Futurescan 2026:
Health Care Trends and Insights

A concise guide to the trends that will shape care delivery, finance, workforce, risk, and more in the years ahead.

Produced by SHSMD in collaboration with ACHE.

Futurescan 2026 Publication Cover

A trusted planning resource for health care leaders

Futurescan 2026 is the latest in a series of publications for health care leaders, produced by SHSMD in collaboration with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) since 1999. The report is designed to support strategic planning and help hospital and health system leaders prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

In this edition, eight experts share practical insights on the trends shaping the future of health care and what leaders need to prepare for.

Access Futurescan 2026

  • SHSMD members: enjoy a complimentary digital copy.
  • Not a member yet? Join SHSMD to receive Futurescan 2026 and many other benefits.
  • A print version will be available from ACHE (order through ACHE).

Key trends and expert perspectives

Futurescan 2026 highlights eight critical areas that will influence care delivery, finance, workforce, risk and patient experience. Each chapter combines expert insight with real world implications and strategic questions for leaders.

Chapter 1

Global Health Care Comparisons

Tina Freese-Decker, CEO, Spectrum Health

Chapter 2

Access and Disparities

Bill Gassen, President and CEO, Sanford Health

Chapter 3

Health Care Finance and Strategic Planning

Jon Poziemski, Managing Director, Kaufman Hall

Chapter 4

Regulations and Price Transparency

Abigail Abongwa, VP Revenue Cycle, UW Health System

Chapter 5

Leadership Development and Workforce Planning

Olesea Azevedo, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer, AdventHealth

Chapter 6

Pharmacy Management and Policy

Elizabeth Oyekan, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Stanford Health Care

Chapter 7

Retail Health

Chris Schrader, Partner, Oliver Wyman

Chapter 8

Risk Management

Caroline Bell RN, JD, CPHRM, DFASHRM

Grounded in data from the field

The expert perspectives in Futurescan 2026 are informed by a national survey of hospital and health system leaders, offering insights rooted in real world priorities.

Look inside Futurescan 2026

Explore a sample of Futurescan 2026 before you dive into the full report. The preview file includes selected pages that highlight the structure of the publication, key charts and the kinds of questions each chapter poses for senior leaders and strategy teams.

Download Preview Sample

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