Philips Future Health Index 2023 global report: healthcare leaders focused on addressing staff shortages, with the support of more AI investments

Rhea-AI Summary

Philips Future Health Index 2023 highlights a growing commitment among healthcare leaders to invest in AI technology and virtual care to alleviate staffing shortages and enhance patient access. Conducted globally among nearly 3,000 healthcare leaders, the report shows that 39% plan to invest in AI for critical decision support, up from 24% in 2021, with cardiology and radiology leading the charge. Additionally, 70% believe that virtual care significantly improves patient care, with 82% of facilities currently or planning to use virtual support in intensive care. The report also emphasizes the importance of partnerships, with one in three leaders seeking collaborations outside their systems to optimize care delivery.

Positive

• 39% of healthcare leaders plan to invest in AI for critical decision support, an increase from 24% in 2021.
• 70% of respondents believe virtual care is crucial for improving patient care.
• 82% of leaders indicate their facilities currently provide or plan to provide virtual support in intensive care.
• One in three leaders are building partnerships beyond their healthcare systems to enhance care.

Negative

• None.

April 18, 2023

• Healthcare leaders are heavily investing in AI or plan to do so for both critical decision support and operational efficiency, helping tackle staff shortages
• Largest global survey of its kind shows healthcare leaders continue to recognize virtual care as key to bringing care closer to patients, wherever they are

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Chicago, USA – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the results of its Future Health Index (FHI) 2023 report: Taking healthcare everywhere. Unveiled at HIMSS23, the eighth annual FHI 2023 global report shows healthcare leaders are increasingly prepared to invest in AI, recognize the opportunity virtual care offers to bring care closer to patients, and acknowledge the importance of building partnerships to improve care.

“Post Covid, demand for healthcare services has increased, but there are fewer healthcare professionals available to serve this growing number of patients. This year’s report shows healthcare leaders are prepared to invest in AI to alleviate this pressure on their workforce,” said Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer and Business Leader of Enterprise Informatics at Philips. “In order to genuinely relieve that burden, it’s essential that new AI capabilities are interoperable and embedded into clinical and operational workflows.”

Tackling staff shortages with digital innovation and automation
Planned investments in AI over the next three years show the biggest increase in critical decision support (39% in 2023, up from 24% in 2021). This was a top choice among cardiology (50%) and radiology (48%) leaders. The percentage of healthcare leaders planning to invest in AI for operational efficiency, including automating documentation, scheduling patients, and performing routine tasks, remained steady at 37%.

Bringing care closer to the patient, expanding access points and convenience
With moving care to new settings a key contributor to reducing staffing pressure, 70% of all respondents say virtual care has had the biggest impact on improving patient care or will in the next three years. The report also shows virtual care is moving into more areas of care, meeting patients where they are. 82% of healthcare leaders say that their facility currently provides intensive or critical care supported virtually (41%) or plans to in the next three years (41%). Virtual care also plays a vital role in attracting and retaining talent, with 44% of younger healthcare professionals indicating new care delivery models that connect different care settings are a top priority when choosing where to work.

Partnering across the healthcare ecosystem to expand the reach of care
One in three (34%) healthcare leaders are building partnerships outside their healthcare system to be able to provide the best possible care. Among their top choices of current partners are diagnostic imaging or screening centers (28%), ambulatory care centers (23%), emergency medical centers (23%), and retailers or pharmacies (22%) – all of which can also help in bringing care closer to the patient.

The FHI 2023 report is based on proprietary research among nearly 3,000 healthcare leaders and younger healthcare professionals conducted in 14 countries. To access the report, visit Future Health Index 2023.

For further information, please contact:

Meredith Amoroso
Philips Global Press Office
Tel.: +1 724-584-8991
E-mail: meredith.amoroso@philips.com


About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2022 sales of EUR 17.8 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachments

• Philips 2023 FHI: Healthcare leaders focused on staff shortages
• Philips 2023 FHI: Healthcare leaders want to step up AI investments
• Download the 2023 Philips Future Health Index Global Report
• Philips FHI 2023 Global Findings: Infographic

FAQ

What does the Philips Future Health Index 2023 report indicate about AI investment?

The report shows that 39% of healthcare leaders are planning to invest in AI for critical decision support, a rise from 24% in 2021.

How important is virtual care according to the FHI 2023 report?

70% of healthcare leaders believe that virtual care has significantly improved patient care or will do so in the next three years.

What percentage of healthcare facilities are using virtual care for intensive care?

82% of healthcare leaders state their facilities currently provide or plan to provide virtual support for intensive care.

Are healthcare leaders forming partnerships according to the Philips report?

Yes, one in three healthcare leaders are establishing partnerships outside their healthcare systems to provide better care.