What's Happening?
Vizient, a leading healthcare performance improvement company, has released its 2026 Impact of Change forecast, projecting a 20% growth in outpatient care and a 7% increase in inpatient care. This forecast highlights a shift in healthcare delivery, driven
by factors such as an aging population, rising chronic disease prevalence, and the migration of care to ambulatory settings. The report indicates that home health volumes are expected to rise by 13% over the next five years, as more services move beyond traditional hospital settings. Additionally, the forecast anticipates a 6% increase in adult emergency department visits over the next decade due to contracting insurance coverage and delayed preventive care. The report also notes the impact of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and virtual health, on healthcare planning and delivery.
Why It's Important?
The forecast by Vizient underscores a significant transformation in the U.S. healthcare system, with implications for capacity planning, workforce strategy, and care coordination. As outpatient services grow, healthcare providers must adapt to new challenges in delivering care outside traditional hospital environments. The shift towards ambulatory care and the integration of digital health solutions reflect broader trends in healthcare aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency. This transformation could lead to cost savings and better health outcomes, but also requires healthcare systems to invest in data-driven planning and advanced analytics to meet future demand. The projected growth in outpatient care also highlights the need for healthcare providers to address workforce shortages and policy pressures that may arise from these changes.
What's Next?
Healthcare organizations are expected to continue adapting to these changes by investing in technology and data analytics to enhance care delivery. The forecast suggests that one in five evaluation and management visits will occur remotely by 2036, indicating a continued expansion of virtual care models. As the demand for outpatient services grows, healthcare providers may need to re-evaluate their infrastructure and workforce strategies to accommodate the shift. Additionally, the rise in chronic disease prevalence and an aging population will likely drive further demand for post-acute and community-based care, necessitating strategic planning to ensure adequate resources and support are available.
