■ Healthcare
Continued From Page 20 health benefits managers and found that 60 percent of workers put off routine check-ups and 75 percent found it difficult to practice preventive care during the pandemic . The results have led health plans to work with employers to improve benefit options as a means of combating the tight labor markets and the resignations roiling many businesses , Bowles said .
Sarno said , however , many employees are struggling with the new and greater responsibilities they face regarding their employees ’ health . Many human resources managers and departments strained during the pandemic to provide accurate information and advice to employees .
The pandemic required employers to be immersed in their employees ’ health , fielding questions and posting guidance with continual updates . Sarno explained . The demands created better workplaces in some business , while others muddled through , he said . The experience left him questioning whether business is ready to embrace preventive care .
For the larger self-insured business , Sarno said , data is available to determine the need and calculate whether it makes financial sense . But for small and mid-size companies , the return on investment may not be apparent .
Maron recognized it is difficult for some employers to establish a wellness program because it ’ s an investment in the long-term , when some employees only stay on the job briefly . Sarno said if small businesses do adopt a wellness program it ’ s a “ leap of faith ” done to boost morale or other purposes .
While the employer ’ s role in preventive medicine may still be in dispute , telemedicine is clearly expanding in healthcare . Maron said it is pivotal for the future of the industry . Its popularity is grounded in its convenience . He
A hybrid work environment gives employees the benefit of working at home , but also allows for the social and collaborate options ,
predicted a “ huge role ” for telehealth and explained “ it maintains the connectivity that is critical to help keep people moving along .”
Behavioral health easily adapted to the telehealth platform , according to the speakers . Maron said video calls allowed doctors to make accurate assessments during the pandemic . Reliance on telehealth probably peaked during the height of the pandemic but panelist said its use will expand , especially in behavioral health , because of the ease , convenience and confidentiality it offers . Vizzoni said young and old adapted to telemedicine . “ It ’ s still used consistently ,” he added .
Brenner expects the experiences of the pandemic have also opened the door to “ digital health .” From the comfort of their homes , patients are able to interact on a digital platform , allowing their healthcare providers to monitor their blood sugar or other vital signs . As technology advances , Brenner said there will be greater reliance on digital health .
This article is based on a healthcare roundtable sponsored by CIANJ . For more information on the organization ’ s events go to
cianj . org .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Meeko Media Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / Rawpixel
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / mapodile
Working from home can be a benefit to some , but many people find the isolation difficult .
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