As we enter the final weeks of 2020, we should give thanks to those in the healthcare and medtech industry who have done so much while being on the frontlines in both the clinical setting as well as contributing to America’s critical infrastructure on the manufacturing front. These industries have collectively treated and saved millions of people this year, working under extreme conditions. Looking forward to 2021, there is a theme of hope and also one of innovation, as technology continues to push boundaries. The following are among many predictions for the coming year.
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| “Prior to the pandemic, 63% of patients at healthcare facilities found waiting rooms to be stressful. Now, not only are patients stressed about being in a healthcare facility, but they are avoiding them entirely because of the potential to be exposed to the virus. With the CDC showing emergency room visits declining by 42%, 2021 will be the year that healthcare providers—of all types—will need to ensure they are providing patients with a soothing and uplifting atmosphere when they do come in. One way we’ll see providers put patients at ease is by implementing informative [and] engaging digital signage that lets patients know about the precautions being taken to keep them safe from the virus, as well as things to help distract them from these current stressors, like general healthcare reminders, healthy living tips & recipes, and one- to three-minute clips from popular TV shows. There will also be an increased need for privacy, and we will see more healthcare facilities leverage sound masking, a sound management technology that adds background sound that makes speech less intelligible to others on-site. Implementing sound masking in healthcare facilities will not only help ensure privacy and confidentiality for patients and staff, which supports HIPAA compliance, but it will [also] provide a more productive and comfortable environment with less excess noise and reduced distractions.” |
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