As with many things, 2020 serves as a meridian that separates modern healthcare and its recent evolution. Just as we use the standard notations of BCE and CE to reference historical dates, “Pre-pandemic” and “Post Pandemic” are finding common reference in the vernacular of medical professionals worldwide.
The healthcare system as a whole faced major setbacks with the rise of COVID-19, reporting a significant increase in horizontal consolidation within the industry. Despite these consolidations, the quality of care remained largely the same, as a growing need for digital care and home health staff moved to the top of the priority list.
With a shortage of staff and an increasing expectation of quality care, certain trends have emerged that are still shaping the healthcare landscape of today – ones that will continue to impact hiring managers in the healthcare industry for the foreseeable future. Mingle this with the emergence of artificial intelligence, and healthcare is, in many ways, a new creature than just five or ten years ago.
Let’s take a look at some relevant healthcare trends.
1. AI Regulation
The risks and rewards of artificial intelligence are being examined with more intention than ever. Lawmakers are increasingly concerned about the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in healthcare applications. While such technology can ease some of the burdens currently resting on the industry at large, this innovation may result in the unauthorized practice of medicine.
Pioneering legislation is beginning to emerge that is shaping the definitions of terms and practices that didn’t exist just a few years ago.
Proposed California Assembly Bill 489, for example, is focusing not on diminishing the technology itself, but rather on how AI can present itself to the public. Such a bill would make it unlawful for LLMs to correspond with patients using avatars with a doctor title. Furthermore, claims of being “clinician-backed” or “expert-guided” may also be off limits. The idea behind such legislation appears to be allowing the public to engage with LLMs in general medical capacities while also encouraging (and even urging) them to seek the care of a legitimate medical professional.
AI regulation is expected to evolve significantly as 2026 unfolds.
2. Greater Demand for Telehealth Professionals
Telehealth is a relatively new practice that had a significant impact during the pandemic, as many patients were unable to physically enter hospitals and doctors’ offices. Telehealth is a form of virtual healthcare where patients receive online care from their healthcare provider via a computer, phone, or tablet. The impact of Telehealth is significant, and its continued rise is expected into 2026 and beyond. Telehealth offers a broader range of coverage for Americans and has proved key in the modernization of healthcare.
As preferences continue to shift from conventional healthcare to Telehealth, we can expect to see more online healthcare specialists and telehealth business models emerge. However, increased regulation will likely follow.
3. Increase of Mental Health Specialists
The rate of anxiety and depression has continued to increase steadily since the pandemic, especially among children and young adults. With the rise of this mental health crisis, there is a need for mental health specialists, prompting growth in hiring within the psychology and psychiatry fields.
Interestingly enough, the need for mental care, in many regards, continues to grow as we move further away from 2020. Attention deficit disorders, depression, and anxiety diagnoses are following upward trends, which means an increase in regular visits as well as an increase in prescriptions.
While this uptick in mental healthcare demand carries hiring implications outside of hospitals and clinics alone, mental health professionals are certainly the focal point. Mental health professionals are increasingly finding a home in virtual settings, with companies like BetterHelp and Talkspace experiencing rapid growth.
4. Rise of Geriatric Care Professionals
The baby boomer generation comprises approximately 75 million people in the U.S.—nearly 25 percent of the population. As the Baby Boomer generation retires, the demand for senior care increases. As of 2020, nearly 40 percent of Baby Boomers had retired from healthcare, and that number has continued to grow significantly since then. Moreover, many of these retired individuals are transitioning from contributing to the field as workers to needing care themselves.
Pay increases have been offered to professionals as workloads have begun to increase. However, in the years to come, demand is expected to continue growing, creating a pressing need for nationwide senior care providers.
As more Baby Boomers retire, we may approach a state of emergency in some areas if healthcare demands aren’t met.
5. Newfound Emphasis on Soft Skills
Soft skills have always been vital in hiring, especially in the healthcare industry. However, employers have a renewed focus on these skills to further the quality of care that patients receive. Employees with strong, soft skills such as empathy, communication, adaptability, and compassion are especially sought after.
This emphasis on soft skills in candidates also aligns with the shift towards value-based care. This effort, however, becomes difficult when paired with the increasing healthcare demand we have already discussed. Expecting both a higher quality of care and an increased patient load has put hiring managers in a tricky position.
Regardless, healthcare hiring managers are placing even more importance on their pre-hire practices in general. As attitude and character become more important, employment screening and candidate interviewing become more intentional.
6. Pay Transparency
The pandemic highlighted the importance of our healthcare system during times of emergency. The fruits of this realization largely came in the form of monetary incentives for the medical workforce. Despite this, workloads have proved very demanding for existing staff.
The rate of burnout and high turnover has increased, leading to a negative correlation with patient satisfaction. Pay transparency has continued to increase in an effort to combat burnout and ensure employee loyalty, as expectations for improved care persist. Transparent pay attracts new employees and creates a positive and supportive work environment. It also minimizes pay gaps, leading to greater inclusion. The shift in pay transparency has been positive and is becoming normalized within the healthcare industry, which may prompt a rise in active professionals in the field.
Conclusion
In the context of hiring, the changes and trends in healthcare have a particularly significant impact. The healthcare system post-pandemic will likely remain labored in some ways, but many of the changes introduced in recent years have had a positive impact on both healthcare professionals and patients.
However, there are challenges ahead for hiring managers within the industry. There will be a greater expectation of quality and quantity at a time when demand will likely be low. Navigating these waters will require advanced screening practices and intentional hiring strategies. It will also certainly require further innovations within the healthcare industry as a whole.
For more information about healthcare screening, visit us online.