COVID-19 reshaped the economy and forced healthcare providers to adapt with immediate solutions. This has meant a transition to telehealth services atop broader reliance on technology, a move more easily made for larger healthcare providers.
Luckily, however, there are resources available to healthcare providers in the throes of the pandemic. These resources can help even smaller private practice clinics get by with all the curveballs thrown in the modern era, assisting in care solutions and life-saving strategies.
Here, we’ll explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare providers and outline some valuable resources for managing these challenges.
The Effects of COVID for Providers
COVID has created enormous problems for healthcare providers of all shapes and sizes. In April alone, revenues across the healthcare industry fell by 79% with similar but varying declines in subsequent months, according to a study by FAIR Health. Patients have postponed elective treatments, spurned the doctor, and sought out the safety of care from home.
While larger care facilities are better equipped to survive this revenue loss, the results are more impactful to small providers, such as clinics that serve families in everyday communities across the country. This has led to troublesome situations like closures and lay-offs at a time when healthcare workers are much-needed. In response, there has been a growing shift toward mobile health technology.
This tech enables improved:
- Information transmission
- Connection and communication
- Reduction of patient load
These benefits explain why 50% of care facilities are looking to expand their mobile health technology approach in the near future. But in the meantime, providers have to first manage the burdens of the COVID pandemic.
Fortunately, resources are available to help providers transition to the new normal, from managing staffing and digital resources to meeting patients where they are.
Available Resources
Innovations of the modern era have made mobile and accessible solutions to care possible. This is necessary as care facilities find themselves needing to pivot rapidly to keep providing essential care. Artificial intelligence, loan options, and telehealth services all exist to help care facilities transition in these difficult times. There is a range of available resources in every category, each of which comes with its own set of offerings and challenges for a care provider of any size.
Here are just a few resources on hand now to help healthcare providers make due in COVID times:
Artificial Intelligence
Innovative technologies are a key part of transitioning to meet healthcare demands. AI is one of these technologies, allowing healthcare providers to collect data, reach patients, and diagnose issues all from remote devices.
Among the many issues that can be solved with technology, healthcare problems are increasing making the list with the help of AI. By collecting big data and producing predictive data models, AI processes like machine learning can analyze healthcare information to enhance treatment potential.
This is clear in the emerging mobile phone applications designed to diagnose COVID-19 simply by listening to an individual’s cough. Tools like this are powered by AI and can cut down on clinic resources by enabling digital care solutions. Using mobile applications and AI software can end up being far cheaper than traditional materials, giving care providers greater survivability as they look to weather this crisis.
Business Loans
In the response generated by the pandemic, the federal government passed the CARES Act. This piece of legislation acted to provide stimulus to Americans of every situation, healthcare providers included. As part of this stimulus, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is distributing $175 billion to providers helping to turn the tide of the pandemic.
Accepting these funds offers providers help and flexibility immediately. Whether they are struggling to keep employees paid or need to purchase additional PPE, this allotted relief fund is available.
Additionally, small business loans of different values, rates, and funding options are out there on the private market. These options can provide a lifeline to struggling businesses, helping to make the gap needed to stay in business until the crisis subsides.
Telehealth
Using telehealth systems can be the perfect way to ensure the safety of patients and providers alike while still providing care solutions. Additionally, these systems are less burdensome on the resources of care facilities and can assist in maintaining the sanitization and safety standards of the clinic.
By implementing this resource, providers are better positioned to manage care. The greater accessibility that results opens up a world of possibilities for employee and resources management. With lay-offs, a common experience in the pandemic economy – even among healthcare workers – strapped providers need to be able to tap into the gig economy for available help. In turn, this keeps frontline workers employed and available.
These resources are but a few options care providers can tap into to better survive these trying times. With a proper focus on redirecting time and supplies towards meeting patients safely, providers can manage the COVID crisis for the best possible outcome.
Managing the COVID Crisis
While resources are limited during the pandemic, managing COVID successfully requires that every individual do their part to make the world a safer, more relaxing place. This means additional health benefits for all.
Providers and patients should come together to communicate health-supportive strategies. These include COVID safety and hygiene practices, beneficial exercise, and accessibility accommodations. Even the color scheme of a care facility can play a part in assuaging the fear and anxiety of the modern era.
Managing the COVID crisis is a difficult task. By tapping into available resources in technology, business loans, and telehealth, healthcare providers are put in a better position to save lives.
Photo Credit
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels
Guest Author Bio
Magnolia Potter
Magnolia Potter is a muggle from the Pacific Northwest who writes from time to time and covers a variety of topics. When Magnolia’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a good book.
Blog / Website: Magnolia Potter
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