Healthcare is in a constant state of evolution and there’s a sharp change in dynamics amid the increased demand for personalized and precise care that surged significantly following the pandemic. From the widespread adoption of technologies such as VR, AR, and AI to simulation and digital training, trends in healthcare training are generally expected to change further with a deeper impact moving forward.
Here are the top 8 emerging trends in healthcare training likely to revolutionize healthcare as we know it:
I. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial technology is expected to make the biggest splash when it comes to healthcare training. It’s increasingly being used for training healthcare workers. The use of AI means that healthcare providers are able to save both time and money by training professionals in a variety of areas such as surgery, radiology, and pathology.
Specifically, advanced training programs are becoming increasingly crucial in equipping future radiologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this rapidly evolving field. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the technological advancements in healthcare.
AI is also changing how students learn and get familiar with AI-based medical equipment and devices that are quickly becoming an integral part of the healthcare industry. It is also expected to play a role in helping to personalize curricula and content depending on the ability and aptitude of students as well as conducting learning assessments.
AI is also being used to create new drugs, detect cancer along with other diseases earlier, and even predict when a person is likely to get sick. AI-assisted training has even been used in some cases to develop medical skills not possible currently with human beings. AI is also expected to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, which is expected to lead to improved quality of healthcare delivery overall.
II. eLearning
The increased priority to hire qualified employees at medical facilities has led to an increase in the demand for virtual onboarding. Effective online training is critical for a seamless onboarding experience for new hires. It helps expedite the onboarding process while ensuring standardization and consistency of information as well as the new hire experience.
The advances in telehealth mean that many healthcare professionals are increasingly providing patient care remotely via virtual platforms. Telehealth credentials play a crucial role in ensuring that practitioners are equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to deliver high-quality care in these digital environments. Online cybersecurity training can help protect sensitive medical data as well as safeguard against phishing and other scams.
Effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) healthcare training that uses both relevant workplace examples as well as practical lessons can help get rid of any unconscious biases, increase employee morale, and create an inclusive work culture.
III. Mobile Learning and Microlearning
The future of learning lies in the bite-sized solutions that can be easily accessed on smartphones. The great thing about them is that they can be used for empowering healthcare workers without the need to overwhelm them with a lot of content.
Micro scenarios, short animations, and live action videos demonstrating effective ways to interact with patients can help healthcare workers improve their technical, medical, and communications skills. The training will translate to more positive experiences for patients and better feedback.
IV. Blended Learning
By combining traditional in-person training with online training, the healthcare industry can ensure better reinforcement and greater flexibility for learners. Blended learning is basically the combination of in-person training with self-paced online courses.
The combination of self-paced training and instructor-led training helps ensure that learners enjoy the benefits of social training while simultaneously striving to make the content more engaging, thereby allowing for better knowledge retention.
V. Robotics
Robotics in healthcare refers to certain types of new technologies that currently exist in areas such as rehabilitation, surgery, cleaning and sterilization, voice recognition, and much more to assist healthcare workers with various tasks as well as patient care.
Robotic technologies are transforming how both students and professionals alike learn to take care of patients. From learning about the practical side of patient care, healthcare students can get a more authentic experience with robotics without risking the well-being of any human.
VI. Simulations
The safety of patients is paramount for healthcare professionals. To ensure that best practices are implemented consistently, healthcare professionals have to be properly trained on standard procedures such as administering IV fluid.
With simulation-based learning, healthcare workers learn such procedures in virtual scenarios that replicate real-life situations. Learners are able to make certain choices in such scenarios without risking any human lives, while simultaneously learning from their mistakes and perfecting their technique.
VII. Augmented Reality (AR)
AR has completely redefined healthcare training in the past few years. Today, pharmaceutical factory workers and lab technicians alike can be trained to perform complicated procedures with AR experiences that combine the physical environment of the learner with overlaid virtual elements.
Augmented reality experiences can also allow learners in the healthcare industry who are undergoing training to interact with virtual elements and learn more about medical equipment, human anatomy, and various other professional techniques.
VIII. Virtual Reality (VR)
VR has also transformed healthcare training. Virtual Reality training can be used to help healthcare professionals practice various procedures in a low-pressure environment, allowing them to provide immediate treatment in medical emergencies.
With VR learners can safely practice complex surgical procedures without any risk to human lives in a virtual space. These immersive environments help learners to imitate the precise hand movements needed for surgery, helping them gain the necessary experience.
Final Thoughts
Lack of effective training in healthcare can lead to a poor or substandard patient experience while putting healthcare workers, their employers, as well as the public at risk. Fortunately, many of these challenges can be overcome with the 8 trending innovations discussed here. It therefore wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say that the future of healthcare appears to be bright.
