The healthcare landscape is undergoing a massive transformation, significantly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has become permanent, shaping technology adoption, patient expectations, and digitised workflows. Telemedicine, for example, has revolutionised how care is delivered and managed today, becoming a credible alternative to traditional in-person clinic visits. Since increasing 38-fold from pre-COVID levels, this telemedicine sector continues to grow and is projected to reach a valuation of $455.3 billion by 2030, according to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).
As the industry evolves, healthcare professionals are experiencing a significant shift at their workplace - mostly positive, but not without challenges. While improved processes enhance efficiency and convenience, adapting to these adjustments requires time, training, and strategic leadership.
To better navigate this process, healthcare organisations must go beyond traditional management approaches and embrace new leadership competencies. The future demands leaders who are not only proficient in new technological tools but are also adaptable and innovative managers driving this transformation.
In addition to making executive decisions, these leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that employees transition smoothly into emerging digital healthcare systems. With a multi-generational workforce exhibiting varying skills with technological tools and functions, the leaders must guide their teams on their usage, plan for structured training, and foster a culture that embraces innovation. Ultimately, healthcare leaders need to become skilled facilitators in integrating digital solutions into daily operations, bridging the gap between technology and patient care as the digital future becomes increasingly widespread.
The Digital Imperative in Healthcare's Transformation
From telehealth services to AI-driven diagnostics, digital healthcare is making a remarkable impact on medical care. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these technologies have the potential to strengthen health systems by enhancing service delivery, introducing data-driven decision-making, and optimising resource allocation—an obvious boon for the strained industry.
Digital healthcare technologies have also demonstrated its benefits in patient care by extending accessibility - exemplified in the remote scenarios during the pandemic - and improving their outcomes with better diagnostic accuracy. They have introduced excellent home self-care solutions, such as reminder prompts for patients and ways to alert caretakers at the first sign of an emergency. This heightened connectivity between patient, healthcare professional and tech tools have fundamentally boosted efficiency across medical institutions.
In Singapore, the government has introduced initiatives like the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system, designed to improve patient care coordination through seamless data sharing between healthcare providers for a more holistic picture. Along with the national digital healthcare platform, HealthHub, users can conveniently access their medical records, book appointments, and receive teleconsultations all in one place.
Significant efforts are also directed towards research, with events like the AI in Health Grand Challenge promoting the development of artificial intelligence solutions for the industry, aiming to enhance disease prediction, diagnosis, and treatment.
With the rapid pace of advancements, it underscores the necessity for proficient healthcare leaders to drive its progress. Healthcare professionals who embrace digital transformation will stay ahead of their peers and contribute to resilient, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare systems.
Programmes such as SMU Academy's Graduate Certificate in Digital Health provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry, covering topics from smart solutions, designing relevant strategies, to analytics. Besides methodologies, the course provides practical insights, enabling participants to immediately apply their knowledge in their workplaces.
Building Leadership Competencies for Evolving Healthcare Challenges
As the healthcare landscape evolves, so too must its leaders. One of the key challenges is managing change and staying ahead in structuring successful transitions. This shift is not just about implementing new technologies but also about guiding teams through the developments. For this new era of leadership, new skill sets are essential, transforming teams into ones empowered by change.
A McKinsey report highlights that 70% of digital transformation efforts fail often due to a lack of effective leaderhip. In an interview with their senior partner, Jon Garcia, he pointed to leaders as solutions by being role models for their teams, fostering lasting behavioural change and empowering teams to embrace innovation.
The Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Management & Leadership programme from SMU Academy addresses these requirements by providing healthcare professionals with critical competencies to inspire. These include:
- Healthcare structure and operation - Mapping the organisation from stakeholders to patients to more effectively draft winning strategies and workflows.
- Work culture empowerment - Building change-ready teams and fostering trust with stakeholders.
- Innovation through design thinking – Encouraging creative problem-solving in healthcare operations, procurement and finance.
- Managing change with persuasive communication – Leading teams through technological transitions with effective communication and adopting an appetite for disruptive growth.
As an example, Deloitte estimated that 15% to 28% of a nurse's work consisted of low-value tasks, often due to administrative requirements. By automating these tasks with AI, nurses can focus on more important duties, such as direct patient care. To achieve this, leaders must proactively evaluate these technologies and integrate them seamlessly into the existing workflow, ensuring staff buy-in and planning for proper training. The modules in the course equip leaders with the strategic planning and communication savvy to make this possible.
While daunting, healthcare professionals who invest in leadership development will not only advance their careers but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare and overcoming emerging challenges.
Learning from Global Perspectives: Japan and Taiwan’s Healthcare Innovations
Japan has one of the world’s fastest ageing societies, with one in 10 over 80 years in age, and more than 29% of its population over the age of 65. This demographic shift presents significant challenges, from a shrinking workforce to declining GDP growth. More importantly, it necessitates societal reforms and a healthcare focus to manage the elderly. In response, Japan has responded with innovative digital health solutions and policies to manage this phenomenon. But why does this matter?
Many developed countries, including Singapore, are experiencing a similar trend of a growing elderly population. According to the National Department of Statistics, the percentage of citizens aged 65 and above has steadily grown to 19.9% in 2024, and it is projected to reach about 1 in 4 by 2030. By looking at Japan as an example, Singapore can proactively address and overcome potential challenges. Many of Japan's strategies are already being implemented in local hospitals today.
Much like how Japan has leveraged cloud computing to reduce costs, increase access, and improve service quality, Singapore has similarly adopted it for tasks such as real-time health monitoring. Through SMU Academy's Internationalisation Series: Smart Business and Healthcare - Japan, participants can explore Japan’s use of cloud computing, digital therapeutics, and social robots to enhance elderly care.
Taiwan, another country with striking similarities to Singapore in ageing demographics and chronic disease management, also provides valuable lessons. The Internationalisation Series: Smart Business and Healthcare – Taiwan programme delves into Taiwan’s advancements in smart living, healthcare innovation, and AI-driven solutions for ageing populations.
Shape the Future of Healthcare with SMU Academy
The healthcare revolution demands visionary leaders who can navigate digital transformation and drive organisational success. By investing in professional training, healthcare professionals can advance their careers and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare.
Enrol in SMU Academy’s healthcare programmes today to gain the skills and insights needed to lead in this dynamic landscape. Be part of the change and make a lasting impact on healthcare systems worldwide.
