid spread of Coronavirus around the globe showed the world’s representatives that they need a system for constant surveillance of infectious diseases. Surveillance of possible bio-threats enables the healthcare industry to take timely actions against them. Therefore, it saves the public from the major adverse effects of an outbreak.
Data analysis is another important aspect that allows the healthcare industry to strengthen its barriers to protect the public. Data analysis helps the industry find its weak points. After identifying these weak points, the healthcare industry takes initiatives to strengthen its structure or establish a new structure that overcomes these loopholes. For example, until the major outbreak, the healthcare industry felt no need to establish remote service facilities. But mobile labs and service facilities allow the industry to monitor patients in quarantine areas. These mobile labs also allow the healthcare industry to trace the exposure and intensity ratio of sick patients.
- Focus On Mental Health Parity
The pandemic proved to be a very exuberating and stressful time for every person. As a consequence, the world noted a drastic increase in suicide rates. To handle this situation, the demand for mental health treatments is increasing. As a result, the healthcare industry is focusing on mental health inclusivity in all services.
Many federal health laws are reforming to include mental health services coverage in comparison to physical health coverage. These laws are also improving healthcare access by training many new mental healthcare workers in the field. These programs can help subside the adverse mental health effects of the pandemic.
- Development Of Legislative, Political, And Healthcare Management Systems
While the coronavirus outbreak normalized and accelerated many important processes, there are still many challenges. These challenges include difficulty developing and adapting to technology, ensuring privacy and security, and licensing or reimbursements. The reason is that data analysis entails collections of large amounts of public information. Completely anonymizing such a vast amount of data to protect every individual’s identity is a difficult task. However, some advanced procedures and systems help in making this process easier. But the ethical dilemmas included in this procedure are vast and plenty. For example, the data contributors might not be able to anonymize successfully, causing safety and privacy issues.
- Development Of Communication Technology-Based Approaches
Advancements in communication technology play a huge role in transforming the healthcare system. For example, programs like telehealth services proved to be majorly beneficial progress during the pandemic. These programs reduced the cost of healthcare services and brought the services closer to the patients. However, security issues remain a legitimate concern in this age of communication and technology.
The beneficial aspect of all the debates is that technology has played a significant role in the healthcare system and its advancements. Such technological approaches have made remote healthcare facilities more accessible, improving health equity as a result. Now, patients don’t have to risk their health in public spaces for a short follow-up. They can contact their healthcare service provider and discuss everything, and only visit the facility in person if the need arises. It improves patient satisfaction by reducing procedure complications and diminishes the adverse effects of being in public during the pandemic.
The healthcare industry plays a major role in dictating life in the post-pandemic world. Therefore, the industry had to go through major changes to adapt to the current situation. In these difficult times, technology came to the rescue and allowed countries to facilitate the public accordingly. These changes in the healthcare system changed the overall attitude of the world towards viral diseases and mental health. There is no denying that the pandemic proved to be a problematic and life-changing aspect for everyone in the world. But these advancements in healthcare allowed some fragment of normalcy to return to our lives.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.