Blog
Times Have Changed – But Will It Stick After the Global Pandemic?
Author: Shannon Connelly
One of the most positive things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the rapid acceleration of technology. The biggest players in this arena have obviously been video meeting software, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. As companies transitioned to work from home, these tools have become household names among employees, including myself. I had never used Teams before MJH Life Sciences installed it on our computers back in March at the start of COVID-19, and now I don’t think I’ll ever not use it on a day-to-day basis.
The urgency to move toward digital has certainly affected healthcare as well. For one, telemedicine has exploded in a big way. According to research from our fellow Truth Serum Network brand, HRA, while only 8% of HCPs used telehealth services prior to COVID-19, 88% have adopted the practice, and 90% plan to continue using it once the pandemic subsides. While the pandemic didn’t invent digital technology, it has certainly hit the gas pedal on widespread adoption of certain trends.
Another huge change is the pivot to virtual meetings, including heavy hitters like ASCO. I had covered the annual meeting as an editor for Targeted Oncology the past three years, and if you would’ve told me it would ever be able to go virtual, I would have called you crazy. It’s such a substantial meeting, where more than 30,000 professionals come from all over the world to present their research, learn, and network.
The in-person aspect of it seemed so essential; I thought it would need to be held live. The pandemic proved me wrong when the meeting was held virtually this past June, effectively opening access to many more participants than could’ve attended in person.
I’ve personally benefitted from virtual meetings over the past few months as well, as the increased access provided me an opportunity to learn much more. In April, I attended the virtual Eyeforpharma session – a meeting usually held in Philadelphia. It was not initially on my radar, but deciding to attend the three-day conference the night before was not a problem given the virtual format of the meeting. I was able to tune in throughout the day between work meetings and taking notes, which I later shared with my team. This learning opportunity for all of us might not have been so easy if it were held in person as usual.
One of the questions that keeps popping into my mind is if this massive growth of technology will stick once COVID-19 clears. I think being forced to rely so heavily on technology benefits us tremendously. How long would all of this digital growth have taken were it not for this global pandemic? And will we continue to push forward, or will our growth slow, both personally and as an industry, as things go back to “normal?”
The technology-centered influences I’ve seen in myself and in others during COVID-19 have been very encouraging. My mom, for instance, a personal trainer who is notoriously technology illiterate, figured out how to use Zoom to teach exercise classes for her clients throughout the past six months. My friends and I, who had never so much as FaceTimed each other, now have standing weekly Zoom calls to catch up. The Whyse team has a Teams video meeting every morning to go over what we plan to tackle that day. I can’t help but wonder if we will stay this connected once the dust settles, but I really hope that we do.
Sources:
Recent Blogs
Work Out Your Mind
BlogWork Out Your Mind Author: Michelle Leung Behind the development of unique ideas that give voice to my work as a graphic designer lies the creative process. This out-of-the-box thinking can be challenging at times because it’s hard to determine what will...
Improving Health and Wellness in the Time of COVID-19: Working From Home
BlogImproving Health and Wellness in the Time of COVID-19: Working From Home Author: Maria Sydor The arrival of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused changes that for most of us are unprecedented. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now received...
Before you launch InDesign, do this
BlogBefore you launch InDesign, do this Author: Robert Giorgio How many times have you found yourself staring at your InDesign file, wondering what to do next? Many times, designers get excited about their first idea and leap right to the computer. This is...
Helping through understanding
BlogHelping through understanding Author: Marc Reiss In late 2008, I was getting ready to start a new job as a medical copywriter at an agency. New beginnings, new people... everything looking up. Then, my father was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. And when I...
The difference between a ‘boss’ and a ‘leader’
BlogThe difference between a ‘boss’ and a ‘leader’ Author: Marilyn Aquino “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams I’ve learned through experience that there is a big difference...
Did COVID-19 Launch the Workplace Into the Future? | WFH Beyond the Pandemic
BlogDid COVID-19 Launch the Workplace Into the Future? | WFH Beyond the Pandemic Author: Megan Ferguson Among the many lifestyle changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about, the practice of working from home has become a part of the “new normal.” But...
Recent Videos
Inside the Serum
Video2 min of Truth with Frank SaiaRecent VideosRecent Blogs
Storytelling through Motion Design
Video2 min of Truth podcast with Aron BrandRecent VideosRecent Blogs
Seeing through the traditional agency model
VideoSeeing through the traditional agency modelRecent VideosRecent Blogs
Getting to the truth behind human behavior
VideoGetting to the truth behind human behaviorRecent VideosRecent Blogs