The future of health is expected to be driven by an omnipresent, proactive, and integrated system of health and well-being where transformational technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cloud storage, augmented and virtual reality, and so on) are poised to play a huge role. When it comes to medtech, we expect medical devices to meld hardware and software to allow customers to diagnose and perhaps even treat medical conditions at home. And as health care's focus moves toward prevention instead of treatment, the future devices may alert care teams about potential health issues before they become symptomatic through always-on sensors. As medtech companies' business models are likely to change dramatically, they should consider collaborating with technology companies to address the increasingly changing needs and expectations of consumers. To find out what the medtech company of the future will look like (and more), the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions conducted a crowdsourcing simulation with experts across digital health startups, medtech companies, technology companies, health plans, health systems, and research institutions.

As the health ecosystem increasingly focuses on prevention and early detection, medtech companies will likely need to forge relationships with companies from inside and outside the health ecosystem. Beyond devices that treat illnesses and injuries, we expect medtech companies will focus on the entire patient journey--from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis and treatment, to ongoing monitoring for years after an ailment is cured. At AdvaMed's annual conference in Boston yesterday (September 23), my colleague Pedro Arboleda moderated a session on medtech's likely role in the future of health. During the panel discussion, two medtech strategy executives and a health system CEO outlined the role medtech might play in the health ecosystem 10 or 20 years from now. We expect medtech companies will continue to play a significant role in reducing medical costs, optimizing provider performance, and improving patient outcomes.