The healthcare industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once criticized for its sluggish pace and outdated practices, this sector has been catapulted into a whirlwind of change, primarily fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing use of electronic health records and telemedicine. As marketers and communications professionals, staying on top of these trends and adapting your strategies accordingly is critical.
We’ve outlined the top three healthcare trends dominating headlines today and how they can inform your marketing and communications strategy for maximum impact.
According to the CDC, "America's teen girls are engulfed in a growing wave of sadness, violence and trauma."
One in three teen girls report seriously considering suicide in the past year. Factors behind that staggering statistic include societal pressure on appearance and academic performance, sexual harassment and the isolation caused by COVID-19 lockdowns and increased online activity.
Prominent national publications, including the Washington Post and PBS, have covered the issue.
Some public officials have blamed social media for contributing to the problem. In fact, Seattle Public Schools have filed a lawsuit against social media platforms, with school districts in California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida following their lead. In Utah, lawmakers enacted a law that significantly restricts access to social media platforms and allows parents to manage their child's online activity.
The most recent efforts around youth mental health comes from the U.S. Surgeon General who warns that social media may have a “profound risk of harm” towards adolescent mental health.
News outlets, documentaries and online platforms have brought attention to the severity of the issue, making it a topic of public concern and conversation. This increased awareness can help break down mental health stigmas and encourage open dialogue among teens, parents and educators.
The November 2022 launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT set the industry ablaze, demonstrating the power of generative AI. In healthcare, AI technology could potentially reduce the administrative burden on healthcare workers, transforming how they operate by automating repetitive administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, patient record management and insurance claims processing. Without the need to perform these mundane tasks, healthcare workers could focus on providing more personalized care to their patients and improving overall patient outcomes.
Modern Healthcare's Marie Devereux and Brock E.W. Turner reported that Epic Systems and Microsoft are collaborating to integrate generative AI solutions via Microsoft's OpenAI Azure Service to enhance physician productivity in the exam room and beyond.
Forbes Contributor Dr. Robert Pearl suggests that ChatGPT can assist in clinical decision-making by:
Despite the excitement surrounding ChatGPT, some experts are raising concerns about its application in healthcare, particularly regarding privacy. Micky Tripathi, the national coordinator for health information technology at HHS, shared that when inappropriately used, there are a number of concerning issues, including equity, safety and a lack of transparency and oversight.
Through comprehensive and balanced reporting, the media can help to inform the public, healthcare professionals and policymakers about the potential implications of integrating AI technologies into the healthcare landscape.
The June 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade sent shockwaves through the media landscape even before it was official. In May, Politico published a leaked draft of the Supreme Court majority decision, igniting a firestorm of reactions and initiating significant shifts in media trends.
Shortly after news broke of the overturning, Texas and 23 other states outlawed abortion.
As the battle over women's reproductive rights continues to rage, the Supreme Court recently ruled to protect access to mifepristone, also known as the "abortion pill." But this doesn't mean the pill's legal journey is over. The case is now in the hands of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Arguments took place on May 17, with the potential of the process taking months as it winds through the courts.
Media conversations surrounding the abortion pill will undoubtedly continue throughout the case and as we approach the first anniversary of the landmark Dobbs decision.
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As you examine these healthcare trends, it's important to consider how you can incorporate them into your own communications strategy. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
By closely monitoring emerging trends, you can ensure your organization is well-positioned to adapt and respond to changes in the healthcare landscape. At Highwire PR, we understand the importance of staying informed and adapting to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Our expertise in healthcare communications allows us to help clients navigate the industry's challenges and opportunities. To learn more, don't hesitate to reach out today.