As we set our sights on 2025, let’s take a moment to look back at the major stories that shaped health care in 2024. With AI making waves across the industry, we thought it only fitting to turn to the very technology that’s been making headlines for insight into the health care topics that topped the year. From advancements in artificial intelligence to ongoing challenges like workforce burnout and health equity, here are the key stories that defined 2024:
Rising Popularity of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, gained traction not only for diabetes treatment but also for weight management. Large employers increasingly offered insurance coverage for these medications to address obesity, sparking debates about their long-term impact on public health and insurance costs.
Advancements in AI
In 2024, health care systems increasingly adopted AI and automation tools to streamline operations, enhance patient care, and reduce clinician burnout, with innovations such as virtual nursing assistants and AI-driven clinical documentation. While these technologies improved efficiency and patient experience, including personalized care options and predictive tools, concerns about data security and equity in AI-driven care became more prominent. As AI continued to transform the health care landscape, its potential to both improve outcomes and address workforce challenges remained a focal point in the industry
Behavioral Health Access Challenges
Emergency departments continued to face backlogs in transferring behavioral health patients to appropriate care settings. Efforts to streamline this process became a priority for many health systems, with new technologies and partnerships emerging as potential solutions.
Struggles with Health Care Workforce Burnout
Clinical burnout and turnover rates continued to remain high in 2024. Reports indicate that 50% of health care workers are experiencing symptoms of burnout, with a concerning number of nurses contemplating leaving the profession. To address this, health systems are exploring various options including well-being programs, flexible schedules, and technology to ease workloads and improve working conditions, thereby aiming to retain staff and enhance care delivery.
Expansion of Telehealth Services
Telehealth services, particularly virtual care, continued to expand, as more health care systems implemented or extended their telemedicine offerings. This was fueled by the growing demand for convenient access to care, especially in rural areas. Some states introduced new legislation to expand telehealth coverage, while others saw a reduction in reimbursements, creating debates on sustainability.
Health Equity Initiatives
Health systems and payers prioritized equity in care delivery. There was an increase in investments aimed at reducing health disparities, particularly in underserved populations. Programs focused on improving access to care, culturally competent services, and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), like transportation and food insecurity. These initiatives were tied to both financial incentives and quality care goals.
Consolidation in Health Care: Impact on Access
Large health systems continued to merge, affecting patient access and care delivery. While some mergers resulted in expanded services and lower costs, others raised concerns over reduced competition and potential impacts on patient choice. Smaller practices and rural hospitals faced pressure to join larger health systems to survive financially.
These trends highlight a movement toward embracing technology, enhancing workforce support, and prioritizing patient-centered care to build a more sustainable and effective healthcare system in the years ahead.
At Conduit, our team is led by health care professionals that understand the ever-challenging and challenging health care landscape. As a trusted partner, we offer solutions such as nurse-first triage and patient transfer services, designed to improve care delivery, enhance access, and streamline operations for organizations.
