Anticipating 2024

Healthcare Trends Revealed by 5620 Professionals

Georgie McDonald
29 Feb 2024

As we step into 2024, the healthcare industry is poised for transformative changes driven by technological advancements and shifting priorities. In a recent survey conducted by M3 Pulse in January, over 5620 healthcare professionals worldwide shared their insights on the top healthcare trends expected to make waves in 2024. In this article, we present a curated list of these trends, reflecting the opinions of experts from diverse healthcare backgrounds.

Recap of 2023

Before delving into the future, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges and triumphs of the preceding year. Despite global adversities such as inflation, rising costs, and political tensions, 2023 witnessed notable achievements, including the record elimination of infectious diseases and the World Health Organization’s reclassification of COVID-19. Mental health services and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare saw advancements, alongside significant progress in drug discoveries and medicine development.

Top 10 Healthcare Trends 2024

Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the following trends are anticipated to shape the industry in 2024:

Advanced 3D Printing: Building on the substantial growth experienced in 2023, advanced 3D printing in healthcare is projected to reach USD 5,846.74 million by 2030. This trend focuses on customisation and personalisation in medical applications, offering precise diagnostics and tailored medical implants.
AI Drug Development: Artificial Intelligence’s role in drug development continues to evolve, promising streamlined and cost-effective methods for creating new medications. This shift aims to enhance treatment precision and reduce adverse effects in 2024.
Data Privacy and Security: With the increasing integration of digital health technologies, advancements in data privacy and security are crucial. Expectations include sophisticated cybersecurity strategies, blockchain for secure data transactions, and AI-powered threat detection systems.
Healthcare Equality and Insurance Access: In response to growing concerns, 2024 is expected to witness intensified efforts to reduce disparities in healthcare delivery. Technological solutions will be leveraged to extend services to underserved areas and populations.
Holistic Mental Health Care: Recognizing the critical impact on overall well-being, 2024 will see an increased focus on holistic mental health approaches. Resources will be dedicated to integrating mental health services into primary healthcare.
Integrating Generative AI: Building on its prominence in recent years, generative AI’s integration into healthcare is expected to advance significantly in 2024. This technology aims to optimize healthcare delivery, making it more responsive to individual patient needs.
IoT Virtual Hospitals: The concept of IoT virtual hospitals is set to evolve, with a heightened focus on remote patient monitoring and telehealth services, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Preventative Healthcare: Heightened emphasis on preventative healthcare will be driven by a growing awareness of early detection and lifestyle management in mitigating disease risks. Wearable devices and mobile health apps will play crucial roles.
Virtual Healthcare Assistants: Expanding virtual assistants in healthcare will become more sophisticated, leveraging AI to offer personalized patient support, streamline administrative workflows, and assist in clinical decision-making.
Workforce Management: Efficient workforce management will become increasingly critical in 2024, addressing staffing challenges and improving operational efficiency through innovations in scheduling software, AI for task optimisation, and telecommuting options.

The latest M3 Pulse results on 2024 healthcare trends showcase what 5,620 healthcare professionals worldwide anticipate will be the most and least impactful trends for the coming year. The latest M3 Pulse results reveal that 18% of healthcare professionals believe integrating generative AI in healthcare will be the most impactful trend for 2024. Workforce management follows at 14%, with preventative healthcare at 12%. Data privacy and security also garnered attention at 10%. Additional trends of significance include expanding virtual healthcare assistants, holistic mental health care, advanced 3D printing, and AI drug development.

As the healthcare industry stands at a pivotal moment, technological advancements offer unprecedented opportunities for progress. However, addressing systemic challenges such as rising costs and workforce shortages is equally crucial. The industry’s ability to innovate and adapt to these trends will shape the future of healthcare, making it a captivating area to watch in the years to come.