In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, care at home organizations are gearing up for a transformative year ahead. According to the recently released 2024 Industry Trends Report, commissioned by Axxess in partnership with the Council of State Home Care and Hospice Associations and Forum of State Associations, the focus for care at home organizations in the coming year will be on enhancing operational processes and optimizing employee management. Key findings of the report show how technology can play a pivotal role in driving efficiency and success in the care at home industry.
Streamlining Operations
The survey conducted among care at home organizations revealed that their top concerns revolve around staffing, adapting to changing payment dynamics, and complying with new regulations and oversight. To address these challenges, organizations are looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
Technology as a Catalyst
When it comes to leveraging technology, respondents highlighted two key areas of focus. First, 50% of organizations expressed the need for operational process improvement, recognizing the potential of technology to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Second, 36% of respondents emphasized the importance of more effective documentation methods, indicating a desire to leverage technology for accurate and efficient record-keeping.
Axxess experts provided practical examples of how to incorporate technology for efficient operations including:
- Evaluate artificial intelligence and ability to drive operational efficiency.
- Develop protocols for virtual visits and ensure that EMR systems enable scheduling and tracking of virtual visits.
Investing in Employee Engagement and Training
The survey also shed light on the technological investments that are expected to yield the most return on investment in 2024. A significant 47% of respondents identified employee engagement as a priority, recognizing the value of technology in fostering a positive work environment and enhancing staff satisfaction. Additionally, 45% of organizations highlighted the importance of staff training technology, acknowledging the role it plays in equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care.
Axxess experts suggest several practical examples of how to focus on employee wellbeing, including:
- Review employee hiring and retention data monthly to improve strategies that meet their needs.
- Leverage technology to make the orientation and onboarding process easier.
- Upskill your employees by giving them access to training for new skills.
The Benefits of Embracing Technology
Tammy Ross, Executive Vice President of Professional Services at Axxess, emphasized the significance of these survey results.
“It’s clear that care at home organizations are looking to streamline operations as they optimize business operations,” said Ross.“I am encouraged by these results because they show that organizations want to remain viable and deliver high-quality care at home.
“Hospice and home healthcare reimbursement is shifting toward a focus on both value and quality, so embracing technology is the fastest way to elevate operations in a way that improves efficiency, optimizes outcomes and attracts and retains staff.”
As we step into 2024, care at home organizations are poised to embrace efficiency and leverage technology to drive success. By streamlining operational processes, investing in employee engagement and training, and harnessing the power of technology, these organizations can elevate their services, optimize outcomes, and ultimately deliver high-quality care at home. To learn more about the findings of the 2024 Industry Trends Report and additional practical insights to incorporate into your organization’s operations, download the full report here.
