Most Popular Healthcare Supply Chain Trends for Next 05 Years

Kutubkhan Bohari | August 29, 2022 | 1108 views | Read Time : 09:00 min

Most Popular

Introduction

With the ever-evolving and changing nature of the healthcare industry, organizations are discovering new methods to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and prioritize patient concerns.

Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the vulnerabilities of healthcare supply chains and caused shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential medical supplies, it has served as a catalyst for innovation and digital transformation in healthcare supply chain management solutions. 

Healthcare and medical organizations have learned the hard way to let go of the traditional ways of thinking, such as a mindset that prioritizes just-in-time supply chains and logistics optimization over everything else.

Tight, fragile supply networks and lousy inventory management have caused severe shortages of pharmaceutical and medical supplies in the past. However, with the emergence of innovative technologies and trends, now is the time to adopt a new mindset that emphasizes supply chain resilience, flexibility, and agility, making supply chains stronger and adaptable. This will enable healthcare spaces to handle unexpected spikes in demand and survive unpredictable disruptions brought on by pandemics, natural disasters, or cyberattacks in the future. 

 

Top Upcoming Healthcare Supply Chain Trends to Know About in 2022

In recent years, healthcare providers have been concentrating on supply chain management solutions not only to increase the effectiveness of supply chain networks but also to gain more visibility into the entire supply chain.

With the goal of streamlining the ordering process, enhancing demand planning & inventory management, and informing purchasing contract decisions, healthcare providers have started to understand the potential of advanced healthcare supply chain solutions. Since then, these organizations have recognized the value of an efficient and dependable supply chain as a critical competitive differentiator.

A substantial rise in medical and healthcare spending is being witnessed across the globe due to the rapidly increasing number of various diseases and conditions, such as chronic ailments, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. According to a study, the national health expenditure in the U.S. reached US$ 4.1 trillion in 2020, including the spending of US$ 829 billion on Medicare and US$ 671 billion on medical aid. 

Hence, healthcare organizations, manufacturers of medical devices, and other entities participating in the medical supply chain are investing in innovative supply chain and logistic solutions to provide optimal and timely treatments to patients. 

Innovation is not only crucial for lowering operating expenses and simplifying business processes, but it is also necessary for providing superior care to patients and enhancing clinical outcomes. Let's see some of the top healthcare supply chain trends that are revolutionizing the healthcare sector. 

 

Immediate Access to Medical Supplies 

Medical equipment and component shortages are not new challenges for the healthcare industry. Hospitals and other medical establishments have faced continual disruptions in the supply chain over the last decade, starting from personal protective equipment and medical device shortages to improper management of medical inventory. This was especially witnessed in the past two years, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Healthcare producers previously adopted a strategy to either pay higher premiums for medical equipment or stockpile them on their balance sheets. However, the issue with this strategy was that during the acute and unprecedented shortage, fewer devices and parts were left to acquire and keep in inventory, which has compelled hospitals to adopt a more cautious supply chain strategy. 

Medical establishments need a more diverse pool of suppliers and cannot only rely on just-in-time inventory ordering. Hence, a swift rise in inclination toward adopting sophisticated supply chain solutions is being witnessed across the industry to monitor certain suppliers' run rates. This enables modern healthcare organizations to create more resilient and robust hospital supply chains and provide immediate access to medical inventory.

 

Emphasis on Visibility and Tracking 

One of the most prevalent healthcare supply chain trends witnessed across the industry is the growing focus on visibility and tracking. Obtaining medical supplies, equipment, drugs and others safely, timely, and accurately from the factory floor to patients is the responsibility of the healthcare supply chain. As the industry shifts to value-based care models, the healthcare supply chain is experiencing enormous pressure to increase visibility, decline costs, and improve outcomes.

With the advent of online shopping and the introduction of novel medical e-commerce platforms, manufacturers and suppliers of healthcare products are focusing on real-time tracking during transit and logistics operations. As a result, they are increasingly adopting advanced healthcare supply chain management software to enhance visibility, stream operations, and decrease delivery time.

 

Investment in Technologies

The efficient management of the healthcare supply chain is paramount for proper patient care and inventory control. The implementation of digital healthcare technology is an essential step toward the achievement of a higher level of efficiency in supply chain management.

Digital healthcare logistics and supply chain solutions have the potential to generate long-term value for healthcare providers, which is one of the main aspects driving the transformation away from the conventional healthcare supply chain. It is improving patients' access to care while making it more efficient, cost-effective, and secure. In addition to this, the integration of advanced technologies is assisting hospitals and healthcare providers in reducing operational costs and identifying appropriate growth opportunities. The following are the technologies healthcare organizations are investing in to strengthen their supply chain management

  • Artificial Intelligence

The healthcare supply chain trend that is paving the way in the industry is artificial intelligence (AI). It is the future of the healthcare supply chain. The integration of the technology assists in improving logistics efficiencies via quicker data processing, continuous process improvement, and accurate demand-supply forecasting. 

By connecting historical data with external patterns that affect production, AI presents a chance to greatly increase the speed and precision of healthcare logistics and supply chain activities. In addition, it enables medical equipment manufacturers and suppliers to constantly record crucial operational data and preserve institutional expertise for future use.

  • Cloud Computing

Cloud computing technologies have played a significant role in transforming the healthcare supply chain management that is used today. It reduces expenses, shortens logistics operations, and increases data security by centralizing data and providing access to that data to numerous associated entities. 

With technological advancements, cloud computing is anticipated to gain huge popularity in creating a resilient supply chain with a well-knitted network of healthcare providers, manufacturers, and suppliers. And also provides next-generation features, such as transport route optimization and automatic inventory management.

