Global survey reveals – Rapid AI adoption is reshaping healthcare in South Africa to bridge gaps, but obstacles remain

South Africa’s healthcare leaders are currently facing many obstacles, but their outlook remains positive and proactive.

This was a key finding of the Philips Future Health Index 2024 report, which explored the latest trends and topics impacting the country’s healthcare industry.

• Click here to download the Philips Future Health Index 2024.

This report is informed by responses from almost 3,000 healthcare leaders across 14 countries, including South Africa.

“We see the potential for a future where people everywhere, no matter who they are or where they live, can access the care they need, when they need it,” said Romulen Pillay, Managing Director of Philips Southern Africa, on why Philips places such importance on the annual report.

We detail the key findings of the Philips Future Health Index 2024 report, below.

Bridging staff shortages

One of the concerning findings of the report is that 52% of healthcare leaders said workforce shortages are leading to an increased likelihood of staff leaving their current role.

This is having a major impact on patient care, with over 50% of healthcare leaders saying staff shortages at their organisation have resulted in:

• Less time with patients.
• Reduced availability of treatment options.
• Increased treatment/procedure waiting lists
• Increased waiting list for appointments.
• Use of staff agencies affecting continuity of care.

Healthcare leaders are finding technology helpful in mitigating the impact of staff shortages at their organization.

For example, 99% of healthcare leaders say virtual care has helped lessen the impact of staff shortages at their organization.

Automation is another exciting solution – although it does not yet have the full trust of the sector.

80% of healthcare leaders say staff are sceptical about its use in healthcare, but 100% believe that the use of automation in healthcare will enable clinicians to perform at their highest skill level.”

Bridging data gaps

Healthcare leaders have also identified many ways that data-driven insights can improve their ability to deliver excellent care.

However, 97% reported facing at least one data integration challenge within their organization currently.

Generative AI can solve this by automating data integration and management, and 47% of leaders are already investing in the technology.

A further 37% plan to invest in generative AI within the next year. However, the majority of leaders (91%) say they are concerned about how data bias in AI could exacerbate existing disparities in healthcare outcomes.

Bridging sustainability gaps

88% of healthcare leaders say financial challenges directly impact their organization’s ability to deliver good patient care.

Despite this hurdle, healthcare leaders still consider lowering healthcare’s environmental impact a key priority.

99% of leaders believe lowering the environmental impact of healthcare should be a top priority for healthcare organizations, while 93% say environmental factors play a part in the sourcing or tendering process at their organisation.

Finally, the report highlights that healthcare leaders are continuing to partner with various organisations and sectors.

These include health technology companies, education institutions, industry trade organisations, and governments.

Click here to download the Philips Future Health Index 2024.