Predictions for 2020

In this article I’d like to share my thoughts on some key trends we are likely to be seeing throughout the year.

During 2020 there will be a wider understanding of how digital technology can deliver better health outcomes.

Topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Medical Things, wearables, sensors, robotics, tele-health, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and healthcare apps will continue to be major topics of conversation.

During 2020 there will be a wider understanding of how digital technology can deliver better health outcomes.

The use of Social Media in healthcare will continue to rise throughout 2020.

We will see healthcare organisations implement a range of initiatives for improving disease awareness, promoting education, publishing research results, sharing patient stories through to building collaborative networks – across multiple social channels.

With better data analytics, campaigns will be more tailored, more targeted and more relevant. During 2020 there will also be an increase in private social media groups where people will be building communities of engagement and will be sharing micro-content which is relevant and relatable.

Topics such as privacy, My Health Record, the integrity of interconnected medical devices, and the increased vulnerability of healthcare data to hacking will feature prominently throughout many discussions.

The serious threat of cybersecurity and the overall lack of awareness of the implications to healthcare organisations of breaches will become a major risk-management topic on the agenda of many organisations.

During the year we will be hearing more about Blockchain and its potential to shape the future delivery of healthcare. People will be discussing emerging products and services, built on Blockchain platforms, that have better security; better trackability and traceability; improved supply chain management; and more efficient data management.

The practical applications of Artificial Intelligence will continue to dominate headlines throughout the year – from drug research and discovery; diagnostics (especially radiology, cardiology and dermatology) through to precision medicine and the capacity to construct individualised patient treatment plans.

Success, in 2020, will require upskilling

Success, in 2020, will require upskilling with regards certain competencies, namely: Digital Acumen; Action Orientation and Creativity.

In a world where there is a lot of technology and a lot of data, Digital Acumen is a key skill. Having Digital Acumen means understanding the digital world and having digital know-how. This means having enough knowledge about digital to see and to realise the opportunities. It means understanding that digital is all around us and it’s providing organisations with competitive advantages – now and in the future.

In digital health a lot is happening and it’s happening quickly. So, in this fast moving digital healthcare sector Action Orientation is another key skill.

A key topic of conversation throughout 2020 will be “How do I make sure my team members are always full of energy and able to seize opportunities as they arise?” One approach is to remove any obstacles that may be preventing action – such as perfectionism, procrastination and risk-avoidance.

With perfectionists help them to work with a reasonable amount of information and then to move forward ie it’s better to make smaller decisions quickly rather than no decision. With procrastinators help them to chunk projects into smaller tasks and to commence some tasks immediately. And with risk-avoiders ask them “What could possibly go wrong?”, and then encourage them to start small, achieve small wins and make small mistakes. Then set bolder tasks when larger failures become greater learning opportunities.

Throughout 2020 organisations will be developing many innovative digital products and digital services

Throughout 2020 organisations will be developing many innovative digital products and digital services, and Creativity is a required skill to stimulate innovation. So the question will arise “How can I stimulate creativity in my team?”. It involves allowing people the space to think and be creative; allowing people the time to be immersed in problem solving; encouraging brain storming; encouraging the discussion of different approaches; being open to new ideas and new ways of working; and to encourage critical thinking – asking “What if? How can we? Why is this important?

2020 will be an exciting year,

especially in healthcare.

2020 will be an exciting year, especially in healthcare. It will be a time to be more creative, more action-oriented and more digitally aware. Throughout 2020 we will be hearing about developments that simply didn’t exist a few years ago. And these developments will all involve the application of digital technology to deliver better health outcomes.

For further discussion phone us on:

Sydney (02) 8877 8777

Melbourne (03) 9938 7100

www.hpgconnect.com

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