Two Surprising Rising Trends in the Allied Health Field and Projected Outlooks on the Industry
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the health care field has seen drastic changes to protocol and the way patient care is given. As a result, new processes are on the rise and implementation is sure to stay long after COVID.
With the increase of patients needing care during the pandemic, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and health systems were overwhelmed. The long hours, stress, and fatigue took a toll physically and emotionally on health-care workers resulting in a lack of care for themselves and burnout. In an effort to support health-care workers, Health Care Organizations have implemented mental health protocol.
Providing Mental Health Services, Education, and Support
Some of the beneficial ways they are responding include the following.
- Setting up places for workers to shower before they go home so they can reduce fear and risk of exposing loved one to illnesses
- Providing healthy snacks and meals to workers to give them the nutrients they need to fuel their body while caring for patients
- Having break rooms that have access to mindfulness tools for workers to have down time to decompress and refocus
- Setting up onsite spiritual and emotional care amenities for employees to utilize
Tips for Preventing Burnout
- Set boundaries with people around you and within yourself
- Schedule brief breaks in between meetings to regroup and stretch
- Find effective ways to develop a sense of calm in a moment through deep breathing or other techniques
- Limit the amount of time on technology
In addition to mental health, most patients wanted ways to receive the treatment and care they need without leaving their homes. The rise of telehealth exploded during the pandemic and health care facilities are finding ways to continue advancing this service including adding telehealth education to the school curriculum for future health care workers
Telehealth Statistics and Insights
- During COVID, there was a 154% growth in telehealth
- Patients can be in any setting to receive services via telehealth
- Telehealth can be conducted with any physician and patient—a prior patient/provider relationship doesn’t need to exist
- Telehealth appointments can be accomplished with a physician from another state even without an out-of-state certification
- Different reasons for a telehealth visit included allergies, ENT, preventative care, and mental health
Some of the benefits
- Extended access to patient care
- Controlling illnesses through prescreening before an in-person visit
- Most cost efficient with less physical exam rooms
Some of the challenges
- Cyber security threats and risk of compromised patient confidentiality
- Limited access to technology for certain individuals
- Possible liability issues
Projected Industry Outlooks
Organizations and employers are looking to add members to their team. The rise of various positions in the health field include the following:
- Billing and Coding Specialists
- EKG Technicians
- Medical Administrative Assistants
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Phlebotomists
Employers are seeking qualified candidates in these fields and specifically want individuals who have certifications, because it shows they have a working knowledge of the information they will need to use on a daily basis. Organizations are also looking for candidates with strong soft skills to communicate effectively and get along in the workplace. Soft skills improve the way individuals interact with coworkers, bosses and patients. Soft skills critical in healthcare include excellent communication and interpersonal interaction skills, professionalism, flexibility, critical thinking, the ability to work well under pressure, a positive attitude, and reliability.
Start Your Career At Blackstone Career Institute and Become Certified:
Start your profession with one of BCI’s Allied Health Careers and earn a diploma in Pharmacy Technician, Medical Office Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Transcription, Physical Therapy Aide, or Dental Office Assistant. Then as a qualified candidate, take the certification exam to stand out to employers!
