Healthcare executives and young professionals in Singapore are collectively embracing digital health technologies to enhance connectivity and sustainability in healthcare, according to the Future Health Index 2023 report by Royal Philips.
The report reveals that Singapore is making significant strides in digital health transformation, aligning with the nation’s Ministry of Health’s projection of a need for up to 24,000 additional allied health professionals and support care staff by 2030 to meet the demands of an ageing population.
In a survey involving 200 healthcare senior executives and young clinicians, 75% indicated current or planned use of digital health technology to counter the growing workforce shortage. Key areas of focus include cloud-based technologies, out-of-hospital solutions, and workflow technologies such as digital health records and patient flow automation.
AI is recognized as a valuable opportunity, with 25% of respondents presently investing in the technology. An impressive 84% have committed to investing in health AI over the next three years, with a preference for AI applications in predicting outcomes and clinical decision support.
Furthermore, AI-enabled institutions are highly regarded among young healthcare professionals seeking employment.
Approximately half of the surveyed healthcare leaders are currently investing in virtual care, acknowledged for its significant impact on enhancing patient care.
As Singapore embraces new technology-enabled distributed models of care, around two-thirds of respondents feel well-equipped to effectively collaborate with these models. Expectations include better work-life balance, improved work satisfaction, increased patient compliance, revenue opportunities, and enhanced efficiency in more convenient locations.
In line with Singapore’s commitment to AI adoption in healthcare, a recent memorandum of understanding was signed between the national health technology agency Synapxe and Microsoft. This collaboration aims to leverage generative AI to enhance clinical productivity and modernize the country’s public healthcare IT.
Additionally, Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research recently launched a joint AI lab with health tech company EVYD Technology. The lab facilitates multi-institutional, cross-border collaborations in digital health, further emphasizing the nation’s dedication to advancing healthcare through innovative technologies.
