The healthcare industry has continued to evolve rapidly, bringing Artificial Intelligence into the fold and streamlining much of the operations performed in clinics. Cutting-edge technology allows us to prevent and treat many afflictions that once were thought incurable. Innovation is the mouthpiece of medicine in the 21st century, and health providers are at the forefront of applying those innovations effectively.
Unfortunately, it is estimated that by 2030, there will be a shortage of over 120,000 physicians in the United States. This phenomenon will undoubtedly affect the healthcare system, so what do we do to address that?
Innovation as a Monolith of Modern Family Medicine
It’s not technology nor overworking that will improve patient outcomes in the wake of the upcoming shortage of physicians. It’s innovation in all its forms. By improving the efficiency and productivity of physicians, we directly influence a patient’s outcome and wellbeing. You may think that innovation has to be streamlined across entire sectors or come on a hierarchical level, but that’s not necessary.
A trust-based relationship between patient and physician is the foundation for everything else. Every physician can apply innovation in their work and how they interact with their patients. Most importantly, innovation should be subjective and adaptive, woven into every experience with a patient.
Innovation is not strictly technological but human, too. Medical practice is at its finest when physicians and patients understand one another and interact seamlessly, resulting in the patient’s optimal wellbeing. Below, you’ll find three ways you can start innovating your medical practice today!
- Start Making House Calls Again
Remember when house calls used to be part of the norm? High-risk patients are still in dire need of this form of medical aid, not just because of their difficulty accessing classic medical assistance but because of the lack of treatment personalization.
Physicians gain a deeper understanding of a patient’s physical and psychological wellbeing by doing house calls and experiencing the daily lives of their patients. House calls will also limit overhead costs for physicians, prevent patient hospitalization, and reduce no-show appointments. It is personalized healthcare at its finest!
- Recommend nutrition and exercise more
The role of nutrition and exercise in the prevention and, in some cases, treatment of disease cannot be overstated enough. Here’s what Larry Bauer, the former CEO of the Family Medicine Education Consortium (FMEC), had to say about this topic:
“Diabetes, heart disease, early onset Alzheimer’s, and dementia are being reversed with well-structured nutrition programs. We have had a couple of presentations and different models where people actually got their brain functioning back.”
Even today, many physicians ignore the potential benefits that physical exercise and nutrition may bring to their patients.
- Form a deeper connection with patients
Spending more time with your patients has an incremental beneficial influence on their wellbeing. If the patient notices that you care about them and that you take the time to explain the diagnosis, motivate your advice, and apply a human touch to your treatment, they’ll be more compliant.
Research also shows that showing compassion and taking the time to interact with patients also boosts the physician’s effectiveness at work. A value-based approach improves a patient’s outcome and reduces medical costs by positively influencing a wide range of factors.
What Is Primary Medical Care Center Doing to Innovate Healthcare?
Primary Medical Care Center is wholly focused on a patient-centered approach to producing the most meaningful impact. We care less about cutting-edge gadgets and more about understanding our patients’ needs and personalizing our treatments to suit their needs. Quality healthcare and a human touch should never be replaced with technology.
Contact us at (305) 751-1500 or request an appointment online if you’re interested in learning more about this approach!