In 2024, the use of patient portals saw a significant increase, with 34% of individuals becoming frequent users compared to just 15% in 2019, indicating a shift towards greater patient engagement in health management. Data from the U.S. Health and Human Services shows that 77% of individuals were offered online access to their health information, attributed to the Cures Act's mandate for secure APIs. This trend empowers patients to make informed health decisions, enhancing the role of healthcare technology in patient-provider interactions. Healthcare professionals must adapt to this growing demand for digital access and engagement tools to better meet patient needs.

Patient Portal Usage Surges in 2024: Empowering Self-Managed Health Healthcare IT News

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has implemented a new policy mandating that all research it funds must be publicly accessible immediately upon publication, a move that accelerates efforts to promote open access to taxpayer-funded research. This policy change, initially set for December, reflects a push by the Trump administration to reassess the traditional subscription model of scientific publishing, which often restricts access to paying subscribers. Such a shift may significantly impact healthcare professionals, as it aims to reduce the financial barriers to accessing vital research findings, ultimately fostering a more informed and equitable landscape in health-related fields. The initiative has garnered support from the Department of Health and Human Services, which highlights its potential to provide better value for public investment in research.

NIH Mandates Immediate Open Access for All Funded Research Axios

Hackensack Meridian Health is expanding its "hospital at home" program to Ocean University Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center, following the successful treatment of over 1,000 patients. This initiative aims to transform healthcare delivery by providing hospital-level care in the comfort of patients' homes, particularly benefiting those reluctant to seek traditional hospital treatment. By collaborating with Medically Home, the program employs advanced technology and telehealth to enhance access and improve clinical outcomes. The health system's long-term goal is to implement this model across all 18 of its hospitals, which could significantly change patient care dynamics in the region.

Hackensack Meridian Expands Hospital at Home to Improve Patient Care Statewide Becker's Hospital Review

Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, the first full-service hospital in Washington, D.C. in over 25 years, has faced significant challenges since its opening, including staffing shortages and a surge in emergency department traffic. The facility, designed to handle about 100 emergency patients daily, has seen numbers exceeding 200, with a majority of cases suitable for urgent care. This influx is driven by a growing population and the community's historical lack of specialty care, highlighting urgent needs for improved access to primary and urgent care services. The situation underscores the importance for healthcare technology solutions to assist in managing patient flows and enhancing care coordination in overwhelmed facilities.

New Hospital Struggles with Staffing Shortages Amid Emergency Patient Surge Beckers Hospital Review