Hospitals and health systems have been discussing digital-first patient engagement for a while now, but fewer organizations than you might think have made huge strides forward on that front.
Likewise, data-driven decision-making is a phrase that’s been tossed around quite a bit in healthcare, but in many cases it’s a dream that’s yet to become reality.
Meanwhile, as providers aim to make trust and transparency core to their day-to-day operations, they’re often not as advanced in those efforts as they might hope.
But all three of those imperatives are poised to make big progress in 2025, according to David Nickelson, consulting lead at Cella by Randstad Digital.
Randstad Digital is a digital enablement company that helps facilitate accelerated transformation for businesses by providing talent, capacity, technologies and business advisory services across specialized domains, including healthcare. Cella by Randstad Digital, a partnering division of the Randstad portfolio, offers consulting, staffing and managed systems.
Nickelson – who has more than 30 years of experience across scientific, clinical, legal and digital disciplines – works with healthcare organizations on complex challenges by developing and delivering technologies and services. We asked him to look at the year ahead and describe where he sees progress being made.
Q. You cite digital-first patient engagement as a major issue for hospitals and health systems in 2025. Why is that, and what kind of developments do you foresee?
A. Digital-first patient engagement is poised to become a defining factor in healthcare delivery by 2025. This shift is driven by several powerful forces. Today’s patients, accustomed to seamless digital experiences in other aspects of their lives, now expect the same level of convenience and accessibility in their healthcare interactions.
Additionally, the ongoing transition to value-based care models emphasizes patient outcomes and cost-efficiency, making digital tools that empower patients to actively participate in their own care even more essential.
Furthermore, in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape, a strong digital presence and a superior patient experience can be a decisive factor in attracting and retaining patients. Finally, the wealth of data generated through digital engagement offers unprecedented opportunities to personalize care, improve operational efficiency, and drive data-informed decision making.
Looking ahead, we can anticipate several key developments that will shape the future of digital-first patient engagement.
These include:
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The rise of omnichannel communication, enabling patients to connect with providers seamlessly through various channels
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The integration of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to automate routine tasks and provide timely responses
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The use of data and AI to deliver personalized content and recommendations
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The expansion of remote patient monitoring for proactive care
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The growing adoption of digital therapeutics for convenient and accessible treatment
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The integration of wearables and IoT devices for a more comprehensive view of patient health
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A focus on accessibility and health equity to ensure digital health systems benefit all patients
To effectively leverage these trends, hospitals, health systems and insurers must invest in robust digital infrastructure, develop comprehensive digital strategies, train staff on digital tools and best practices, prioritize data security and privacy, and continuously evaluate and improve their digital offerings based on patient feedback and data insights.
By embracing these opportunities and proactively adapting to the evolving digital landscape, healthcare organizations can enhance patient engagement, improve health outcomes and position themselves for success in the years ahead.
Q. Data-driven decision making also is high on your list for 2025. Why is this of increasing importance this year, and what kinds of technologies will be key?
A. Data-driven decision making is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery by 2025. This approach, fueled by the exponential growth of health data and advancements in analytics technologies, offers the potential to significantly enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency and drive innovation.
At the heart of this transformation lies the power of data to unlock valuable insights. By leveraging data-driven insights, healthcare providers can personalize treatment plans, predict patient needs and intervene earlier, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. For example, predictive analytics can identify individuals at high risk of developing specific conditions, e