The development of technology is moving forward rapidly and over the next 50 years, healthcare around the world will change, including the increased use of AI and robotics. The trends also show that climate change, famine and disease may affect how the sector will change. A study by researchers at Mälardalen University (MDU) describes what our future healthcare industry could look like.
In the study, the researchers describe significant trends and factors expected to influence the development of health and medical care over the next 50 years. The researchers based their conclusions on interviews with medical experts and extensive experience in the healthcare market.
Research shows that in the short term, over the next 5-10 years, we are expected to see an increase in welfare technology in the industry, with the use of AI and robotics. Telemedicine, which involves remote medical care, is also expected to increase, as is value-based health care, where hospitals are funded based on outcomes.
In the medium term, 10-30 years from now, data-informed personalization in healthcare is expected to increase. This type of medicine uses the patient’s personal data to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. Wearable devices are commonly used to improve the well-being of patients in cardiology, neurology, and diabetes, and are expected to have a significant impact on the development of this type of medical care.
“This type of patient-centered healthcare represents a transition from traditional to more innovative and personal approaches,” says Ignat Kulkov, researcher and postdoctoral researcher at MDU.
In the long term, 30-50 years from now, there will likely be an increase in antibiotic resistance, but also an improvement in available antibiotics. Researchers also believe that technological development and our increased pace of life will lead to more cases of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders, for example.
In the medium and long term, health is also likely to be affected by climate change, which in the worst case scenario could lead to hunger, violence and increased risk of disease. There are also high risks that the most vulnerable and poorest members of society will be most affected by the impacts of climate change.
The ability to adapt and respond to these contingencies will be critical to the future development of the healthcare industry.”
Ignat Kulkov
Increased resilience contributes to development
The study also highlights that an increased focus on sustainability can contribute positively to the development of the healthcare industry. Sustainable medicine with reduced carbon emissions and increased use of recyclable materials in the healthcare environment is expected to become increasingly important and provide a competitive advantage. This can encourage innovation, improve resources and have a positive impact on development, believes Ignat Kulkov.
“We believe it is vital for the healthcare industry and society to understand where healthcare is headed and its trends and prospects.” Society needs to recognize and more accurately anticipate the opportunities and resources needed to implement new approaches to providing medical care. We believe that the industry, the main stakeholders, such as doctors, patients and politicians, as well as supplier companies, insurance companies and universities, will create a demand for these results. The research can serve as a basis for creating a more adaptive and sustainable health and medical system for the future,” says Ignat Kulkov.
Major trends and factors
The significant trends and factors expected to influence the development of health and medical care over the next 50 years, according to the researchers, are:
- Wellbeing technology will impact the industry in the short term with the use of AI, robotics and telemedicine.
- More effective treatments through patient-centered and personalized care will have an impact in the short and medium term.
- Climate change, unforeseen factors and global threats such as pandemics and wars are factors that can have an impact in the medium and long term.
- A greater focus on sustainability, with more environmentally friendly methods and less impact on the climate, is a crucial development factor.
source:
Mälardalen University (Mälardalen University)