Which technology and healthcare trends will have the most impact on the industry in 2024? In our first M3 Pulse survey of the year, conducted in January, we asked over 5620 healthcare professionals worldwide about their expectations for 2024. See how they ranked these top 10 healthcare trends, from generative AI tools and advanced 3D printing to workforce management and holistic healthcare approaches, in the latest M3 Pulse results.
2023 was marked by global inflation, rising costs, increased unemployment rates, and ongoing political tensions and armed conflicts. Despite these challenges, the year also witnessed several positive developments. It was a record year for the elimination of infectious diseases, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 was no longer classified as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Significant advancements were made in mental health services and in increasing access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, alongside numerous new drug discoveries and medicine developments.*
As we enter 2024, the healthcare industry continues to navigate a variety of challenges and rapid developments. Like in every sector, each advancement introduces new obstacles. Technological innovations, such as telehealth, wearable devices, and generative AI tools, aim to enhance access to healthcare, improve quality, and reduce staff workloads. Yet, they also give rise to digital literacy issues, which could leave some populations underserved, and amplify cybersecurity concerns, as it becomes increasingly difficult to safeguard sensitive information.
Looking ahead, forecasts indicate continued growth in the adoption of digital health technologies, with generative AI-driven tools, virtual hospitals, virtual healthcare assistants, and digital therapeutics expected to lead the way. The fields of personalised and preventative healthcare are prepared for expansion, thanks to advances in genomics, biotechnology, and the industry’s need to reduce future strain on the healthcare system.
An increased focus on holistic mental health approaches is anticipated, recognising its critical impact on overall well-being, with the industry expected to dedicate more resources to mental health services and their integration into primary healthcare. Furthermore, healthcare equality and insurance access are becoming growing concerns within the healthcare sector, with initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in healthcare delivery.
Top 10 Healthcare Trends 2024
With health spending projected to increase by an average of 5.4% annually until 2031*, coupled with a global staffing crisis and a heightened focus on employee satisfaction and compliance, the healthcare industry is ready for change. Below are the top 10 healthcare trends anticipated for 2024.
Advanced 3D Printing
In 2023, advanced 3D printing in healthcare experienced significant growth. The 3D printing in healthcare market is expected to reach USD 5,846.74 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.1% between 2023 and 2030. Advancements include greater customisation and personalisation in medical applications, notably through 3D modelling, scanning, and tissue engineering. These innovations are driving healthcare trends in 2024 towards more precise diagnostics, tailored medical implants, and prosthetics.
AI Drug Development
AI’s role in drug development has been evolving, demonstrating its potential to expedite the drug discovery process through its advanced data analysis capabilities. This progression suggests a shift towards more streamlined and cost-effective methods for developing new medications, with a focus on enhancing the precision of treatments and reducing adverse effects in 2024 and beyond.
Data Privacy and Security
The development of data privacy and security within healthcare is expected to advance in response to the growing integration of digital health technologies. The focus is likely to shift towards more sophisticated cybersecurity strategies and technologies, such as blockchain for secure data transactions and AI-powered threat detection systems, to protect sensitive patient information more effectively. Stronger emphasis on regulatory compliance and staff training will become the norm.
Healthcare Equality and Insurance Access
In 2024, the push towards healthcare equality and improved insurance access is expected to intensify, focusing on reducing disparities in healthcare delivery. Efforts will likely concentrate on leveraging technology to extend healthcare services to underserved areas and populations, ensuring more equitable access to medical care and insurance coverage across diverse communities.
Holistic Mental Health Care
The healthcare trend towards holistic mental health care is anticipated to gain momentum in 2024, emphasising integrated approaches that consider the entire well-being of individuals. The link between mental illnesses and chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes is now recognised as having a strong connection.* This shift is expected to foster broader acceptance of combining traditional mental health treatments with complementary therapies, digital health tools, and lifestyle changes, aiming to provide more comprehensive and personalised care.
