Innovations In Healthcare Management And Delivery: Perspectives From Health Informatics, Administration, Assistance, Public Health And Social Work

Abstract

Healthcare systems worldwide face increasing demands to deliver higher quality care more efficiently amid resource constraints.

This review aims to provide healthcare leaders and researchers with a comprehensive overview of notable advances that can strengthen management and transform delivery through collaborative, cross-disciplinary research.

A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL databases was conducted in April 2022 using search terms related to healthcare innovations in health informatics, administration, assistance, public health, and social work. Additional sources were identified through reference lists. Over 150 relevant papers were reviewed to identify major trends and examples of impactful innovations. 

In health informatics, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are enabling more proactive, personalized care through applications such as automated clinical decision support, virtual nursing assistants, and remote patient monitoring. Virtual assistants and remote monitoring technologies are expanding access to assistance beyond traditional clinical settings. In public health, community health workers and addressing social determinants of health through cross-sector partnerships have demonstrated benefits for population health management. Models integrating health and social services, such as accountable care organizations, patient-centered medical homes, and health hubs, show promise in social work by improving care experiences and outcomes.

Innovations across diverse research fields hold great potential for strengthening healthcare management, transforming delivery approaches, and achieving the Triple Aim of improving patient experience, population health, and costs. However, challenges remain such as data sharing barriers, reimbursement limitations, workforce shortages, and ensuring equitable access.

This literature review highlighted several impactful research advances with applications that could enhance healthcare management and reform delivery systems when combined through coordinated, cross-sector efforts. Ongoing collaborative research across health informatics, administration, assistance, public health, and social work offers a promising path forward to build upon these innovations and address pressing challenges to deliver higher value care for all.

In summary, while opportunities abound, realizing their full promise will require sustained multidisciplinary work across research domains.