  • Data Analytics

Data analytics provides a broader range of in-depth information that can be used to make operational processes more effective, inventory management more strategic, and decisions more accurate. It also assists in transforming the healthcare supply chain by providing access to cutting-edge methods like data mining, predictive forecasting, and predictive analytics to foresee future events with precision, assisting healthcare providers in forecasting further demand and supply interruptions. 

In addition to the increasing need for declining costs and transit time, drug manufacturers and healthcare aid suppliers are investing in advanced data analytics to assist them in visualizing the whole supply chain, including its pain points, inefficiencies, and strengths.

 

Healthcare Supply Chain Management Solutions: Features & Significance 

The healthcare industry as a whole is thriving, and this growth is reflected in the more sophisticated and digital nature of healthcare supply chain management software. The solution helps medical facilities see the big picture by coordinating and integrating procedures that manage and control the flow of money, data, and items as a product or service, all the way from the point of production to healthcare spaces, allowing for more efficient care.

The primary goals of these supply chain solutions, such as healthcare logistics software, are to improve visibility and efficiency throughout the distribution network. In recent years, these goals have expanded to include the strategic objective of improving supply chain agility and resilience— to cope with times of uncertainty, shortages, and volatility in demand and supply conditions.

Getting supply chain management right in healthcare means that participating players will be able to effectively identify and resolve bottlenecks, possible interruptions, and other issues that arise anywhere along the end-to-end supply chain. As one of the features, these supply chain solutions have the potential to improve patient care and safety while reducing waste and wasteful expenses. Let's see a few more features of healthcare supply chain management software

  • Procurement Management 
  • Logistics Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Order Management
  • Warehouse Management
  • Supplier Relationship Management
     

Why Is Supply Chain Management Software Gaining Prominence in Healthcare?

Due to increasing instances of medication and healthcare aid shortages, a strong need for modernizing the healthcare supply chain is being experienced by numerous hospitals, drug manufacturers, and suppliers. In addition, the growing use of medical e-commerce is further increasing the complexities in the inventory and logistics operations, making it difficult for the players mentioned above to provide timely delivery, reduce wastage, and ultimately save patients. 

To counter these challenges, medical establishments are emphasizing adopting more advanced and resilient supply chain management solutions, which assist them in streamlining and automating routine manual processes such as logistics operations, planning, forecasting, and others. The following are more reasons to encourage healthcare establishments to adopt resilient supply chain management software

  • Logistics and Shipping Optimization
  • Reduce Cost Effects
  • Enhance Quality Control
  • Increase Flexibility
  • Better Collaboration with Suppliers
  • Reduce Inventory and Overhead Costs
  • Increase Output
  • Enhance Transparency 
  • Decrease Delivery Time
     

Closing Thoughts 

In today’s constantly evolving healthcare sector, medication manufacturers and hospitals are looking to adopt innovative solutions, such as healthcare logistics software, to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve patient care.

The growing integration of AI, predictive analysis, blockchain, and other technologies is playing a major role in modernizing the healthcare supply chain and streamlining operations by automating and improving decision-making abilities. As the healthcare supply chain trends discussed above keep on creating new roads in the industry, supply chain management solutions, such as healthcare logistics software, are anticipated to become a necessity in the future. 

Thus, ahead-of-the-curve healthcare providers are seizing this instance as an opportunity to invest in cutting-edge technologies and shift towards using digital solutions to make their supply chains more robust and improve the flexibility of their logistics operations.


FAQ

What is Healthcare Supply Chain Management Software?

Ans: A healthcare supply chain management software assists medication manufacturers and hospitals in sourcing, tracking, quality control, and logistics by automating operations, enabling them to manage costs, time, and inventory by planning and forecasting trends.
 

What Are the Types of Supply Chain Management Software Used in Healthcare?

Ans: The most common types of supply chain management software used across the healthcare sector are

  • Logistics 
  • Sourcing and Procurement 
  • Inventory Management 
  • Warehouse 
  • Order Processing
  • Shipping
     

What Are the Key Performance Indicators of Supply Chain Management Software in the Healthcare Industry?

Ans: Key performance indicators of supply chain management software in healthcare are

  • Reduction in Cost
  • Enhancement in Customer Service
  • Time to Customer
  • Forecasting Accuracy
  • Flow of Logistics Process

Spotlight

PureCare

One of the many challenges of the modern world is to help people with mental health problems. That’s what PureCare is here to do. Based in Gillingham in Kent, PureCare has been registered with the Care Quality Commission since 2006 and gained 3 stars (under the old inspection standards) within 18 months of opening. Since then we have been awarded an “Excellent” Quality and Risk profile under the new standards in 2010.

