There are two major dynamics impacting healthcare systems in 2026. Workforce challenges are intensifying and putting real pressure on service delivery. At the same time, technological advances, especially in AI and digital health, are creating practical solutions to these problems.
The workforce retention challenge
Healthcare staffing continues to be the number one issue in the sector. The World Health Organization expects a shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030[1], the biggest challenge being that people already in the system want out.
The massive practical impact is already being felt in many countries. Longer appointment waits, harder access to specialists, more stretched workforces. For some healthcare organisations, higher temporary staffing costs and harder operational decisions about which services to keep running are becoming commonplace.
Technology can help
Technology may not be able to fix workforce shortages on its own, but it is redefining what is possible.
According to Deloitte's 2026 Healthcare Outlook[2], 64% of health system leaders think AI can cut costs by automating workflows. More than half see potential savings from using predictive analytics to deploy staff more effectively, while 49% expect benefits from digital patient engagement and remote monitoring.
AI can already adeptly handle appointment scheduling, patient triaging and routine admin work, tasks that used to take hours of staff time each day. Predictive analytics work out resource needs and spot maintenance issues before they become problems.
Meanwhile, virtual care is moving past basic video consultations. Saudi Arabia's SEHA Virtual Hospital connects 130 facilities and treats 400,000 patients a year, while in the UK, the NHS is planning its own Online Hospital. These digital hubs give local facilities access to specialists anywhere, taking pressure off overstretched teams.
What else is happening in health tech?
AI for early diagnosis keeps improving. More tools are being cleared for clinical use, including breast cancer screening and stroke detection, and this is feeding into a rapidly growing market.
Indeed, the global AI in healthcare market is expected to grow from $39 billion in 2025 to $504 billion by 2032[3], a clear indicator of where investment is flowing.
Drug discovery is speeding up thanks to generative AI, which can simulate how molecules interact much faster than traditional methods. There are also many examples of AI in action on the clinical side, one being around CRISPR gene editing which, combined with AI, is opening up possibilities for treating genetic conditions in ways tailored to individual patients.
Cybersecurity has moved up the priority list as well. Ransomware attacks on hospitals are increasing worldwide, so health systems are putting serious money into cyber tools and security, around 14% of tech budgets for organisations outside the US[4]. The European Commission's EU Cybersecurity Reserve launches in 2026, which shows how seriously data protection is being taken as a patient safety issue.
Making it work
Most health system leaders remain optimistic: over 80% in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK told Deloitte they have positive outlooks.
This optimism needs to be backed up with action. Health systems need to embrace innovation as part of a sustainable business model that actively champions motivated workforces. This means training staff to use AI as a tool rather than seeing it as a threat, and implementing more flexible working arrangements that help people stay in the profession. It also means shifting more care to prevention and community settings where costs are lower.
Through 2026, a key focus will be on the human-tech dynamic and using both together intelligently. This will help to drive better results with the people and resources available.
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