Take an integrated approach to care
Providers should also leverage technology to provide a personalized and integrated approach to healthcare through communication and collaboration with other health professionals treating a patient. By sharing a patient's health history via electronic health record with other members of their care team, providers can work together to establish a comprehensive and customized treatment plan, help patients navigate the complex healthcare landscape and direct them towards high quality providers, which is an area of significant disparity. The role of personalized and preventative care in creating equitable healthcare and improved health outcomes is critical, and healthcare professionals have both the responsibility and opportunity to close these gaps in care and help their customers live long, healthy lives.

Be prepared for an aging population

Currently, almost 10,000 citizens are turning 65 every day, with the number of individuals who will need assistance with care reaching 80 million by 2040. As our population continues to grow and age dramatically in the next decade, the demand for care and the need for increased access to care will also rise.

Rather than waiting for this population to grow, health teams need to work with their current customers (and all future) to grow their online health accounts. Studies show more than 45% of people over the age of 65 lack online medical accounts – restricting their access to important resources and information needed for them to stay healthy. To help keep this percentage low and close gaps in digital health for the elderly, providers can take a preparatory approach to their online care to ensure all digital capabilities, such as telehealth services, online scheduling, electronic health records, etc. are available and user-friendly.

As adoption of technology in healthcare settings continues to accelerate, we can expect disparities to continue in healthcare if barriers to access are left unaddressed. In addition to ensuring all customers have the technology needed to receive care regardless of location or socioeconomic status, doctors, healthcare systems, providers, public health experts and community leaders will need to come together to re-imagine a new model of equitable healthcare for all. While there is still much work to be done, advancements in healthcare technology can help medical professionals incorporate the solutions necessary to close glaring gaps in care.

About the author: Ryan Bullock is the COO of Aeroflow Healthcare.
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