Health Technology: the digital future of healthcare

The Future Health Index 2021, now in its sixth edition, is the global survey through which Philips analyzes the current and future priorities of Health Technology and healthcare professionals around the world, 3,000 in 14 countries, about 200 in Italy. The research shows how much the Covid-19 crisis has influenced priorities and prospects in the health sector. Preparing to respond to possible future crises is now the main priority for 74% of Italian respondents, who in an even greater percentage (77%) consider the pandemic to be the main obstacle to their ability to prepare for the future: a figure that is clearly higher than the average of the 14 countries examined (68%). Particular attention is paid to digitization processes, especially as regards the acquisition of technologies that make it possible to respond to the urgent needs that emerged during the pandemic. Electronic health records and telemedicine, with 79% and 73% respectively, represent the main investment areas declared by the interviewees. In both cases, the figures are 9 percentage points higher than the global average, and also higher than the European average (74% and 66% respectively). Simona Comandè, General Manager Philips Italy, Israel and Greece, explains: “The Future Health Index 2021 shows us that, despite the impact of the pandemic, it is still possible to look ahead with positivity and determination. Healthcare leaders have experienced firsthand the role that digital technology can play and start from it to plan for the future. Focus on digital and connected solutions, therefore, at the same time redesigning specific skills within healthcare facilities and focusing on strategic partnerships and new value-based models “. Italian healthcare will therefore have a future marked by transformation digital. This is confirmed by the data on Artificial Intelligence: 60% of Italian respondents in fact stated that AI is one of the digital technologies in which to invest now, against a global average of 36% (38% European average), a percentage that rises 63% speaking of predictive health technologies. The importance attributed in Italy to strategic partnerships aimed at successfully implementing digital technologies is also clearly above the global average. 63% of respondents in our country consider this approach a priority, against a percentage – however high – which globally stands at 41% (European 48%). The Philips survey also shows a marked sensitivity to issues such as access to care and sustainability. The Italians interviewed are very careful to be socially responsible operators, a priority for 33% of them (vs 12% global average and 18% European average). A priority is also, for 43% of Italian health leaders, the extension of assistance outside the walls of their hospital, also seen as a tool to break down regional barriers in access to care. Finally, environmental sustainability is a priority aspect for the three years to come. This is supported by 74% of the interviewees, against 64% global and 65% of the European average. Overall, among other things, Italian hospitals and healthcare facilities are well positioned for a sustainable future. Many are participating in the European Renewable Energy Sources (RES) project, which aims to reduce the CO2 emissions of more than 15,000 hospitals in Europe.