All healthcare services largely depend on their management systems for their smooth functioning. Health and social care management is a constantly evolving field due to growth in the healthcare industry.
According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, the job outlook for healthcare management is expected to increase by 32% in this decade (2020-2030).
Some of the reasons for this rapid growth are the increased demand for healthcare services and the raising awareness about health. The recent pandemic situation has contributed further to this cause. Here are three more reasons for the projected employment growth for healthcare managers:
1. Increase in Elderly Population and Chronic Conditions
9.31% of the world’s population was 65 years of age or older in 2020. In 2010, it was 7.5% of the population. A census report by the UN says that the number of elderly people will double by 2050. This increase means an increased demand for health and social care managersi.
Chronic diseases are also at an all-time high. According to the CDC, 6 out of 10 adults have a chronic illness and 4 out of 10 have two or more chronic illnesses.
This data predicts the changes needed in the current healthcare system. Healthcare managers can help facilitate doctors to provide such long-term care more competently.
2. Medical Advancement and Increased Awareness
There is an increasing shift towards healthier living specifically among the younger population. They are making better food choices and being more proactive about seeking medical help.
The rates of elective surgeries are also increasing including many preventive and cosmetic surgeries.ii This implies that more people are visiting the doctor. Thus, the increasing strain on already overloaded healthcare systems is leading to an increase in the requirement for health and social care managers.
Digitalization is also posing new challenges. Hospitals and social care settings need management professionals specially trained in IT and its application in the healthcare system.
3. Cultural Shift in the Industry
Economical shifts are creating an ever-growing middle class.iii This means a rise in the demand for affordable and high-quality healthcare. Patients now have more liberty to choose and shop for medical care, much like they do in other service sectors.
The increase in consumerism in medicine can also be attributed to this growth in health and social care management.iv
Out-of-pocket costs for patients have increased over the years. More value for money and a good overall experience are now priorities for both patients and healthcare businesses. Patients are now more knowledgeable and prefer to be kept in the loop and be more involved in decisions about their well-being.v All this requires managers who have expertise in health or social care.
Summary
Patient behaviors have often been the driving force behind many changes in healthcare. This industry’s future depends on its smooth and competent management – from patient satisfaction to bridging the communication gap between doctors and patients.
You can prepare for this changing landscape by acquiring SNATIKA's UK Masters in Health and Social Care Management. It can be a worthy investment for those who want to boost their careers and become qualified for high-ranking positions.
i https://www.un.org/development/desa/pd/sites/www.un.org.development.desa.pd/files/files/documents/2020/Sep/un_pop_2020_pf_ageing_10_key_messages.pdf
ii https://watermark.silverchair.com/35.supplement_2.1.pdf
iii https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2021/03/18/the-pandemic-stalls-growth-in-the-global-middle-class-pushes-poverty-up-sharply/
iv https://patientengagementhit.com/news/healthcare-consumerism-patient-empowerment-top-industry-trends
v https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6502860/