Healthcare Equity Struggles

The evolving understanding of healthcare encompasses mental, behavioral, and social determinants of health, leading to a greater focus on healthcare inequity. Urbanization, migration, and climate change are straining healthcare systems, while aging populations benefit from health technology but also contribute to system strain. Effective implementation of health technology requires intentional, long-term planning. Existing systemic issues hinder the effectiveness of current and innovative solutions, particularly in resource-constrained areas.

The Covid-19 Pandemic exposed inequities and shortcomings in regional and global healthcare systems. Prioritizing Western health exacerbates systemic limitations, impacting infrastructure, supply chain, access, and finances. Failing to deliver equitable healthcare globally increases the vulnerability of everyone's health. It is widely recognized that current approaches to healthcare management are inadequate. Reactive strategies and limited preventive measures have proven detrimental. The healthcare system and its components require agility and flexibility to address complex health needs effectively.

Sustainable Health Systems - Visions, Strategies, Critical Uncertainties and Scenarios by World Economic Forum in collaboration with McKinsey & Company interviewed over 200 leaders in healthcare to provide a systemic analysis of the healthcare industry and answer the question: what could health systems look like in 2040? Several of the Drivers of Change identified are: conflict; incidence of chronic disease; health innovation strategy; incidence of infectious disease; and population sanitation. Additional critical uncertainties identified are: attitudes toward solidarity; organization of the health innovation system; and health culture.

The World in 2040: The future of healthcare, mobility, travel and the home by Allianz Partners provides an overview of the megatrends shaping the 21st century. It highlights key factors such as demographic changes, technological advancements, climate change, and shifting economic power. The report explores the implications of these megatrends, one of which is 'multiple revolutions in healthcare', on various aspects of society, including healthcare, mobility, work, and lifestyle.

The Future of Sense-making by Policy Horizons Canada examines the changing landscape of sense-making in an increasingly complex and information-rich world. It discusses the impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, on the way individuals and organizations make sense of information. The report identifies areas of important change in the field and are grouped into categories. Among these one relates back to healthcare - sensing, feeling, and thinking bodies.

A summary of potential cross-cutting missions to address future societal challenges in Norway by RAND is a study commissioned by the Research Council of Norway. The study focuses on strategic areas such as oceans, green transition, health and welfare, cohesion and globalization, and technology and digitalization, aiming to identify priority missions and structural measures to address societal challenges in Norway. For scenarios they considered topics under 'Health and welfare' such as:

• Demand and access to health and welfare services
• Collaboration and interdisciplinarity
• Development and adoption of telemedicine and telecare

Health and Health Care in 2032 by Institute for Alternative Futures presents 4 scenarios for the future of health and healthcare in the year 2032. The scenarios depict potential outcomes such as increased personalization of healthcare, advancements in medical technology, changes in healthcare delivery models, and the impact of societal factors on health outcomes. The report emphasizes the importance of anticipating and preparing for these potential futures to shape a positive trajectory for health and healthcare.

Exploring Europe's capability requirements for 2035 and beyond by RAND for the European Defense Agency aims to address defense and military challenges in Europe over the long-term. It highlights environmental factors that could contribute to unrest and conflict, such as: increased vulnerabilities to pandemic diseases.

Global Foresight 2022 by Atlantic Council examines three scenarios and their implications on global trends and challenges.

• Cold War II, with a twist
• A World Transformed by Climate Shocks
• A Democratic Resistance

The scenarios are shaped by 10 trends, one of which is 'The vaccine miracle - and cautionary message' which discusses how rapid vaccine development prevented higher death tolls and a deeper recession, but unequal access to vaccines remains a tragedy and a risk for future variants; global resilience and equitable distribution are crucial lessons to learn.

The 5th Science and Technology Foresight (2016-2040) by Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning aims to analyze future social demand, establish strategic technology planning, and guide research and development activities. Through the analysis of future social trends and mega trends, the project identifies major issues, derives future technologies, and contributes to science and technology planning and policy formulation. The report identifies a major issue, “faster spreading of infectious disease and appearance of new infectious disease”. As well as exploring a major issue group, 'medical and life', which looks at issues like: increasing demand for high quality medical services; weaponization of vaccines; and expanded range of application of cutting edge biotechnology.

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