OTHER ARTICLES
Health Technology, Digital Healthcare

Unveiling EHR’s Future: Key Events for Industry Professionals

Article | August 16, 2023

Unleash the power of attending EHR events, empowering healthcare providers with accessible patient information for enhanced care. Stay updated with the latest trends at these top EHR summits. Electronic health records (EHRs) have sparked a transformative revolution in the healthcare industry, empowering providers with readily accessible patient information. With technology progressing and digital healthcare solutions becoming increasingly vital, staying up-to-date with the latest EHR trends and developments has become crucial for healthcare professionals and C-suite executives. This article highlights a curated list of EHR events that gather visionaries, experts, and pioneers from diverse domains to foster knowledge exchange, collaborations, and exploration of cutting-edge EHR advancements propelling the industry to new frontiers. 1. The MedTech Conference October 9-11, 2023 | California This EHR conference offers attendees an opportunity to stay abreast of the latest updates and insights through an extensive program featuring over 100 sessions that showcase diverse perspectives. From examining physicians' viewpoints on value-based care to exploring the approaches of policymakers in cybersecurity and trade considerations, as well as delving into the innovative applications of AI by scientists, the conference provides a platform for knowledge exchange. With world-class speakers, comprehensive educational programming, valuable networking opportunities, and the potential for business development, this EHR summit serves as a homecoming for the global medtech community, fostering collaboration and forming partnerships that drive innovative solutions for a healthier world. 2. IEEE International Conference on Digital Health July 2-8, 2023 | Chicago The IEEE International Conference on Digital Health (ICDH) stands as a powerful global platform where esteemed researchers and industry practitioners converge to exchange cutting-edge advancements in digital health technologies. With a focus on both the current state-of-the-art and practical applications, ICDH facilitates discourse on emerging research themes and the future trajectory of digital health. Its overarching objective is to unite prominent researchers, community leaders, visionaries from academia and industry, end-users, and healthcare professionals in the digital health domain. It fosters the exchange of research findings, practical expertise, and forward-looking perspectives on sustainable health and social care transformations. 3. EAI MobiHealth 2023 November 28-30, 2023 | Portugal The 12th EAI International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare (MobiHealth 2023) serves as a testament to the significant growth of the healthcare industry, propelled by factors such as an aging population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and technological advancements. The healthcare sector has been greatly influenced by wireless communication & mobile computing and is constantly evolving with new technologies like 5G, IoT, robotics, and smart buildings. The integration of these innovations, along with e-health, m-health, edge computing, software-defined networks, and network function virtualization, has further revolutionized the industry. This hybrid conference aims to unite individuals and organizations worldwide in wireless communication, mobile computing, and healthcare applications. 4. 3rd IEEE International Conference on ICT Solutions for eHealth July 9-12, 2023 | Tunisia e-Health has emerged as a significant research area, attracting cross-disciplinary research groups interested in deploying new ICT technologies for healthcare, particularly cloud computing, IoT, and computational intelligence. After five successful workshop editions, ICTS4eHealth, which has transitioned into an International IEEE Conference, now announced its third edition. The conference brings together researchers from academia, industry, government, and medical centers to present the latest advancements in cloud systems for connected health infrastructure and applications and the utilization of IoT and computational intelligence techniques in eHealth. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, this EHR conference aims to advance the field of e-Health and contribute to developing innovative ICT solutions for improved healthcare outcomes. 5. DigiHT 2023 October 19-20, 2023 | Virtual The International Conference on Digital Health and Telemedicine 2023 (DigiHT 2023) will serve as a global platform for diverse participants, including academics, practitioners, technologists, application developers, students, and industry professionals. The conference will feature parallel sessions, enabling attendees to engage in knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities. It will also offer avenues for publishing research findings and host high-level forums featuring speeches from esteemed hospitals and health systems, both national and international, who will provide valuable perspectives, insights, and expertise. The central focus of the conference revolves around the theme 'Enhancing Health Equity and Improving Patient Outcomes: Empowerment Strategies for Patients to Take Control of Their Care and Well-being through Digital Healthcare.' EHR events like this one aim to increase access to health technology research and innovations while fostering collaboration and innovation among global digital health and telemedicine professionals. 6. MEDITECH LIVE 2023 September 20-22, 2023 | Massachusetts This EHR conference aims to convene a diverse group of experienced healthcare innovators who are deeply committed to fostering collaboration amidst the ongoing transformation of health information technology. Through engaging in high-level panel discussions and specialized breakout sessions, participants will collectively explore the disruptive forces that impact the industry and brainstorm tangible solutions. EHR events like this serve as a platform for redefining the intersection of healthcare leadership and technology, focusing on making a meaningful impact on communities. Distinguished speakers at the event include Paul Keckley (Healthcare Policy Analyst and Managing Partner of Keckley Group) and Amer Kaissi, a nationally-recognized speaker, author & executive coach who will bring valuable insights to the discourse. 7. Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp August 21-22, 2023 | Virtual 'Electronic Medical Records Boot Camp: Biostatistical Methods for Analyzing EMR Data' is a comprehensive two-day virtual event that offers seminars and interactive analytical sessions, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of electronic health data opportunities, statistical challenges, and the latest techniques. The widespread implementation of EHRs and EMRs in US hospitals has resulted in vast amounts of patient information, enabling cohort-wide investigations and personalized medicine. However, analyzing such extensive and diverse observational data poses technical difficulties. This intensive workshop addresses the potential of EMR/EHR data for health studies, statistical challenges, and advanced techniques through hands-on computer lab sessions and case studies. Participants will learn about data integration, addressing biases and missing data, comparative effectiveness studies, and predictive analysis. By the end of the boot camp, attendees will be well-versed in harnessing the power of EMR/EHR data for transformative healthcare research. 8. eClinicalWorks National Conference October 20-22, 2023 | Tennessee Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville will host electronic health records events like eClinical Works National Conference. This EHR summit will be an engaging and informative event for healthcare professionals. Attendees can delve into the latest enhancements and developments related to the V12 and Healow products for three days. The event will showcase these products' cutting-edge features and functionalities, demonstrating their potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry. 9. 2023 GSA Conference Workshop November 8-12, 2023 | Florida At the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting in November, multiple principal investigator Vincent Mor, Ph.D., and colleagues will conduct a workshop titled 'The Long-Term Care Data Cooperative: Leveraging Nursing Home Electronic Health Records for Research.' Funded by National Institute of Aging, this initiative aims to enhance care quality in skilled nursing facilities by compiling comprehensive electronic health records data from over 2,100 nursing homes nationwide. The workshop will allow attendees to explore sample data, understand the core data model, and learn how to request access for research purposes. Additionally, interested participants can apply for 'real-world data scholars' training grants to leverage this valuable resource further. 10. International Conference on Global Healthcare November 16-18, 2023 | France The 10th edition of the upcoming scientific conference (Global Healthcare 2023) will be held in Paris. With a central theme of 'Fostering the Endeavors to Enhance Global Healthcare, ' this EHR summit aims to be the largest and most comprehensive event in the worldwide healthcare industry. The conference will focus on various aspects such as clinical best practices, research advancements, innovation, discoveries, and emerging trends in healthcare. Attendees can expect an enriching scientific program featuring symposiums, seminars, keynote addresses, oral presentations, and poster presentations showcasing the latest global best practices, research findings, industry regulations, and technological breakthroughs. EHR events like this one are held to empower attendees by providing comprehensive insights and fostering knowledge exchange in electronic health records and beyond. Final Analysis These electronic health records events offer medical professionals a comprehensive conference track that is tailored to their specific needs and interests. Attendees can engage in face-to-face conversations, access high-quality programming focused on current hot topics, and benefit from unparalleled networking with industry leaders, making these EHR events a must-attend! Furthermore, the conference track provides medical professionals with specialized sessions, workshops, and presentations that delve deep into the practical aspects of implementing, optimizing, and utilizing electronic health record systems. By actively participating in these sessions, medical professionals can gain practical skills, learn best practices, and acquire valuable insights that can directly impact their daily routine and patient care.

