Healthcare
How a Futurist Sees Healthcare Being Delivered!
A futurist reveals how emerging technologies and new business models could reshape global healthcare delivery and access
Key takeaways
A futurist reveals how emerging technologies and new business models could reshape global healthcare delivery and access
In a recent episode of the "Healthcare Rethink" podcast by FinThrive, host Brian Urban explored the future of healthcare with Trond Arne Undheim, a leading Futurist and Research scholar in Global Systemic Risk, Innovation, and Policy. Undheim, author of "Health Tech: Rebooting Society Software, Hardware, and Mindset," shared his vision of a healthcare system transformed by emerging technologies and innovative business models.
Undheim's futurist outlook emphasized the revolutionary potential of generative AI and remote patient monitoring to democratize healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions. By leveraging these technologies, healthcare providers can offer remote consultations and continuous monitoring, bridging gaps in care and ensuring that even those in rural or low-income areas receive quality medical attention. This shift improves patient outcomes and addresses longstanding disparities in healthcare access.
By leveraging these technologies, healthcare providers can offer remote consultations and continuous monitoring, bridging gaps in care and ensuring that even those in rural or low-income areas receive quality medical attention.
A significant part of this transformation involves redefining the roles of healthcare professionals. Undheim envisions a future where AI and advanced technologies support and enhance the capabilities of nurses and other healthcare workers, enabling them to take on more significant responsibilities. This evolution could alleviate the burden on doctors, optimize resource use, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery. However, it also requires a thoughtful implementation approach to maintain high care standards.
Undheim argues that a systemic overhaul of the healthcare industry is essential for these technological advancements to reach their full potential. This overhaul includes updating regulatory frameworks, rethinking economic incentives, and fostering a culture of innovation. With such comprehensive reforms, the healthcare sector can stay caught up and fully benefit from the advancements that could transform it into a more effective and equitable system.
A systemic overhaul of the healthcare industry is essential for these technological advancements to reach their full potential.
About the author
Brian Urban has a deep skill set in health promotion and product development for rare disease and senior populations with Large Health Plans and Specialty Pharmacy. Urban has served as a speaker on such topics for the Alzheimer’s Association, Obediah Cole Prostate Cancer Foundation, Cigna Corp and Utica University Institute for the study of integrative healthcare. Urban has received a Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology-Health Promotion, Masters of Business Administration in Market Development and is currently completing a Masters in Public Health at Dartmouth College. Urban is currently a research-fellow sponsored by a Robert Wood Johnson Grant supporting Utica University public health research in Upstate New York.
