10 Major Trends in Healthcare Administration

As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, according to  Dr. Brina Hollis, Director of the College of Health Professions at University of Arkansas Grantham, there is an increasing demand for knowledgeable, skilled administrators who can navigate the complex landscape of healthcare delivery, policy, and finance. Here are 10 major trends in healthcare administration for you to consider.

The UA Grantham fully-online master’s degree program in healthcare administration (MHA), says Dr. Hollis, is “designed to prepare graduates to lead and manage healthcare organizations, and to make a lasting, positive impact on patient outcomes”. This advanced program’s comprehensive curriculum covers topics such as accounting, health services management, healthcare financial management, healthcare strategic management, managerial economics, human resources strategy, management of information systems, and marketing management.

UA Grantham Master's in Healthcare Administration Expectations

So, what should students in this program expect? According to Dr. Hollis, the program provides students the tools to understand current and emerging macro trends in healthcare, and to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these mega-trends:

1. The Growing Role of Technology: Technology is revolutionizing healthcare, from electronic health records (EHRs) to telemedicine. Administrators must understand the implementation and management of these technologies to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
2. Remote Care: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote care, and it is now a permanent fixture in healthcare. Administrators must develop strategies to integrate remote care into traditional healthcare models.
3. Value-Based Care: The shift from fee-for-service to value-based care models is changing how healthcare organizations operate. Administrators must focus on improving patient outcomes while controlling costs, requiring a deep understanding of healthcare economics and policy.
4. Population Health Management: As healthcare shifts towards preventive care, population health management is becoming increasingly important. This approach requires administrators to analyze and manage the health outcomes of specific populations, which involves data analytics and a strong grasp of public health principles.
5. Regulatory compliance: The healthcare industry is heavily regulated, and staying compliant with constantly changing regulations is a significant challenge. Administrators need to be well-versed in healthcare law and policy to ensure their organizations remain compliant.
6. Healthcare Workforce Management: With an aging population, an aging workforce, and a growing demand for healthcare services, there is a critical need for effective workforce management. Administrators must develop strategies to recruit, retain, and manage a diverse and skilled workforce.
7. Patient Experience and Outcomes: Improving patient experience and outcomes is a top priority for healthcare organizations. Administrators must focus on strategies to enhance patient satisfaction, which can involve everything from better communication to improving the physical environment of healthcare facilities.
8. Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of big data and analytics in healthcare is on the rise. Administrators need to be adept at using data to make informed decisions that improve patient care and organizational efficiency.
9. Financial Management: With rising healthcare costs, financial management is more critical than ever. Administrators must develop and implement strategies to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining high standards of care.
10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: As healthcare organizations strive to provide equitable care, there is an increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Administrators play a key role in implementing DEI initiatives to ensure that healthcare services are accessible and fair to all patients.

In recognition of these 10 major trends in healthcare administration, students pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration can expect a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills. In addition to academic coursework, students should be prepared to develop strong leadership and communication skills. Healthcare administrators must be able to lead teams, manage and resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with both medical professionals and patients.

The Challenge of Trends in Healthcare Administration

Finally, students should expect to engage with current trends and challenges in healthcare administration. Whether through research projects or discussions with peers, staying informed about the latest developments in healthcare is crucial for future administrators.

By the end of their program, UA Grantham graduates emerge as dynamic leaders who not only possess a deep understanding of healthcare systems, policies, and management practices but also the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to address the challenges of modern healthcare delivery. Graduates are fully-prepared to assume leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, and government agencies. They will be the ones driving innovation, leading teams with vision and compassion, and making decisions that directly impact the quality of care we receive.