Read More
Health Technology, Digital Healthcare

Enhancing Network Resilience in the Healthcare Sector to Prevent Downtime and Unusable Uptime

Article | September 8, 2023

Your patients have grown to trust your expertise and recommendations in matters regarding their healthcare. As the sector transitions into a more digital playing field, uninterrupted network connectivity is more than just a bonus; it’s a necessity. While there are many different challenges to completely integrating your practice into the digital world, internet outages are the costliest. Downtime can be caused by various factors, which can compromise patient safety, the faith your team instills in you, and your practice’s reputation and revenue. However, investing in the means to maintain a resilient network lets you maximize your network uptime to optimize resources. We'll look at four different strategies and their benefits for your infrastructure so you can focus on what you do best: providing healthcare excellence to your patients. Strengthening Network Infrastructure The traditional way of doing things may be great for your remedies and techniques. Still, with a growing number of patients and their contextually relevant demands, your network needs to be able to accommodate many different booking requests, increase user activity on your server, and store sensitive patient information. High-speed internet connections enhance your network performance and let you, your team, and your patients make the most of your uninterrupted uptime. Fiber-optic networks, when combined with load balancing and proper segmentation, can diffuse and direct network traffic efficiency and prevent congestion, which prevents downtime due to overload. Implementing Network Monitoring and Management Tools Much like your patients visit your practice to ensure everything is all right with the current state of their health, your network must also receive the same treatment. Identifying and pre-emptively resolving potential issues and vulnerabilities will prevent much more destructive or expensive problems from occurring. Use real-time tools to monitor your bandwidth usage and gain visibility of potential bottlenecks. Tools that offer risk monitoring deliver alerts about critical events that pose a threat to your business continuity. Your IT team will be better equipped to troubleshoot issues promptly and optimize performance. Conducting Regular Network Assessments and Audits Once you have the proper monitoring tools to manage your network topology better, proactive troubleshooting is a great way to spot-check whether your current solution is working as it should. A network audit is much like proactive troubleshooting; you are looking to see if anything could harm the overall system and catch it before it can develop. When auditing a network, the primary focus should be security measures. If patient and confidential data is not secure, the smooth operations of your business are the least of your worries. When conducting an audit, consulting with a network service provider will help identify issues with your protocols, data encryption, and firewall configuration. Establishing Redundancy and Disaster Recovery Plans Backing up private and confidential data is crucial to ensuring that sensitive information is not lost or exposed. Minimizing network downtime can often be achieved by having backup systems that will keep running in the event of an attack or outage. For example, a dedicated Cloud Access Network, power supplies, and switches will go a long way. When creating an internet contingency plan, outline steps and protocols with your team that you will take in the event of a complete failure, including things such as brand reputation management, customer service, and data loss prevention. Looking Forward As the lines between in-person and digital are blurred, navigating the complexities of implementing a robust network is paramount to your business. Strengthening your infrastructure, integrating redundant systems, and conducting regular audits and assessments with the proper monitoring and management tools will help you maximize uptime usage and minimize network downtime. Although overwhelming, working with a reputable network service provider can help you embrace your network topology to remain competitive.

Read More
Health Technology, Digital Healthcare

Digital innovation is key to driving revenue growth: What do healthcare providers need to know?

Article | July 14, 2023

The medical field has undergone a significant amount of change during the past few years, and it’s clear that healthcare consumers are seeking digital experiences. Meeting this need by providing virtual care options can not only remove barriers to quality healthcare but also reduce stress on the healthcare system. At the same time, how can medical providers offer digital care options, and how can doing so drive revenue growth? Allow online scheduling to increase appointment volume If you have ever spent hours on hold, you know how frustrating it can be. In the same way, if patients are left on hold for too long, they will most likely disconnect before a member of the team can assist them. This is why it’s crucial to allow patients to schedule their care online. Patients expect to attend medical appointments at a time that is convenient for them, which means they want to schedule those appointments at a time that is convenient for them as well. They do not want to spend time waiting on hold, only for someone on the other end of the phone to offer them appointments that do not work for them. The solution would be for medical providers to invest in a digital phone solution that can maintain a virtual waiting room. These virtual waiting rooms allow patients to maintain their place in line, such as receiving a callback, making it easier for them to schedule appointments. Of course, an online booking option can be helpful as well. Most patients want to schedule their appointments when they are not at work, and an online booking option allows them to do so regardless of their business hours. Don’t forget to consider the type of booking software you use as well. If you select booking software that will automatically sync with your scheduling system in the office, you can take a significant amount of stress off your front office staff. Digital communication options are crucial Tebra’s recent Patient Perspectives report indicates that the majority of patients (55%) want to be able to reach their medical providers quickly to get answers to their questions, even when they do not have an appointment scheduled. If you have two-way messaging software, you can streamline the flow between your patients and providers, which may reduce the number of appointments your patients need to book. For example, patients can ask for prescription refills, run specific numbers by their medical providers, and get quick answers to questions about symptoms they might be experiencing. Not only does this support patients and nurture their loyalty, but it also alleviates unnecessary appointments from inundating providers’ schedules. Take advantage of telehealth for additional revenue Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, very few patients took advantage of telehealth. Now, nearly a quarter (about 25%) of all patients indicate that they have used telehealth during the past year, and many patients prefer this option. The reality is that telehealth can remove barriers that would otherwise make it hard for patients to access care. They don't have to worry about taking time off work, arranging for child care, or driving a long distance to meet with a doctor. While telehealth will never fully replace in-person visits, it can be an excellent option for cold and flu symptoms, mental health issues, and routine check-ins. By offering telehealth to your patients, you can make it much easier for them to access the care they need. Modernize your revenue channels by taking advantage of digital healthcare It’s obvious that the medical world is changing quickly, and digital aspects of care are here to stay. To ensure your practice can adequately meet your patients’ needs, take full advantage of everything in this article and ensure you have reliable digital care options. You can develop multiple revenue streams for your medical practice or system while maintaining high patient satisfaction rates and without adding to your workload.

