Health systems worldwide are under growing pressure to meet the needs of increasingly complex and ageing populations. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed systemic inefficiencies and highlighted the potential of digital health technologies to improve access, coordination and outcomes. Deloitte’s exploration of connected care underscores the importance of a patient-centred, technology-enabled and data-driven ecosystem that supports individuals across their care journeys. Moving from isolated interventions to an integrated, longitudinal approach can transform the quality and sustainability of health delivery. However, this shift demands alignment of policy, investment and innovation across both public and private sectors.
Reimagining Care Through Connectivity
Connected care envisions a continuous and coordinated system in which health and social care services are interlinked, spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term support. Rather than focusing solely on hospital-based or episodic care, it prioritises outcomes across the full spectrum of an individual’s life. This model harnesses digital technologies to bridge silos between healthcare providers, enabling real-time data sharing and collaborative decision-making. Platforms that combine electronic health records, remote monitoring and patient engagement tools form the foundation of this vision.
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Despite progress in adopting these tools, most health systems remain fragmented, with digital solutions often deployed in isolation. Effective connected care requires interoperable systems that allow seamless exchange of information across settings, care levels and time. It also relies on proactive engagement with individuals, empowering them to manage their own health through accessible digital tools. Achieving this transformation entails a cultural shift within organisations and among professionals, placing greater emphasis on integration, coordination and long-term outcomes.
Strategic Investments for Long-Term Value
Transitioning to a connected care model is not merely a technological upgrade but a systemic transformation that demands strategic investment. Rather than measuring return on investment through short-term financial gains, value should be assessed through broader metrics such as improved patient experience, population health, workforce sustainability and system efficiency. For this reason, successful initiatives require alignment between government policies, payment models, provider incentives and innovation strategies.
In countries where integrated care has been advanced, success has often been supported by comprehensive digital infrastructure, public investment and collaboration between sectors. Programmes that support home-based care, digital therapeutics or community health management illustrate the potential benefits of well-orchestrated ecosystems. However, barriers remain, including legacy IT systems, workforce resistance, lack of digital literacy and insufficient alignment between health and social care. To overcome these, health systems must adopt a long-term view, embed digital readiness in workforce development and embrace outcome-based commissioning.
Private sector stakeholders, including life sciences companies and technology firms, play a critical role in this transformation. By contributing expertise in data analytics, artificial intelligence and platform development, they can help co-create solutions that meet the needs of both providers and patients. However, this collaboration must be guided by robust data governance, public trust and shared accountability to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes.
Building the Foundations for Scale
Implementing connected care at scale requires more than successful pilot programmes. Scaling impact across populations and geographies involves building the right policy, regulatory and financial environment. Policymakers must prioritise interoperability, encourage innovation through procurement and reimbursement models, and set clear standards for data privacy and security. National digital health strategies should also support the adoption of shared infrastructure, enabling both public and private entities to contribute to a cohesive system.
At the operational level, healthcare providers must redesign workflows and clinical pathways to reflect a connected care approach. This includes integrating digital tools into routine practice, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and adopting patient-centred models that address social determinants of health. In parallel, training programmes should equip clinicians and staff with the skills and confidence to work in digital-first environments.
Meaningful patient engagement is also essential. Individuals must be supported to use digital services effectively, with considerations for accessibility, language and equity. Addressing the digital divide, particularly for underserved populations, is key to preventing further disparities. Moreover, outcomes should be evaluated not only through clinical metrics but also through user experience, satisfaction and system-level efficiency.
As connected care systems evolve, continuous learning and feedback loops will be vital. Monitoring outcomes, scaling effective models and adapting to emerging needs will help ensure that connected care does not become a static goal but a dynamic process that improves resilience, responsiveness and equity in healthcare.
Connected care represents a pivotal opportunity to reorient health systems towards sustainability, integration and patient-centred value. By leveraging digital technologies, aligning incentives and fostering multisector collaboration, care can be transformed from reactive and fragmented to continuous and coordinated. However, this transformation requires deliberate effort, long-term commitment and a holistic approach that spans policy, practice and people. If successfully implemented, connected care holds the potential to improve health outcomes, enhance system efficiency and build a foundation for resilient and inclusive health services in the future.
Source: Deloitte
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