2026 Global Health Care Outlook
Health systems are prioritizing revenue, workforce challenges, and care model transformation as AI’s transformative potential remains on the horizon
The 2026 Global Health Care Outlook highlights cautious optimism among health system leaders in developed countries, with an emphasis on navigating financial pressures, workforce shortages, and rising cybersecurity threats. While generative and agentic AI are recognized for their transformative potential, adoption remains limited due to regulatory uncertainty and the need for measurable returns.
Leaders are increasingly shifting care toward preventive and outpatient models, investing in digital and AI tools for productivity and cost reduction, and focusing on strategies to retain and reskill clinical staff. However, the report notes that workforce and productivity challenges top the agenda, and cybersecurity investment is rising to protect sensitive data, as the industry adapts to ongoing market uncertainties.
Key takeaways:
- Financial Pressures: Health systems are prioritizing margin improvement, cost reduction, and strategic growth to address constrained finances.
- Care Model Transformation: There is a significant shift toward preventive and outpatient care, enabled by digital health and AI.
- Workforce Challenges: Attracting, retaining, and reskilling health care workers remain critical due to global staff shortages and burnout.
- AI Adoption: Generative and agentic AI offer promise but scaled use is limited by regulatory concerns and proving ROI.
- Cybersecurity: Heightened investment in cybersecurity is needed as attacks intensify, jeopardizing patient data and operational continuity.
- Regional Differences: Non-US health systems are generally more optimistic, while US leaders remain cautious amid policy and economic uncertainty.
Read the full report here.