Read More
Digital Healthcare, Medical Devices

Advancing Healthcare: Top 10 EHR Books for Visionary Leaders

Article | June 27, 2023

Explore a curated collection of EHR books while discovering the potential of exploring electronic health records books, empowering individuals to navigate complexities and make informed decisions. Electronic health records (EHRs) have revolutionized the healthcare industry, streamlining patient data management and transforming how medical information is accessed, stored, and shared. A carefully curated list of essential EHR books can be an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in this rapidly-evolving field. Explore these electronic health records books that deepen insights and help navigate the intricate world of healthcare: 1. Connected for Health Editor: Louise L. Liang ‘Connected for Health: Using Electronic Health Records to Transform Care Delivery’ explores the implementation of the world's most extensive non-governmental electronic health record system. The book delves into the far-reaching impact of this system on patient care outcomes, operational efficiency, safety, and patient engagement. Louise L. Liang draws upon valuable insights and lessons learned from the successful deployment strategy, showcasing how these technological tools are revolutionizing healthcare delivery and reshaping the organizational culture within the industry. This comprehensive resource sheds light on the transformative potential of electronic health records, offering a glimpse into the future of connected healthcare and its potential to improve patient experiences and drive positive change within healthcare organizations globally. 2. Hacking Healthcare Authors: Fred Trotter and David Uhlman ‘Hacking Healthcare: A Guide to Standards, Workflows, and Meaningful Use’ is a concise and insightful book that critically evaluates the US healthcare system's adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and other IT solutions to meet the government's meaningful use requirements. While acknowledging the tremendous opportunities for IT professionals, it also highlights the significant challenges of overhauling outdated record systems, workflows, and practices. EHR books, such as this one, provide a comprehensive overview by examining the unique characteristics of healthcare settings, exploring the complexities of transitioning from paper to digital records, analyzing billing and payment systems, emphasizing patient engagement through EHRs, and addressing the critical issue of avoidable errors. 3. The Innovator's Prescription Authors: Clayton M. Christensen, Jerome H. Grossman, and Jason Hwang ‘Innovator's Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care’ presents a visionary prescription for reforming the ailing healthcare system. The book applies the principles of disruptive innovation to revolutionize the broken healthcare system. It identifies and addresses various symptoms, offering proven solutions that will improve the affordability and quality of healthcare. The book explores how precision medicine can reduce costs and deliver personalized care, how disruptive business models can enhance accessibility, affordability as well as quality, and how patient networks can improve the treatment of chronic diseases. Additionally, it highlights the need for employers to adapt their roles in EHRs to compete effectively in a globalized era. 4. The Guide to the Future of Medicine Author: Bertalan Meskó ‘The Guide to the Future of Medicine (2022 Edition): Technology and The Human Touch’ is an insightful and authoritative book that examines the transformative power of electronic health records (EHRs) and other technological advancements in medicine and healthcare. The author comprehensively assesses how EHRs have revolutionized healthcare delivery, offering a roadmap to tomorrow's potential. By exploring the integration of EHRs with emerging technologies and trends, such as exoskeletons, social media for medical information, and supercomputers in medical decision-making, EHR books like this one offer patients, medical professionals, and healthcare stakeholders an enlightening and fact-based perspective on how technology can shape and enhance their well-being while preserving the essential human touch. 5. The Digital Doctor Author: Robert Wachter ‘The Digital Doctor: Hope, Hype, and Harm at the Dawn of Medicine’s Computer Age’ explore integrating electronic health records (EHRs) into healthcare. Driven by compelling stories and astute analysis, the book addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in medicine. It raises pertinent questions about the impact of digital systems on patient care, highlighting concerns such as the loss of human connection and the occurrence of medical errors despite computerization. With clarity and compassion, the author emphasizes the need to understand the transformative nature of technology in healthcare and advocates for its proper implementation to ensure a harmonious relationship between humans and machines. 6. The Internet of Healthy Things Authors: Joseph C. Kvedar, Carol Colman, and Gina Cella ‘The Internet of Healthy Things’ explores the profound impact of IoT on healthcare, with a particular emphasis on electronic health records (EHRs). This integrated electronic health records book delves into the transformative potential of real-time biometric data in understanding the relationship between lifestyle and chronic diseases. The authors describe the driving forces behind this trend and unveil the business opportunities it presents for various sectors, including payers, providers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, technology vendors, and innovative newcomers. The book provides insights into consumer behavior, strategies for designing compelling health devices and platforms, exploration of novel form factors for health information delivery, strategic guidance for startups and entrepreneurs entering the connected health market, and interviews with industry leaders and innovators. 7. Electronic Health Records Author: Jerome H. Carter The second edition of ‘Electronic Health Records: A Guide for Clinicians and Administrators’ offers medical professionals and administrators a comprehensive grasp of the functionality and significance of electronic health records (EHRs). The book addresses the numerous inquiries when assessing, procuring, and utilizing an EHR system. It is a valuable resource for individuals who remain undecided about investing in an EHR system or seek a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the growth potential and associated challenges of EHRs. The book offers insightful guidance and effectively combines written explanations with visual aids such as figures and tables. It is an exceptional resource for introductory courses on healthcare systems. 8. Ensuring the Integrity of Electronic Health Records: The Best Practices for E-records Compliance Author: Orlando López ‘Ensuring the Integrity of Electronic Health Records: The Best Practices for E-records Compliance’ is a comprehensive guide that emphasizes the crucial role of data integrity in the design, implementation, and utilization of systems handling electronic health records (EHRs). The book highlights the importance of recording data accurately and ensuring its consistency throughout its lifecycle. Providing practical insights and up-to-date information enables a better understanding of the controls necessary for maintaining compliance with EHR regulations. With a specific focus on production and quality control systems in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, the book addresses the suitability of EHR implementation, risk-assessed controls, and proper handling of EHRs, ultimately emphasizing the criticality of data integrity in ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance. 9. Electronic Health Records Author: Richard W. Gartee ‘Electronic Health Records: Understanding and Using Computerized Medical Records’ is an instructional resource for Health Information Management and Health Information Technology programs. Written by Gartee, this electronic health records educational book effectively utilizes EHR in medical practice through practical exercises and activities. Suitable for various educational institutions, the book includes a Student CD with networking capabilities. The ‘Medcin Software’, integrated into the instructors' manual, enhances learning with its multi-user functionality and widespread use in EHR systems. This comprehensive resource prepares students to apply their skills in real-world EHR applications. 10. Electronic Health Records and Medical Big Data Author: Sharona Hoffman ‘Electronic Health Records and Medical Big Data: Law and Policy’ is a comprehensive book that offers a profound understanding of electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical big data, and the regulatory landscape governing them. It is a valuable resource for students and professionals alike, providing interdisciplinary analysis and insights. The book explores the impact of EHR systems on clinical care and the generation of medical big data, examining their benefits, drawbacks, and the legal framework surrounding their use. It addresses various challenges, including privacy, security, data quality, and analysis. With detailed recommendations for regulatory, policy, and technological improvements, the book emphasizes the vital role of the law in safeguarding and enhancing EHR systems and the medical big data derived from them. Its structure comprises two main parts, focusing on EHR systems in clinical settings and the utilization of medical big data for research and non-clinical purposes. Final Chapter This curated list of engaging electronic health records books serves as an essential read for patients, providers, and C-suite executives alike. These EHR books not only unravel the intricacies of the digital age but also provide valuable insights into the evolving healthcare industry. For healthcare professionals, these resources offer a deeper understanding of EHR implementation, usability, and the legal considerations surrounding them. Additionally, professionals can leverage the knowledge gained from these electronic health records educational books to navigate the complexities of integrating EHR systems within their organizations, driving strategic decision-making, and ensuring the delivery of effective and compassionate healthcare services. By embracing the transformative potential of these EHR books, informed by the wisdom shared within them, healthcare leaders can forge a path toward a more efficient, patient-centered, and technologically-advanced healthcare system.

