Healthcare is one of the most rapidly-evolving sectors. With demands changing constantly and advances in scientific research and technology, the provision of care today is very different to that of generations of old. This intriguing infographic provides a snapshot of the evolution of healthcare, charting the rise of the outpatient and the decline in hospital admissions.

As the image shows, there has been a decrease in hospital admissions in the US. At the same time, the number of outpatient appointments and services has increased. The focus of construction projects has shifted towards outpatient facilities to cope with rising demand for short stays, urgent care and day cases. While the number of hospital admissions fell by 2% between 2012 and 2013, the number of outpatient observation stays increased by 96% between 2006 and 2013.

Changes in the delivery of care are designed to shorten treatment times and hospital stays, improve patient experience and lower the cost of healthcare. With the introduction of new outpatient facilities, for example, nurse-managed health centers, in addition to ambulatory care services and a focus on new technology, patients are being treated faster than ever, and the healthcare system is more flexible and mobile. Nurses now work in a vast range of settings, including community facilities away from hospitals and emergency departments, and they can take advantage of technology that enables them to be more efficient and to conserve energy. Examples include mobile technology and digital records.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards outpatient care, which has contributed to a decrease in admissions and the provision of care in a more diverse range of settings. With technology advancing every day, this is a trend that looks set to continue.

Infographic Created By click here