The care at home industry is accustomed to adapting to changes that come from an evolving business landscape, operational stressors from workforce challenges and regulatory complexities, among others. As providers look forward to 2025 and beyond, they see artificial intelligence as the top emerging trend that could solve many of the challenges of today, according to a new report from Axxess, the Council of State Associations and the Forum of States.
Home health, hospice, palliative care and home care providers participated in a survey to identify how they are preparing for and dealing with the current environment and where they see the industry going in the years ahead. The survey insights were compiled in a report that includes analysis and practical insights to help address some of the top findings in technology, workforce, regulatory compliance and future investments. This blog features a summary of some of the key trends with the full report downloadable here.
Technology Trends
Advancements in artificial intelligence catapulted this still emerging technology as the top trend that providers feel will change the way healthcare is delivered by 2030. Providers also noted blockchain and secure health data capabilities along with predictive analytics as also having significant potential. However, many organizations expressed uncertainty about effectively integrating AI into their workflows and patient care.
While AI holds the most potential in the eyes of providers, it’s not the immediate priority for them heading into 2025. To learn where providers plan to invest in the new year, download the full report.
Workforce Trends
Care at home providers are always looking for new ways to solve a persistent industry-wide staffing and retention problem. The report found that providers are hopeful that technology can offer a breakthrough they have been searching for, especially in addressing training and upskilling their employees.
To become more productive with their workforce, providers said they plan to leverage technology automations and AI, such as those in Axxess’ platforms, to help. The report found that technology is emerging as a critical enabler to mitigate staffing pressures and maintain operational efficiency.
A key to success in dealing with the modern workforce challenges starts in the recruitment process. Employers can learn more about connecting with the right candidates with a simple technique found in the full report downloadable.
Responding to Regulatory Trends
Regulatory changes are always happening for care at home providers as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services roll out new audit programs, payment reforms, and rules for compliance. While efforts to mitigate financial cuts and increased audit scrutiny are ongoing at both state and national levels, uncertainty about the future remains.
Many respondents identified technology as a critical tool to address and manage the challenges posed by these anxiety-inducing regulatory changes. The swirl of changes and the uncertainty it breeds was evident as only 40% of respondents reported they were even somewhat prepared for the coming changes.
Navigating the complexities of regulatory and policy changes is crucial for growth in the healthcare industry. The full report includes six keys to success to help organizations adapt and thrive. Three of the six are highlighted below.
- Stay Informed and Proactive with Advocacy Efforts
- Improve Quality-of-Care and Mandatory Reporting
- Assess Preparedness
To read the full set of keys to success and learn more about a practical way to help upskill and onboard staff, download the full report.
Future Investment Trends
While there are challenges, uncertainties and new advancements happening across the care at home industry, not everything is doom and gloom. Providers have indicated that they are looking toward the future with an eye for scaling their services, overcoming the barriers to growth and adopting technology to better serve patients and run their operations.
To read more about the future investment trends, including the major investments expected in the next 3-5 years, download the full report.
Axxess, an ecosystem of cloud-based enterprise software platforms, helps streamline operations and grow care at home organizations.