The future healthcare?

Abstract

Background Healthcare systems in Australia and around the world are failing to address the challenges of the modern world. Healthcare leaders are calling for radical, transformational change and entirely new systems of care. However it is unclear what a future, sustainable healthcare system would look like. Methods A narrative review to examine emerging trends in health and social care was conducted. Results and Conclusions Six key trends were identified. Collectively, they suggest that future systems are likely to be characterised by increasingly sophisticated technology, but at the same time greater personal and community responsibility for health and well being, innovative use of social capital, and a new approach to ageing and end-of-life care. What is known about the topic? Health care systems in Australia and around the world are failing to address the key health challenges of modern society. There are calls for radical, transformational change of our health care systems; however it is unclear what a future, sustainable system would look like. What does this paper add? In this narrative review, we identify and examine six key emerging trends in health and social care. Collectively, these trends suggest that future systems are likely to be characterised by increasingly sophisticated technology; but at the same time greater personal and community responsibility for health and well-being, innovative use of social capital, and a new approach to ageing and end-of-life-care. What are the implications for practitioners? It is becoming increasingly clear that radical change is necessary and there are emerging examples of novel and creative initiatives across many areas of practice. Practitioners need to be engaged in, contributing to and in some cases, leading, this transition to a new health and social care system.