From vertical to horizontal health care: The next-generation medicine

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to establish the newest trends in medical health-care systems. Methods: This is a theoretical reflection about next-generation medicine, which is the first step to begin with an exponential medical health care and break with past models. Results: In the past, the medical health care relied on an evidence-based practice to provide the best treatment options for patients, however, since 2010, a strong economic wave has shaped the perspective into a value-based medicine framework. We are facing new social dynamics and megatrends in our society. The emergence of 4.0 technologies is leading us to a pathway where a next-generation medicine will create an exponential value for the overall health-care ecosystem. Originality: Next-Generation Medicine (NGM) integrates health care into digital ecosystems linked by innovative interfaces, advanced analytics, centric customer models, and digital epidemiology surrounding a new concept of health and disease management. NGM is based on four core capabilities of physicians: creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking added to advanced digital operations that create a systemic risk management. This integration is developed using bidirectional and integrative digital platforms operated by artificial intelligence/Machine Learning (ML) connected to the Internet of things and data collection in the cloud or in the edge computing. It is time for health-care visionaries to set prejudice aside and start contemplating the amazing landscape that next-generation medicine could offer.