Jacob Kupietzky is President of HealthCare Transformation, a company dedicated to providing hospitals with experienced interim executives.
As we approach the new year, healthcare leaders are looking ahead to how to best steer their organizations, protect themselves from unanticipated events and achieve key metrics in patient experience, staffing, innovation and more.
In an ever-changing industry like healthcare, it can be difficult to know what to expect. Yet lessons from the past can help us glean insights into what, as leaders, our focuses should be as we enter a new year.
Below, I’ve outlined trends I believe will define healthcare leadership in the coming year and beyond.
1. The Continuing Expansion Of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play an increasingly central role across various healthcare functions. It promises transformative improvements in diagnostics, innovations in drug development and streamlined administrative process.
With the right leadership and guidance from chief AI officers and other technology-focused leaders, healthcare institutions can harness AI to optimize operations and improve patient outcomes.
Leaders should be looking at not just all the potential uses of AI, but how these tools are being used—and if they’re being used effectively. While the majority of physicians see the advantages of AI, only 38% are using it. Nurses also report being “cautiously enthusiastic about AI,” with the majority seeing its value but having concerns about how it might impact patient care.
In my view, leaders have an opportunity to focus on appropriate implementation and on promoting understanding and adoption by team members.
2. Optimizing The Hybrid Care Model Experience
The rise of hybrid care models—combining in-person and virtual care—has continued post-Covid, and there’s no sign of slowing down. As we enter cold and flu season, telemedicine will remain a critical access point for patients seeking convenient and timely care.
One critical area I believe healthcare leaders must focus on when navigating various forms of physician/patient interactions is creating seamless patient experiences across these multiple touchpoints. This requires investment in telehealth infrastructure, staff training and data management systems that can help bridge in-person and virtual experiences.
3. Addressing Workforce Challenges And Burnout
Perhaps one of the most pressing issues facing healthcare leaders is the ongoing workforce shortage, particularly in nursing and other essential care roles.
According to a Health Workforce Analysis published by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), there will be a shortage of more than 100,000 physicians by 2026. A similar analysis predicts a shortage of 78,610 full-time registered nurses in 2025.
Healthcare leaders must adopt creative and sustainable strategies to attract and retain talent. The key, in my view, is focusing on employee well-being. Solutions might include offering flexible schedules, providing access to mental health resources and promoting a culture of resiliency.
Additionally, recalling my first point, leveraging technology—such as AI-driven scheduling tools or telehealth support—can help ease the burden on healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus on patient care without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Strengthening Cybersecurity And Data Management Protocols
In an era where cyberattacks are growing in frequency and severity, cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable priority for healthcare leaders. Hospitals today face complex challenges in securing their data, and one doesn’t have to look too hard for the latest data breach—incidents that cause significant revenue loss, operational disruptions and compromised patient care.
The financial and reputational costs of cyberattacks demand a comprehensive approach to digital security. I believe it’s crucial for leaders to assess their cyber insurance policies carefully, ensuring that coverage is adequate to protect against evolving threats.
This includes preparing for cyberattacks in much the same way you would for a natural disaster—investing in steadfast IT infrastructure, conducting regular risk assessments and establishing protocols to respond swiftly when breaches occur.
Looking Ahead: A Call For Adaptive Leadership
As these trends indicate, I believe the future of healthcare leadership will require adaptability, resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement. Leaders must be ready to respond to emerging challenges—and opportunities—while keeping patient care and experience at the forefront.
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