American Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Distribution

New trends and Insights on the Reshaping of American Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Distribution

With nearly 10,000 people turning 65 a day, and a global viral pandemic that seems endless, the demand for healthcare has never seen so much pressure. The hospitals throughout America are reshaping their care to deliver quality medicine to all who show up at their doorstep. These are the new trends and insights happening in American healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution.

How Baby Boomers Affect American Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Distribution

Most people understand that as we continue to age, our health typically does not go the route of fine wine. With age comes a higher likelihood of needing more medical treatment. Chronic illnesses like diabetes and the need for long-term care facilities are what faces this demographic. 

The baby boomers were born between 1946-1964. They are a huge part of the American population, an estimated 73 million people are in this age category. It is also noted this age group has a harder time recovering from Covid-19 as well, needing more hospitalizations than any other group. 

In order for the healthcare industry to keep up with the high demand, the trends are typically geared towards technology. Any type of new technology must be approached mindfully and adapted well with the proper introduction for it to be effective.

Some of the current trends in American healthcare for seniors with regard to technology include:

• Telemedicine: When the United States essentially shut down to deal with the pandemic of Covid-19, many doctor’s offices turned to telemedicine to reduce the number of bodies walking through the door. This is a trend that might be here to stay. It is a great option for people who have a hard time getting into the office, especially if they need to be seen for something rather routine that could be done over a video conference.
• Remote Monitoring Devices: From glucose monitors and pacemaker implants to smartwatches, there already are a few remote monitoring devices being used to track your health. This is a trend in technology that will likely only develop further to get a true picture of what goes on in your body, day in and day out. When a doctor can get a true picture of your sleeping habits, eating habits, and heart rate fluctuations, they can provide even more insight into your health. 

Other trends in specifically caring for the elderly population include:

• Increase health care hiring
• Developing desirable residential communities
• Streamlining workflow

Artificial Intelligence Bringing a New Approach to Pharmaceutical Distribution

Pharmaceutical distribution in American healthcare is now seeing a trend in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Currently, there are companies working right now using A.I. to find patients the most suitable drug based on your condition. Companies like Atomwise, Turbine, and Deep Genomics are leading the way. This technology means delivering patients the best medicine in record time and reducing costs all at the same time. 

A Shift in Non-Acute Care

Non-acute care is becoming another important trend in American healthcare. It provides a more convenient and cost-effective way for a patient to receive medical care. Examples include ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient settings, and even in-home medical care. Many health care facilities are already realizing the need to offer both non-acute and traditional hospital settings.

Depending on Data

American health care and pharmaceutical distribution have never depended on data as much as now. Data ensures that emerging trends can be followed to provide high-quality and cost-effective services on the spot. Data is absolutely needed for the safety and security of the global supply chain to function at optimal levels. This was absolutely critical as the whole world became enveloped in the pandemic of Covid-19. 

The transparency and data from the supply chain made the distribution of pharmaceuticals flow well. It is essential that products are not counterfeit and verification of this was done through data and transparency. It is always crucial that the right products, devices, pharmaceuticals, etc. get to the right patients as quickly as possible. 

Final Thoughts

The American healthcare and pharmaceutical distribution industry will likely never be the same after the pandemic of Covid-19. The strain of the baby boomer population also greatly changes the landscape of delivering high quality, yet affordable health care. Through the advancement of technology and understanding what the needs of these populations need, the American health care industry continues to revolutionize the way business is done.