Many of those operating in the healthcare sector are exploring how to deliver better health outcomes while managing evolving consumer needs, behaviours and treatments, along with the significant shifts required to the system. These changes cover all aspects of the ecosystem and operating models, providing a significant challenge for the entire healthcare industry.

In this report, we explore key innovation trends and predictions in healthcare, particularly:

• The rise of prevention and outcome based healthcare models – placing consumers firmly in control of their own health and wellness.
• Advances in connected devices, including sensors, wearables and implantables that enable consumers and clinicians to pro-actively track and manage health, anywhere, anytime, and from any device. 
• Innovation in medical treatment – ranging from virtual reality training for rare surgeries, bio-printing synthetic organs, and early steps on the path to making aging a treatable condition. 
• The falling costs of genome-sequencing, coupled with advances in data science unlocking unprecedented levels of insight and precision medicine. 
• Advances in artificial intelligence, medical robotics and autonomous vehicles paving the way for hybrid healthcare workforces. 
• A renewed understanding of how physical, spatial and digital environment design can improve patient healing, recovery time and the patient experience.

Facing this level of change is daunting. The role of leadership in embracing these shifts and influencing change is critical.

Based on our analysis of changing demographics, consumer behaviour, market competition, and technology driven innovation in healthcare; we have outlined the impact over time; considering changes to consumers, healthcare professionals and public and private sector organisations.

There is no single route to success. In section three of the report we have outlined a series of practical recommendations across vision and strategy, organisation and culture, patient experience, physical environment, process and operations, data and analytics, and technology domains.

We believe the future of healthcare will be centred on people. Take a look at our virtual reality experience to see how emerging technologies could help transform the way we interact in an increasingly connected world.

In our vision of this future, our patient Anna is not feeling well. In our 360 degree YouTube video, we explore how she interacts in a connected world with her AI assistant EVA to monitor, understand, and pro-actively manage her health.

To arrange viewing the experience in true virtual reality at KPMG, please contact innovationlab@kpmg.com.au.