From burnout and inflation to AI-assisted diagnosis as well as precision medical treatments, the world of healthcare is shaped by numerous current trends.
The difficulties faced by the health and healthcare sector are expected to persist in the near future. The immediate issues are a worsening of mental health, shortages of healthcare workers as well as supply chain challenges, environmental challenges, along macroeconomic volatility. The long-term issues include increasing need for medical services, an expanding budget gap, a deficiency of incentives to innovate and a widening gap in health and well-being and inaccessibility to modern therapies.
The challenges they face are vast and interconnected. The need to redesign our healthcare systems to address them is a major global issue.
This is a major issue that is addressed within the Global Economic Forum’s Global Healthcare and Healthcare Strategic Outlook, which lays out “a united idea of how to improve health and healthcare through 2035”.
On World Health Day, 7 April, here are eight recent global trends in healthcare and health that we have to be aware of in our efforts to change the systems of healthcare to be more resilient, sustainable and fair.
Table of Contents
1. Health care spending and investment are on the rise.
Global healthcare spending is believed to have increased by up to 40% between the years 2018 through 2022, and reached 12 trillion dollars. In the same way, the healthcare investment has increased to record levels during the past few years as attention has been focused on areas like gene immunotherapy as well as new mRNA-based vaccines to treat diseases like Zika and malaria.
2. The advancements in science
In addition and investment, we also see advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Biomarkers for precision medicine are increasingly being utilised, as advances in liquid biopsies, for instance, are changing how cancer is diagnosed.
3. Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
The pandemic spurred rapid digitalisation throughout healthcare and other industries. In 2021, the digital investments in healthcare almost tripled to $57 billion, with a particular focus on the telehealth industry and mental health. Tech companies are focusing more on health care, while digital health startups are increasing quickly.
A growing amount of attention is being paid to data- more efficient aggregation and analysis is providing more informed and accurate information, as well as prediction and disease modelling.
Additionally, AI is being used to assist in areas like diagnostics, clinical decision monitoring and treatment and workflow. AI-assisted medical imaging is currently being utilised, and numerous pharmaceutical companies are looking into the possibility of developing drugs using AI.
4. Alternative models of care
We are becoming more aware of the power and importance of health care services that are not in hospitals, at home and in communities. In fact, the increase in the cost of health and home-based care is predicted to surpass the healthcare expenditure in almost all other fields. The money will be utilised to enhance home diagnostics, at-home drug delivery systems, and patient monitoring devices, for instance.
5. Widening inequalities
The pandemic exposed significant gaps in the provision of healthcare, especially on the part of women, children and teenagers. Countries with low and middle incomes were particularly affected by interruptions in access to healthcare essentials. Future healthcare delivery should be focused on closing these gaps and making healthcare accessible and affordable to everyone.
6. Burnout and shortages in healthcare workers
The pandemic took a toll on healthcare professionals and added to the already overworked and stressed workforce. Burnout and mental health issues have increased, which has led to several workers leaving the field and a decrease in the number of applicants. The impact of this continues to be felt, and increasing pressures within the system mean that the issue continues to linger for many.
7. More deterioration in mental health and well-being
Mental health issues are an increasing issue in society as a whole. The system has largely ignored its significance in relation to physical health. However, the resulting demand for help and delay in interventions are exacerbated by the issue. A widespread feeling of insecurity, stress, and loss during lockdowns has caused a lot of distress to individuals.
8. Macroeconomic concerns
The issues being discussed in the world arena also influence the healthcare system. The geopolitical tensions, the escalating prices for energy, rising problems with supply chain management and inflation all contribute to rising costs and strain on our healthcare systems. Environmental concerns, as well as global climate change, are causing various health issues and the rise of certain diseases, while also posing challenges for the sustainability of the sector.
The World Economic Forum sees equity as the basis of healthcare in 2035. ‘World Economic Forum.
Making healthcare transformative to make it a system that is suited to meet the challenges it faces today and in the future requires collaboration and strategic collaboration.
According to the World Economic Forum, as laid out in its report, it has four pillars of the strategic plan that require attention, including equal access and outcomes, healthcare system transformation, innovation and technology and sustainability for the environment.
Together, these pillars could be used to aid in the long-term, systemic change needed to improve health and healthcare throughout the world.
