Chandaria School of Business

By Paul Katuse

On Tuesday, November 16, Prof. Paul Katuse and his MBA- Global Business Management / Health Leadership & Management class organized a guest lecture on Strategic Foresight: Future Trends in Health. The speaker of the day was Dr. Katindi Sivi of Longview Group and the Principal trainer at Africa Foresight lab and an alumnus of USIU-Africa. According to Ross Dawson’s ranking, she is among Africa’s top six female futurists. Longview Consult and Longview Foundation facilitate futures research, policy analysis, foresight strategies, and training.

Dr. Sivi mentioned that strategic foresight in health involves anticipating and preparing for future trends, challenges, and opportunities that may impact the healthcare industry. While the future is inherently uncertain, several key trends are likely to shape the future of health. Keep in mind that these trends are based on my latest knowledge, and the actual developments may have evolved further. Here are some potential future trends in health:

1. Digital Health Revolution: Continued growth in telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, integration of wearable devices, sensors, and other digital technologies for real-time health monitoring. Increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for diagnostics and personalized treatment plans.
2. Precision Medicine: Advancements in genomics and personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles. Targeted therapies for specific diseases and conditions based on molecular and genetic characteristics.
3. Preventive Healthcare: Greater emphasis on preventive measures and early intervention. Integration of data analytics and predictive modeling to identify at-risk populations and prevent disease outbreaks.
4. Patient Empowerment: Increasing focus on patient-centered care and shared decision-making. Empowering individuals with access to their health data and fostering a more collaborative approach to healthcare
5. Value-Based Care: Shift from fee-for-service to value-based models, focusing on patient outcomes and overall health improvement. Incentivizing healthcare providers to prioritize quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.
6. Mental Health Awareness: Growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being. Increased efforts to reduce stigma, improve access to mental health services, and integrate mental health into primary care.
7. Global Health Security: Improved preparedness for pandemics and global health emergencies. Enhanced international collaboration in surveillance, response, and vaccine distribution.
8. Biotechnology Advances: Breakthroughs in biotechnology, including gene editing and regenerative medicine. Development of innovative therapies and treatments for previously incurable diseases.
9. Environmental Health: Acknowledgment of the impact of environmental factors on health. Efforts to address climate change and reduce environmental risks to public health.
10. Workforce Transformation: Changes in the healthcare workforce, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary teams and new roles. Increased use of automation and AI to augment healthcare professionals' capabilities.

It's important for healthcare organizations, policymakers, and professionals to continually monitor these trends, adapt their strategies, and foster a culture of innovation to navigate the evolving landscape of health and healthcare.