Implications of the COVID-19 crisis for the health care ecosystem

For nearly two years, we’ve been talking about the future of health; envisioning what health care might look like in 2040, how it might take shape, and the radical changes that would occur between now and then. We specifically highlighted archetypes that would likely form the backbone of this future health care ecosystem. In this vision, rather than treating illness, in most cases, health care should be able to detect and prevent it. Consumers would be in charge and actively focused on sustaining their well-being. 

And while we knew some areas would mature faster than others, we never imagined that treating a novel illness and a global pandemic could so quickly change the course of health care’s future. 

Seemingly overnight, the health care ecosystem and the consumers it serves face an unfamiliar world of remote working, virtual doctor visits, and a supply chain marked by shortages of medical supplies, personnel, and services. And just as rapidly, these areas are transforming to meet the new challenges—deploying technology and security protocols to support a newly virtual workforce; swiftly scaling virtual health services for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients alike; and forming new partnerships to produce and procure desperately needed capabilities, treatments, and supplies.

But perhaps the most significant force for change in health care’s future (beyond the pandemic itself) is consumer behavior. Consumer behavior will guide the reemergence of the sector and rebuilding trust will be a key catalyst for recovery. Grief, uncertainty, and fear will likely drive many consumers to behave very differently in the recovery phase, enhancing a need to focus on meeting consumers where they are and delivering care on their terms. It’s not just about continuing and improving upon virtual care models in the future environment, it’s about reestablishing consumer trust in the system to effectively address the emotions and vulnerabilities that people are feeling as reopening begins to occur. What this could mean for the health care ecosystem is that the decisions and investments organizations make today—in what is clearly a fast-moving and unpredictable situation—will sow the seeds for the next normal. A normal that could shape a health care system that is more accessible, affordable, effective, and better positioned to offer consumers the opportunity to receive quality, equitable care when it’s needed and that focuses on their long-term well-being.

The unprecedented speed and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing health care organizations to address many unexpected and critical challenges at the same time. As quickly as issues emerge, executives and their teams must find ways to address them— whether it be removing barriers in the supply chain, scaling technology to support patients and support virtual workers in innovative ways, or complying with new government mandates along with waiver and relief policies. And while some of the steps that organizations take now may be effective as the crisis evolves, many will need to be reevaluated or revamped, or perhaps abandoned completely. That’s why it’s critical to have a clear picture of where organizations are now, how they got here, and what the last few months in response mode have taught leaders and health care organizations.

Download Deloitte’s full report to explore critical and accelerated issues throughout the health care ecosystem.
 

Innovation starts with insight and seeing challenges in a new way. Amid unprecedented uncertainty and change across the health care industry, stakeholders are looking for new ways to transform the journey of care. Our US Health Care practice helps clients transform uncertainty into possibility and rapid change into lasting progress. Comprehensive audit, advisory, consulting, and tax capabilities can deliver value at every step, from insight to strategy to action. Our people know how to anticipate, collaborate, innovate, and create opportunity from even the unforeseen obstacle.

Learn more at www.deloitte.com/future.