2025 Healthcare Outlook: A Focus on Efficiency, Productivity, and Patient Engagement
Health system leaders worldwide are placing a strong emphasis on efficiency, productivity, and patient engagement in 2025, according to findings from a recent survey by the Deloitte US Center for Health Solutions. The survey, conducted in August and September 2024, polled 121 C-suite executives from healthcare organizations across Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These regions provide valuable insights into the current trends shaping the healthcare industry.
More than 70% of the surveyed executives identified improving operational efficiencies and boosting productivity as key priorities for their organizations this year. This widespread focus underscores a critical inflection point for many health systems that are operating under tight budgets, dealing with persistent staff shortages and clinician burnout, and grappling with the need to adopt new technologies while meeting evolving consumer demands.
Digital Transformation: A Key Driver
One of the most significant trends identified is the acceleration of digital transformation. The survey revealed that health systems are years behind other sectors in adopting digital technologies, making them prime candidates for digital overhauls. Approximately 70% of respondents plan to invest in technology platforms to support digital tools and services. Furthermore, 60% highlighted the importance of investing in core technologies such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Nearly 90% anticipate an acceleration in the use of digital technologies during 2025, with half expecting a significant impact.
- Digital Transformation Impact: The potential for digital transformation to significantly impact organizational strategies is particularly pronounced outside the US. More than half (52%) of the non-US respondents surveyed believe digital transformation will have a substantial impact on their strategies, compared to only 30% of US respondents.
Many healthcare organizations are now incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, predictive analytics, and cloud computing to improve administrative, financial, and clinical efficiencies, along with staff productivity. The majority of executives are either developing use cases or planning to investigate generative AI over the next 12 months. Over 40% of those surveyed have already seen a significant-to-moderate return on investments in generative AI, while 37% are still assessing the impact.
Strategies for Leveraging Digital Technologies
To maximize the benefits of digital technologies, health systems should consider these key strategies:
- Modernize Data and Infrastructure: High-quality data is crucial for digital technologies to reach their full potential, requiring integration of data from various sources across the organization.
- Cloud Migration: Transitioning to the cloud provides greater computing power, data storage, and security, which supports other digital technologies.
- Reinforce Cybersecurity: As digital transformation expands, so does the risk of cyberattacks, making enhanced cybersecurity a top priority for 78% of the survey respondents.
The Challenges of Workforce
Workforce shortages continue to be a critical challenge for health systems worldwide, with over 80% of executives expecting external workforce difficulties in 2025. The World Health Organization projects a shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030. To address these challenges, organizations plan to invest in retention and engagement strategies.
- Employee Well-being: Investment in staff well-being is seen as crucial, with approximately two-thirds of respondents (67%) prioritizing investment in the mental health and general well-being of their employees.
Improving Patient Experience and Engagement
Improving the patient experience is another key area of focus. Many health systems are actively seeking ways to improve the patient experience and meet evolving expectations. Digitization of health data and patient-facing tools are creating opportunities to provide better and more accessible healthcare services.
- Alternative Sites of Care: Health systems are exploring new models, such as virtual health and hospital-at-home programs, to meet patients where they are and deliver care more efficiently.
- Digital Tools for Engagement: Emphasis is placed on using digital tools to support a better patient experience and overall well-being, with 72% of executives planning investments in platforms that support digital tools and services for their patients.. These improvements are intended in hopes of strengthening patient loyalty and offering better care.
Climate and Sustainability
While not a top priority, the impact of climate change on health is being recognized. Extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves and the spread of vector-borne diseases, highlight the need for proactive measures. The global healthcare sector accounts for a significant portion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. However, only 10% of the surveyed executives prioritized sustainability, despite the expectation of a moderate impact on their organizations this year.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2025 healthcare outlook points to a year of significant transformation. By focusing on operational efficiencies, leveraging digital technologies, addressing workforce challenges, and enhancing patient engagement, health systems aim to navigate the complexities of the changing healthcare landscape and meet the evolving needs of their patients and communities.
