Pandemic Uncertainty Abounds in Healthcare, But Consultants See Some Hopeful Signs

The Pandemic was a disruptive force to every business sector on the planet, and many industries are still finding their footing even months after the initial wave. The healthcare industry, however, was at the tip of the spear from the very beginning, with little time to react before being thrust into the middle of a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation.

Emergency rooms and ICUs coast to coast were quickly overwhelmed by an influx of patients stricken with a deadly and infectious disease about which very little was known. The pandemic put enormous pressure on health systems both logistically and financially. As patients deferred elective procedures, the industry saw a drop-off in revenue, and uncertainty around continued government assistance for healthcare organizations made their financial stability uncertain.

In spite of these challenges, some hopeful signs have come to light. Digitization saw a steep uptick as the care model shifted in part from strictly in-person to remote, an evolution many felt the industry was overdue for. The pandemic has also pushed health systems to consider new methods and technologies for delivering their services, which could have a long-term impact on the efficiency of the system.