Technology is advancing within every sector of the economy but nowhere is the transformation more palpable than in healthcare. A rapid digital transformation occurred in the healthcare industry over the past three years; however, the industry must ensure its workforce gains the knowledge and skills it needs to keep up.
Every aspect healthcare professionals’ work relies on technology. Pre pandemic, there were transformations to services and tools, including the emergence of electronic medical records technology, initial forays into blockchain technology and the creation of clearing houses for pharmacies and medical records. Artificial intelligence also became crucial, while big data became a large source for tracing patients and symptoms across the globe. Additionally, telehealth was swiftly adopted through the pandemic. With this plethora of information, digital platforms became a necessity to keep patients’ data secure, private and accessible.
A new challenge for the healthcare industry emerged amid the sudden changes: knowledge gaps among its workforce. And while artificial intelligence is faster than we are, health professionals are tasked with upskilling. Fortunately, the healthcare industry is aware it cannot rely on proactiveness, as employees across industries tend to not upskill independently. Instead, they’re more likely to respond to industry needs when their employers push them to meet requirements.
Higher education institutions have a duty to work in partnership with the healthcare industry to nurture and deploy skilled professionals who are knowledgeable on the most current, up-to-date ways of delivering patient care. At DeVry University, our faculty is dedicated to bringing their insights and real-world experience into the coursework they teach. We believe the delivery of modern healthcare relies on health information technology. Healthcare organizations can leverage technology-empowered institutions like DeVry to fill their industry’s current knowledge gaps. Here’s how.
Collaborate With Industry Partners in Higher Ed
Transitional changes require intentional collaboration. DeVry’s health sciences curriculum focuses on improving healthcare quality and efficiency through hands-on learning. We work with National Advisory Committees, which are our industry partners across the nation, to examine and incorporate their needs into our curricula as we all prepare students for the future.
Likewise, healthcare organizations should strengthen Workforce Development partnerships to provide their employees with upskilling opportunities. DeVryWorks is our resource for employers looking for a proactive advocate for their team’s Workforce Development. The initiative turns skills gaps into learning opportunities for both individuals and teams.
Recognize That AI Is the Future of Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is the future of teaching next-generation healthcare. We’ve already seen AI such as ChatGPT, Jenni.ai, Opensource.ai, Quillbot and other functionalities integrate into higher education platforms. Colleges and universities should embrace AI teaching tools as we respond to organizations’ needs and train students responsibly for what’s next. In fact, a recent EDUCAUSE QuickPoll shows a majority of higher ed leaders feel optimistic about generative AI.
Emphasize Discernment as a Professional Skill
Oversharing is another knowledge gap that the healthcare industry must address. There’s an increased need for discernment among current professionals due to social media’s popularity. The healthcare industry is seeing younger workers risk their jobs by committing HIPAA violations online. The bulk of information encountered on the job in healthcare is private and protected. Upskilling must emphasize discernment as a skill that healthcare professionals should regard and exercise.
Technological advancements in healthcare continue to develop at a fast pace, especially given the emergence of savvy AI capabilities. Despite these changes, healthcare institutions are well positioned to fill their industry’s knowledge gaps through strong alliances and intentional collaboration with higher education to anticipate what’s needed and what’s next.
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