Read More

Spotlight

PureCare

One of the many challenges of the modern world is to help people with mental health problems. That’s what PureCare is here to do. Based in Gillingham in Kent, PureCare has been registered with the Care Quality Commission since 2006 and gained 3 stars (under the old inspection standards) within 18 months of opening. Since then we have been awarded an “Excellent” Quality and Risk profile under the new standards in 2010.

Related News

Healthtech Security, Digital Healthcare

CommonSpirit Health Sets Up National Value-Based Care Organization

CommonSpirit Health | September 22, 2023

Population Health Services Organization strives to enhance access to equitable healthcare, elevate quality, reduce costs, and benefit millions of patients. Half of CommonSpirit's value-based providers are external, paving the way for PHSO's network expansion. PHSO leverages CommonSpirit's value-based healthcare expertise, including successful risk-bearing organizations and ten accountable care organizations covering over 2.6 million lives. CommonSpirit Health has unveiled a nationwide value-based services platform named Population Health Services Organization (PHSO). This initiative primarily aims to enhance access to equitable healthcare, elevate care quality and outcomes, and reduce the overall cost of healthcare delivery. PHSO will deliver various services, including advanced population health analytics, network administration, care coordination, data management and analytics, technological infrastructure support, reporting, and additional support to empower healthcare providers and provider networks to excel in value-based care. Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, stated, The PHSO is a natural extension of our mission and longstanding commitment to providing high-quality, equitable care and addressing social determinants of health. [Source – Business Wire] He added that by harnessing CommonSpirit's national scale and expertise in value-based care, the company's goal is to elevate the standard of healthcare in the United States and assist providers in succeeding in value-based care within diverse community-based health system environments. CommonSpirit Health extends its services to urban and rural communities across 24 states, establishing itself as one of the United States' most prominent providers of Medicare and Medicaid services. Consequently, its PHSO will cater to an even more diverse payer portfolio. Thomas McGinn, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President, Physician Enterprise at CommonSpirit Health, highlighted the organization's unique advantage in serving diverse communities encompassing Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance, making their data more representative of the American population compared to models primarily focused on commercial insurance. He added that CommonSpirit's presence in 24 states provides them with the data, tools, and access to a broad patient demographic, allowing them to tackle crucial national health challenges that require their size, scale, and expertise. For example, they can utilize data insights to understand testing, referral, and treatment patterns, enabling interventions that reduce viral infections like Hepatitis C, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Value-based care emphasizes the quality of healthcare over its quantity, promoting comprehensive and coordinated care to enhance health outcomes, quality, and equity. This model relies on contractual incentives for providers to achieve superior results, improve quality, enhance patient experiences, and curb healthcare expenses. Notably, the demand for such agreements is rising, exemplified by the company's goal to transition most Medicaid and all Medicare beneficiaries into value-based care relationships by 2030.

