With unparalleled connectivity, evolving demographics, impressive growth in patent applications in emerging markets and pharmaceutical demand changes worldwide, there is no doubt that hospital leadership, policymakers, manufacturers, inventors and clinicians need to know what is in the pipeline for 2016 and beyond.

Cost is the biggest health care issue facing most countries in 2015. Pressure to contain costs and demonstrate value is coming from all sides. Political uncertainty, persistent economic stress, and austerity measures in numerous countries are calling into question the sustainability of public health care funding. In addition, questions and concerns exist about the amount of funding needed to better align supply to demand and, in particular, how to fund integration and primary care while meeting increasing demands for acute activity. Also, the high cost of targeted therapies, personalized medicine, genetic-based medicine, medical devices, and other advances continues to add to the health care cost burden along with the impact of waste, fraud, and abuse.

The global health care sector outlook for 2016 is mixed. Treatment advancements and government initiatives to increase access to care should drive sector expansion but pressure to reduce costs is escalating. Growing populations and consumer wealth are increasing demand for health care services but aging societies and chronic diseases are forcing health payers to make difficult decisions on benefit levels. In the midst of this tug-of-war, many historic business models and operating processes will no longer suffice.

Four major trends are anticipated to impact stakeholders along the global health care value chain in 2016: cost, adapting to market forces, transformation and digital innovation, and regulations and compliance.