1. Accuracy and effectiveness of treatment

Real-time health monitoring conducted remotely and continuously with the use of wearable devices, IoT sensors, and smartphones offers opportunities for gathering crucial data. Doing so could vastly improve reaction times to changes in patients’ conditions and allow for a shift towards preventive treatment.

2. A surge in digital health

Healthcare has often lagged other industries in adopting digital tools, but the pandemic dramatically narrowed the gap.

The sudden shift to digital provided access to care and introduced consumers to a higher level of convenience. For many, there will be no going back. The industry will either deliver enriching online experiences for patients of all ages, or they will find their patients siphoned off by more compelling services.

3. A new focus on agility

Covid-19 hit most institutions like an avalanche, disrupting every aspect of operations.

Traditionally, organizations have prepared for specific incidents – tornados, mass casualties, and the like. The pandemic highlighted the critical value of leadership, capabilities, and culture to adapt to wholesale disruptions of their workforces, supply chains, and even business models. Going forward, planning will be done more holistically, requiring budget, advanced analytics, and personal expertise.

4. Ability to detect and respond to future outbreaks

‘Smart cities’ use digital connectivity and automated data-driven decision process to improve urban living – e.g. better public transport networks and garbage collection.