How To Improve Patient Experience: Trends for 2024

The healthcare industry never stands still. New challenges, opportunities and capabilities are always arising, changing the healthcare landscape.

This blog delves into the upcoming enhancements and predictions set to shape healthcare's future to improve patient experience.

• Why does it matter? The benefits of improved patient experience
• The role of technology in patient care
• Transforming communication platforms
• Personalised healthcare for every patient
• Promoting collaborative care
• Stay one step ahead of the trends

Why does it matter? The benefits of improved patient experience.

• Reduced costs: While initial investment costs may be higher, the efficiency benefits the technology expenditure will bring will help reduce costs for Trusts over time.

• Better health outcomes: Streamlining processes and providing better patient experience will optimise treatment plans and results.

• Fewer readmissions: Patients discharged with optimised treatment plans result in fewer readmissions, meaning less strain on healthcare providers.

• Increased patient engagement: If patients have a positive healthcare experience and are educated throughout their stay, they’re likely to be more engaged in their care and stick to medical advice.

• Efficient healthcare delivery: Improving patient experience with technology often means streamlined processes, leading to more efficient treatment delivery.

The role of technology in patient care

Technology will continue to transform the patient experience in 2024, as it has done in previous years with the growth of digital health. The primary benefit of technology is that it streamlines care journeys, improving patient experience by reducing friction, wait times and staff inefficiencies.

Here are some of the top technological advancements we expect to see in the coming months:

Telemedicine

One significant prediction is the widespread adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine allows patients to access medical professionals remotely, allowing them to diagnose, treat and monitor patients virtually.

It can include telepharmacy, video calls, online messaging, digital imaging and remote monitoring. It reduces the strain on healthcare facilities and improves convenience, particularly for those living in remote areas such as rural Scotland.

Telemedicine surged in adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic when access to healthcare was limited. This forced shift has been a positive for the healthcare industry in terms of opening up access to healthcare for all.

Video conferencing

In the same way video calls have proven useful in telemedicine, we expect to see the uptake on healthcare sites also. Video conferencing is a valuable solution for expediting services within hospitals.

It improves communication between departments and reduces the need for clinicians and consultants to travel between sites, resulting in time and cost savings for Trusts.

The innovation addresses issues such as bed blocking, delayed discharge and breakdowns in communication. Video conferencing can be conveniently accessed via mobile devices, desktop computers, video conferencing technology and bedside units.

State-of-the-art bedside units

Our mission is to upgrade all bedside units, making hospital entertainment and communications accessible for all patients.

Our innovative SPARK Media Bedside Units maximise the current Hospedia infrastructure found in hospitals, reducing costs for Trusts. It connects patients and staff, improving patient experience and efficiencies.

Besides improving patient care, our state-of-the-art Bedside Units bridge the digital inequality gap. They do this by providing individuals without personal devices the opportunity to access a wide array of entertainment options, hospital information and specialised care resources.

Providing this access fosters greater engagement with Trusts and ensures all patients have an equal opportunity to stay connected and entertained during their hospital stay.

Transforming communication platforms

As healthcare faces budgetary and demand challenges, efficient communication is needed now more than ever. In 2024, the NHS can expect to witness a transformation in communication platforms.

Traditional methods, such as phone calls and face-to-face interactions, will complement digital solutions that enhance accessibility and convenience.

As well as video conferencing already mentioned, we predict the widespread use of secure messaging platforms and the growth of healthcare apps.

App providers such as Patients Know Best provide a secure messaging service that enables quick and efficient communications, reducing the need for unnecessary appointments and improving patient access and satisfaction.

Personalised healthcare for every patient

Personalised care considers a patient’s unique needs and preferences, with the NHS working towards making it ‘business as usual’ for 2.5 million people by 2024. No two people are the same, so in many cases, neither should their healthcare journey be.

While standardisation of processes is necessary for the NHS to be the well-oiled machine it is, investing in a personalised approach will remove many barriers and friction with patient experience further down the line.

One area gaining traction during 2024 is the use of genomics and precision medicine. Genetic testing is becoming increasingly available, allowing healthcare professionals to tailor treatment based on an individual’s genetic profile, enhancing effectiveness and reducing reactions.

AI, data and analytics will also prove crucial in personalising a patient’s healthcare journey. Analysing and understanding a patient’s medical history will inform future decisions on their care, empowering them to actively participate in their healthcare and increasing satisfaction.

Promoting collaborative care

Collaboration is key to ensuring the best possible patient experience throughout all healthcare settings. In 2024, it will become a core focus for improving healthcare, as collaboration amongst healthcare professionals leads to better patient outcomes and improved care coordination.

Enhanced collaboration will be achievable through many of the means mentioned above, including better communication tools, enhanced technology offerings and more personalised approaches to healthcare.

Stay one step ahead of the trends

Keeping up to date and transforming modern-day healthcare is essential to unlock the next stage of growth for Trusts. Investing in the right technology is also crucial, which is where we can help.

Download our patient experience brochure to find out everything there is to know about our patient experience offerings and how they can help you.