Read More

Health Technology, Digital Healthcare

Oracle Helps Medical Entities Handle Financial and Supply Chain Issues

Oracle | September 20, 2023

The Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite offers healthcare-specific functionalities enabling entities to streamline operations and enhance patient outcomes. The conference highlights the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize transparency and collaboration across the entire delivery system, including suppliers, payers, and patient invoicing. As healthcare increasingly prioritizes proactive patient care, enhanced integration and collaboration across the ecosystem are vital for greater efficiency, accessibility, and equity. During the Oracle Health Conference, Oracle introduced specialized healthcare features into its Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), and Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain and Manufacturing (SCM) solutions to assist healthcare organizations in improving patient care. The healthcare-specific functionalities have been integrated into the Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite to assist healthcare organizations in enhancing financial transparency, fortifying supply chains, and elevating patient care. These will also help empower healthcare organizations to boost efficiency, reduce costs, adapt to new business models, improve decision-making processes, and enhance patient services. Nevertheless, the healthcare sector faces significant hurdles due to unpredictable demand and increased administrative costs. These challenges include managing resource and supply shortages and adapting to changing financial requirements for patient care. These difficulties have arisen when the demand for efficient and accessible healthcare is more critical than ever. The newly introduced capabilities within Oracle's healthcare-specific solutions empower healthcare organizations to streamline operations and adapt to evolving healthcare delivery models, from telehealth to home and community-based care. These enhancements encompass vital areas, including financial consolidation and reporting, which provide healthcare organizations with the tools to maintain comprehensive financial oversight in a complex healthcare environment through AI and automation. In procurement, these capabilities help reduce expenses and enhance the efficiency of medical supply orders, including contract and pricing integrations with group purchasing capabilities. Furthermore, replenishment planning and recall management features improve the availability of medical supplies by predicting demand and facilitating efficient recall processes to enhance safety and reduce risks within the healthcare supply chain. Steve Miranda, Executive Vice President of Applications Development at Oracle, stated, The new capabilities added to Oracle Fusion Applications Suite will help healthcare organizations adopt new business models, embrace rapid innovation, build agile and sustainable supply chains, and better serve patients' needs—now and in the future. [Source: Cision PR Newswire] The Oracle Fusion Applications Suite will empower organizations to leverage cloud technology for dismantling internal barriers, standardizing operations, and centralizing financial, HR, supply chain, and customer experience data within a unified cloud platform. Through quarterly update cycles, customers can continuously access the latest innovations as new capabilities are regularly incorporated.

Read More

Health Technology

ShiftKey Extends Its Tech Solutions to Embrace Acute Care Facilities

ShiftKey | September 15, 2023

ShiftKey, a leading technological enterprise at the forefront of reshaping the future of workforce engagement, has officially announced its expansion into acute healthcare facilities. ShiftKey's technology, data resources, and talent marketplace are set to be accessible to acute care facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. This expansion addresses workforce-related challenges and enhances patients' access to top-tier healthcare services. Furthermore, the technology has already undergone beta testing at acute care facilities in Alabama, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, and West Virginia. CEO of ShiftKey, Mike Vitek, characterized the company's foray into the acute care sector as a pivotal step in its platform and business development. He emphasized the organization's vantage point on healthcare staffing challenges and expressed optimism regarding the potential alleviation of strain on acute care facilities and healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, Brandon Tappan, Chief Revenue Officer at ShiftKey, added that the escalating workforce challenges confronting healthcare facilities have become an annual trend. The departure of nurses from acute care facilities in large numbers underscores the imperative for a novel approach to address staffing needs within institutions serving vulnerable populations. Integrating ShiftKey's technology into acute care facilities represents establishing an independent healthcare staffing solution. This initiative aims to reinvigorate and safeguard this vital industry by enabling individuals to rejoin the workforce on their terms. About ShiftKey ShiftKey is a technological enterprise dedicated to transforming workforce access and integrity. Employing data and a marketplace model, the company facilitates connections between independent licensed professionals and facilities with workforce requirements. It is pivotal in advancing empowered labor, stability, and solutions for professionals, institutions, and beneficiaries. With a platform encompassing 10,000 healthcare facilities and myriad independently licensed professionals, ShiftKey is one of the foremost leaders in strategic workforce solutions, catalyzing a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous workforce economy for the years ahead.