Integrating Generative AI
Generative AI’s integration into healthcare has topped the healthcare trend list for the past couple of years and is expected to continue making significant advancements in 2024. By generating novel data and insights, generative AI could help uncover new therapeutic options and optimise healthcare delivery, making care more responsive to individual patient needs. It is forecasted that generative AI tools will enhance areas such as personalised treatment plans, drug discovery, patient care protocols, diagnostics, and clinical decision-making.
IoT Virtual Hospitals
The concept of IoT virtual hospitals is set to evolve further in 2024, with an increased focus on remote patient monitoring and telehealth services. This trend will likely see the development of more integrated, IoT-enabled healthcare ecosystems that allow for real-time patient care and monitoring outside traditional hospital settings, enhancing accessibility and convenience for patients.
Preventative Healthcare
Preventative healthcare is expected to receive heightened emphasis in 2024, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of early detection and lifestyle management in mitigating disease risks. Technologies such as wearable devices and mobile health apps will play a crucial role in monitoring health indicators and promoting healthier lifestyles, aiming to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases.
Virtual Healthcare Assistants
Expanding virtual assistants in healthcare are set to become more sophisticated, leveraging AI to offer personalised patient support, streamline administrative workflows, and assist in clinical decision-making. These technologies will likely enhance patient engagement and operational efficiency, reducing burdens on healthcare professionals and improving the overall quality of care.
Workforce Management
Efficient workforce management will become increasingly critical in 2024 as healthcare organisations strive to address staffing challenges and improve operational efficiency. Innovations in scheduling software, AI for task optimisation, and telecommuting options will likely be key focuses, aiming to enhance staff satisfaction and retention while ensuring high-quality patient care.
Check out last year’s M3 Pulse results to compare the 2023 Top Healthcare Trends with this year’s trend below.
How do Healthcare Professionals Rank 2024 Healthcare Trends? M3 Pulse Results
The latest M3 Pulse results on 2024 healthcare trends showcase what 5620 healthcare professionals worldwide anticipate will be the most and least impactful trends for the coming year. As a healthcare professional, do you agree with this ranking? Please share which three healthcare trends you believe will have the most impact during 2024 in the comments section below.
*Please select your language
/>
M3 Pulse is a one-question online survey we conduct every month with our M3 panel members. It´s a fun and easy way to share your opinions about trending healthcare topics with a global community of healthcare professionals. If you want to participate in this month´s M3 Pulse, register and join the M3 panel today.
The M3 Pulse results indicate 18% of healthcare professionals believe integrating generative AI in healthcare to be the most impactful healthcare trend for 2024. A focus on workforce management is second at 14%, followed by preventative healthcare at 12%, and data privacy and security at 10%. Additional healthcare trends of significance include expanding virtual healthcare assistants (9%), holistic mental health care, advanced 3D printing, and AI drug development, each at 8%. The trends ranked least impactful are healthcare equality and insurance access at 7%, IoT virtual hospitals at 6%, and other trends at 1%.
The healthcare industry is at a pivotal moment, with the potential for significant technological and patient care advancements. However, it must also address ongoing systemic challenges such as rising costs, access to care, and workforce shortages. The industry’s capacity to innovate and adapt new trends will be crucial in shaping the future of healthcare, making it a fascinating area to watch in the coming years.
Generative AI tools, advanced 3D printing, workforce management or holistic healthcare approaches: share your predictions for 2024 healthcare trends in the comment section below and ask a colleague for their thoughts on this topic via social media.
Take Part in Market Research
Take part in the next M3 Pulse and get rewarded when you share your opinions in paid market research studies
You Might Be Interested in:
Market Research in Healthcare: a Gateway to Satisfied Patients
Market research in healthcare is an important component when looking to improve patient experience, patient outcomes, and their overall satisfaction with their treatment.
Find out why.
Paid Medical Surveys for Physicians, M3´s “How To” Guide
Can paid medical surveys for physicians serve as a secondary income stream? The six most commonly asked questions about market research in healthcare
