Digital Tools Set to Transform Global Healthcare Access
Global, Thursday, 8 May 2025.
McKinsey & Company’s report outlines how digital and AI tools can significantly enhance healthcare affordability and accessibility worldwide, urging leaders to adopt these technologies more rapidly.
The Generational Shift in Healthcare Delivery
As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with technological transformation, a significant generational shift is reshaping patient expectations. Recent data shows that Gen Z, who will account for 30 billion more in healthcare spending by 2030 compared to 2022, are driving demand for digital healthcare solutions [1]. This demographic is notably more likely to switch healthcare providers, with 77% considering changing doctors in the past two years, significantly higher than older generations [1].
AI Integration and Workforce Evolution
Healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery. As of January 2025, healthcare providers are implementing generative AI solutions to transform business operations, with the potential to automate up to 30% of business activities by 2030 [2]. These technological advances are particularly crucial given the projected nursing shortage of approximately 400,000 by 2030 in the United States alone [3].
Digital Solutions for Healthcare Access
Healthcare providers are adopting comprehensive digital strategies to improve accessibility. Organizations like Genentech are leading this transformation by implementing AI-driven technologies such as Next Best Action (NBA) for predictive insights and utilizing large language models for real-time customer preference analysis [4]. These innovations are particularly significant as healthcare organizations work to address the declining satisfaction rates observed in McKinsey’s consumer surveys from 2023 and 2024 [4].
Financial Impact and Future Outlook
The financial implications of digital transformation in healthcare are substantial. U.S. healthcare systems could save between $400 million and $700 million annually through reduced turnover rates by implementing digital solutions and better support systems [3]. Healthcare organizations that have adopted staffing software and tech-enabled capabilities have already demonstrated impressive results, with some facilities reporting nearly 50% reduction in first-year-nurse turnover and an 8% reduction in overall nurse turnover [3].