Top 3 healthcare technology trends in 2024

The 2024 GDS Healthcare Summit in Boston was a pivotal forum for industry leaders navigating transformative changes in the healthcare industry, focusing on payer-provider partnerships, human-AI collaboration, and patient care innovation.

Hosted by Tim Cassidy and spanning two days, the summit brought together 63 healthcare leaders, representing 50 unique brands. Packed with insights, senior executives aimed to navigate the trends taking the healthcare industry by storm and paving their paths to a brighter future.

Distilled into this article, are our top 3 healthcare technology trends in 2024.

1. Advancing health equity

The summit highlighted a crucial insight into the US healthcare landscape: while medical care plays a significant role, comprising only 10-20% of health outcomes, its impact pales in comparison to social determinants such as education and income, which account for 80-90%.

Addressing this glaring imbalance necessitates a focus on localized, community-based communication strategies aimed at mitigating social determinants of health and improving access to care. Organizations are increasingly using data to identify and prioritize individuals most in need, directing resources towards strengthening these communities.

As healthcare organizations collaborate more closely with local communities, we can anticipate the emergence of data-driven community health programs aimed at tackling social determinants of health. Through the power of data analytics, these initiatives aim to break down barriers to care and enhance access to resources, ultimately fostering more equitable health outcomes.

2. Tech to fuel payer-provider partnerships

In today's healthcare landscape, investing in innovative technology stands as a cornerstone for fostering robust collaborations between payers and providers. Embracing value-based care models not only strengthens the bond between payers and providers but also drives improved outcomes and the delivery of cost-effective, quality care.

This symbiotic relationship lays the groundwork for healthcare providers to leverage modern technology in deepening patient engagement.

By tailoring care plans, maintaining proactive communication, and implementing remote monitoring, patients are empowered to take greater control of their health journey. This shift towards value-based care models and digital solutions not only enhances patient involvement but also streamlines decision-making processes.

Ramita Tandon , Chief Clinical Trials Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance , aptly encapsulates this evolving paradigm by stating:

“We recognize that we're not the sole provider of care for the patient. It’s going to require an ecosystem of partnerships, and this is why from a retail pharmacy perspective, it is absolutely important for us to think in a more innovative and non-traditional way as we look at partnering with healthcare systems, payers, and others.”

This underscores the critical importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to bridge healthcare divides and ensure comprehensive patient care. 

3. Human and AI collaboration

Despite the growing integration of AI in healthcare, with 86% of providers, life science firms and tech vendors already leveraging its capabilities, adoption remains a challenge. PEW research reveals that while 60% of Americans express discomfort with AI diagnosis and treatment, transparency emerges as a key solution.

Healthcare providers recognize the importance of transparent communication with patients, stressing the role of AI in complementing human expertise to mitigate industry burnout concerns.

Reid F. Conant, MD, FACEP , Chief Medical Information Officer at Nuance Communications , emphasizes this need for responsible AI approaches, stating:

“We need to keep in mind responsible AI approaches and means of metering, measuring, and ensuring the highest degree of accuracy possible.”

Providers will need to prioritize transparency in AI integration, addressing patient concerns and promoting acceptance. Through patient education on AI's role in diagnostics and treatment, trust and transparency can be fostered, ensuring patients feel informed and empowered throughout their healthcare journey.

Stay ahead in 2024

From advancing health equity to fostering innovation through tech partnerships and human-AI collaboration, the healthcare landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Stay ahead in 2024 with our top 3 healthcare technology trends, carefully curated from the GDS Healthcare Summit. Or better yet, join us at our next one.

Beyond the Summit: Healthcare Edition

Immerse yourself in thought-provoking insights, exclusively curated from our latest Healthcare Summit. From key data, such as budgets and project focus areas, to quotes from industry leaders, delve into the summit.