Healthcare has seen tremendous changes in the last decade, and as we move through 2019, we can’t help but look forward to what’s coming next. At Henderson Engineers, we work with some of the largest healthcare systems in the country — so it’s our job to stay on the cutting edge of what’s happening in the industry. Here’s what we see as the top trends for the year to come.

1. Focusing on the quality of patient engagement over the quantity of patients.

Healthcare is no longer just about bringing in new patient-clients by building more/newer facilities. It’s about the patient experience and providing the desired care nearest to or at home. This not only impacts how existing healthcare facilities are maintained, but the future of what is being designed and built. Understanding the concepts of hospitality and retail design will prove to be a necessity in creating new healthcare facilities. Combining these design tactics with client capture concepts to grow and keep long term patient-clients will ultimately determine where the industry goes from here.

2. Providing healthcare through retail platforms.

The CVS Aetna merger is the latest to look at a new approach to healthcare. With the large number of CVS sites in the United States, the industry is asking, “Could they act as a ‘new front door’ to healthcare?” Currently, CVS Aetna is looking at some new concepts that would allocate up to 20% of the store for healthcare related offerings. Will other major retailers look to do something similar? We’re watching you, Amazon.

3. Improving access and availability to behavioral health services.

Only becoming more prevalent, access to behavioral health is an issue the entire country is trying to solve. Many healthcare providers are working on programs and initiatives to combat the stigma of behavioral health and making access to help easier. The retail-healthcare approach could play a big role in making these services more convenient to a large population.

4. Connecting facilities through mergers and acquisitions.

Large health systems aren’t the only ones; free standing ambulatory surgical centers and urgent cares are also looking to engage partners to provide better care to patients. Health systems are trying to bring care closer to patients. Creating local connections reduces the number of patients at the main campus where the cost of treating and housing patients is much more expensive. Mergers and acquisitions help inpatient and outpatient facilities work in tandem to treat patients effectively.

5. Increasing role of technology in patient care.

Like the rest of our lives, technology continues to be a critical part of the healthcare experience. Health systems are continuing to move toward virtual hospitals, telemedicine, and home care. As engineers, we’re staying ahead of technology design to ensure facilities aren’t just equipped for what currently exists, but that they’re ready for the future.

Overall, 2019 promises to be an exciting year for healthcare. Focusing on engaging patients in care will not only improve their wellbeing, but also elevate the perception of the industry and health of our country.

Interested in learning more about these emerging trends? Contact me.

You can take a look through some of our healthcare projects by clicking here.