Looking Glass: Tech trends shaping the UK health and social care sector

Guest blog by Martin Warden, Delivery Principal at Thoughtworks

The UK health and social care sector is at a pivotal moment. Facing relentless challenges — including tight fiscal constraints, organizational uncertainty, stalled productivity, an elective care backlog, and an aging population with escalating demand for services continuing to strain the system — leaders more than ever are looking to technology to deliver better outcomes for patients, clinicians and communities.

The latest Thoughtworks Looking Glass report identifies technology trends that promise to reshape industries globally, we’ll explore how these big tech trends are likely to play out in the health and social care sector nationally and locally, and the critical role they might serve in supporting the government strategy to shift from hospital to community, analogue to digital and treatment to prevention.

This article serves as a sector-specific guide, highlighting the tech trends most likely to impact the future of UK health and social care, and offering insights into how senior leaders can prepare their organizations to thrive in a world of rapid technological change.

Operationalizing AI to transform care delivery

Strengthening the data value chain

Responsible technology for equitable outcomes

Multimodal interactions for enhanced accessibility

Physical digital convergence for proactive care models

Preparing the NHS for the future of health and social care

Health and Social Care Programme activities

techUK is helping its members navigate the complex space of digital health in the UK to ensure our NHS and social care sector is prepared for the challenges of the future. We help validate new ideas and build impactful strategies, ultimately ensuring that members are market-ready. Visit the programme page here.