Top 5 Healthcare Issues in 2015

Here are the top five issues debated on the night.

1) Implementation NOT technological innovation key

Whilst it is clear that technology has the potential to radically transform how healthcare is delivered, there are still challenges around the convergence of healthcare and technology in the new digital landscape. Now that we have the technology, the focus is around implementation rather than further innovation.

The question is how to best adopt and utilise what we already have at our disposal?
2) Power to the people

Central to the engagement of the consumer is the personalisation of healthcare delivery through patient empowerment. Consumer/wearable technologies will enable individuals to take control of their own healthcare, as they will be able to monitor and self-manage existing conditions – interacting with healthcare professionals as appropriate via Skype, smart phones and tablets should become the ‘ new normal’.

3) Information overload

As people become more empowered, information - or more specifically how best to disseminate information to consumers and healthcare professionals alike - is an increasingly critical consideration.

One thing that has never been in short supply within healthcare is information – a trend that has accelerated in recent years through the ever burgeoning availability of data. However, the free availability of information from a wide range of sources creates its own challenges, as patients take an increasingly proactive role in their own self-diagnosis and treatment options.

4) Increased recruitment diversity

Whilst the sector is known for its traditional career paths and emphasis on sector expertise, the drive for innovation and commercial reinvention is helping to drive an increased willingness to recruit leaders from outside of the sector, adding diversity to top teams. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly looking to the world of big data and multi-channel marketing to find and attract leaders with the experience and capabilities to drive genuine transformation – interestingly the opportunity to move into healthcare is often viewed as very attractive to candidates from other sectors.

5) Big Data vs cyber security

The evolution of big data continues apace. IBM recently announced a partnership with Apple, Medtronic and J&J, to connect the data from the Apple Watch to healthcare providers and insurers. IBM is now providing a huge cloud-based and secure database, as well as analytical tools.

In tandem with the big data revolution, cyber security has risen up the priority list. Data security and patient record privacy is critical for patient trust and the relationship between healthcare professionals and their patients. As such, more investment is needed in cyber-security to protect patient information and there is a concurrent need to shift the narrative to ensure consumers understand the potential clinical benefits associated with the effective, yet anonymous, utilisation of the huge repository of data that sits within the NHS and other public health systems worldwide. The media has a critical role to play in this regard.