Read More

Healthtech Security, Digital Healthcare

CommonSpirit Health Sets Up National Value-Based Care Organization

CommonSpirit Health | September 22, 2023

Population Health Services Organization strives to enhance access to equitable healthcare, elevate quality, reduce costs, and benefit millions of patients. Half of CommonSpirit's value-based providers are external, paving the way for PHSO's network expansion. PHSO leverages CommonSpirit's value-based healthcare expertise, including successful risk-bearing organizations and ten accountable care organizations covering over 2.6 million lives. CommonSpirit Health has unveiled a nationwide value-based services platform named Population Health Services Organization (PHSO). This initiative primarily aims to enhance access to equitable healthcare, elevate care quality and outcomes, and reduce the overall cost of healthcare delivery. PHSO will deliver various services, including advanced population health analytics, network administration, care coordination, data management and analytics, technological infrastructure support, reporting, and additional support to empower healthcare providers and provider networks to excel in value-based care. Wright Lassiter III, CEO of CommonSpirit Health, stated, The PHSO is a natural extension of our mission and longstanding commitment to providing high-quality, equitable care and addressing social determinants of health. [Source – Business Wire] He added that by harnessing CommonSpirit's national scale and expertise in value-based care, the company's goal is to elevate the standard of healthcare in the United States and assist providers in succeeding in value-based care within diverse community-based health system environments. CommonSpirit Health extends its services to urban and rural communities across 24 states, establishing itself as one of the United States' most prominent providers of Medicare and Medicaid services. Consequently, its PHSO will cater to an even more diverse payer portfolio. Thomas McGinn, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President, Physician Enterprise at CommonSpirit Health, highlighted the organization's unique advantage in serving diverse communities encompassing Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance, making their data more representative of the American population compared to models primarily focused on commercial insurance. He added that CommonSpirit's presence in 24 states provides them with the data, tools, and access to a broad patient demographic, allowing them to tackle crucial national health challenges that require their size, scale, and expertise. For example, they can utilize data insights to understand testing, referral, and treatment patterns, enabling interventions that reduce viral infections like Hepatitis C, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Value-based care emphasizes the quality of healthcare over its quantity, promoting comprehensive and coordinated care to enhance health outcomes, quality, and equity. This model relies on contractual incentives for providers to achieve superior results, improve quality, enhance patient experiences, and curb healthcare expenses. Notably, the demand for such agreements is rising, exemplified by the company's goal to transition most Medicaid and all Medicare beneficiaries into value-based care relationships by 2030.

Read More

Health Technology, Digital Healthcare

Oracle Helps Medical Entities Handle Financial and Supply Chain Issues

Oracle | September 20, 2023

The Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite offers healthcare-specific functionalities enabling entities to streamline operations and enhance patient outcomes. The conference highlights the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize transparency and collaboration across the entire delivery system, including suppliers, payers, and patient invoicing. As healthcare increasingly prioritizes proactive patient care, enhanced integration and collaboration across the ecosystem are vital for greater efficiency, accessibility, and equity. During the Oracle Health Conference, Oracle introduced specialized healthcare features into its Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), and Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain and Manufacturing (SCM) solutions to assist healthcare organizations in improving patient care. The healthcare-specific functionalities have been integrated into the Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite to assist healthcare organizations in enhancing financial transparency, fortifying supply chains, and elevating patient care. These will also help empower healthcare organizations to boost efficiency, reduce costs, adapt to new business models, improve decision-making processes, and enhance patient services. Nevertheless, the healthcare sector faces significant hurdles due to unpredictable demand and increased administrative costs. These challenges include managing resource and supply shortages and adapting to changing financial requirements for patient care. These difficulties have arisen when the demand for efficient and accessible healthcare is more critical than ever. The newly introduced capabilities within Oracle's healthcare-specific solutions empower healthcare organizations to streamline operations and adapt to evolving healthcare delivery models, from telehealth to home and community-based care. These enhancements encompass vital areas, including financial consolidation and reporting, which provide healthcare organizations with the tools to maintain comprehensive financial oversight in a complex healthcare environment through AI and automation. In procurement, these capabilities help reduce expenses and enhance the efficiency of medical supply orders, including contract and pricing integrations with group purchasing capabilities. Furthermore, replenishment planning and recall management features improve the availability of medical supplies by predicting demand and facilitating efficient recall processes to enhance safety and reduce risks within the healthcare supply chain. Steve Miranda, Executive Vice President of Applications Development at Oracle, stated, The new capabilities added to Oracle Fusion Applications Suite will help healthcare organizations adopt new business models, embrace rapid innovation, build agile and sustainable supply chains, and better serve patients' needs—now and in the future. [Source: Cision PR Newswire] The Oracle Fusion Applications Suite will empower organizations to leverage cloud technology for dismantling internal barriers, standardizing operations, and centralizing financial, HR, supply chain, and customer experience data within a unified cloud platform. Through quarterly update cycles, customers can continuously access the latest innovations as new capabilities are regularly incorporated.

Read More

Health Technology

ShiftKey Extends Its Tech Solutions to Embrace Acute Care Facilities

ShiftKey | September 15, 2023

ShiftKey, a leading technological enterprise at the forefront of reshaping the future of workforce engagement, has officially announced its expansion into acute healthcare facilities. ShiftKey's technology, data resources, and talent marketplace are set to be accessible to acute care facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. This expansion addresses workforce-related challenges and enhances patients' access to top-tier healthcare services. Furthermore, the technology has already undergone beta testing at acute care facilities in Alabama, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, and West Virginia. CEO of ShiftKey, Mike Vitek, characterized the company's foray into the acute care sector as a pivotal step in its platform and business development. He emphasized the organization's vantage point on healthcare staffing challenges and expressed optimism regarding the potential alleviation of strain on acute care facilities and healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, Brandon Tappan, Chief Revenue Officer at ShiftKey, added that the escalating workforce challenges confronting healthcare facilities have become an annual trend. The departure of nurses from acute care facilities in large numbers underscores the imperative for a novel approach to address staffing needs within institutions serving vulnerable populations. Integrating ShiftKey's technology into acute care facilities represents establishing an independent healthcare staffing solution. This initiative aims to reinvigorate and safeguard this vital industry by enabling individuals to rejoin the workforce on their terms. About ShiftKey ShiftKey is a technological enterprise dedicated to transforming workforce access and integrity. Employing data and a marketplace model, the company facilitates connections between independent licensed professionals and facilities with workforce requirements. It is pivotal in advancing empowered labor, stability, and solutions for professionals, institutions, and beneficiaries. With a platform encompassing 10,000 healthcare facilities and myriad independently licensed professionals, ShiftKey is one of the foremost leaders in strategic workforce solutions, catalyzing a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous workforce economy for the years ahead.

Read More

Events