As we journey through 2024, the healthcare sector still appears to be in a remedial state. Conversations persist around “digital health” and “mHealth,” rather than embracing the broader concept of “healthcare empowered by the latest technologies” such as mobile, 5G, satellite, data, and AI, among others. However, our optimism remains intact that the increased adoption will seamlessly integrate digital solutions into healthcare systems.
We identified six key trends that merit attention and careful monitoring in the coming year:
- Access to health data is on the verge of significant changes for researchers and companies, whether startups or global businesses. The European Health Data Space is in the final stages of the legislative process, paving the way for a future where accessing health data from various Member States for secondary use, such as research and innovation, becomes a reality.
During our virtual Digital Health Society Summit 2023, examples from Findata and the French Health Data Hub were presented, illustrating both current and future possibilities concerning health data access including the process, timescale and cost. - AI has evolved rapidly in the past year, with advancements in large language models and generative AI, like ChatGPT. While there is always excitement surrounding new technologies, AI in healthcare has been in use for some time, particularly in radiology. Our AI Club recently published a report addressing crucial aspects of AI development in healthcare, alongside the Round Table 7 Report titled “Creating an Atmosphere of Trust and Responsible AI Adoption & Use,” which provides additional insights into the responsible adoption and use of AI in healthcare.
- Collaborations across borders and sectors continue to gain momentum. For a decade, we’ve been advocates for making more connections, breaking down silos within healthcare, and fostering collaboration with other sectors, such as pharma, life sciences, telecommunications, and technology. Last year, 4YFN attracted GSK, indicating their interest in collaborating with technology companies to leverage the benefits of health and other data sources and analytics. New members like GSK, IQVIA, and Intersystems have joined ECHAlliance, driving collaborations on national and international levels across sectors for the benefit of citizens, patients, health systems, and economic growth.
- Women’s Health is taking centre stage. In September, the Global Health Connector event at the United Nations Science Summit featured a panel of women from Africa, India, and the US discussing challenges and solutions to enhance women’s health.
Our Women’s Health Thematic Innovation Ecosystem will be activated this year to advocate for improved healthcare for women globally, with Women’s Health being a key focus at our Digital Health & Wellness Summit in Barcelona on 28 February 2024. - Health Ageing emerges as a significant B2C market. At the UN Science Summit, SAGA, the UK financial services company serving the needs of those over 50, presented intriguing research on the varying attitudes of generations as they age. Up to age 75, most adults feel younger than their actual age, but beyond that, the gap narrows, and activity decreases. SAGA highlights the importance of “full-span” living for a longer, healthier, and more fulfilled older life. Digital tools and solutions play a crucial role in keeping people active, well, and fulfilled, especially in the B2C market.
- Green Health is a growing concern. Few are aware that if healthcare were a country, it would be the fifth-largest polluter, surpassing Japan or Brazil. The environmental impact of healthcare facilities, services, and the supply chain is evolving from an emerging to a trending issue, and it is undoubtedly here to stay. In 2023, we convened three multi-stakeholder high-level panels on the issue, acknowledging the need for guidance, good practices, and success stories at various levels, including countries, regions, hospitals, and companies. This is precisely why the topic of sustainable healthcare will resurface at the Digital Health & Wellness Summit 2024 – to raise awareness and bring together individuals worldwide eager to learn from each other and bridge the existing gaps in intelligence and know-how.
Mark your calendar for 28 February 2024 at the Mobile World Congress for the 11th edition of the Digital Health & Wellness Summit.
