Hybrid Healthcare

A hybrid health model that integrates digital and physical care has a broad impact on our healthcare system and beyond. In this chapter, the author will use the Apple Heart Study as an anchor example to analyse the various strategic implications of the hybrid health model. Based on the foundational knowledge and analysis of various technologies from previous chapters, the author aimed at expanding his understanding of the potential impact on various participants in healthcare and society at large. With the continuous development of technologies and the application in health, we will see a range of new combinations of hybrid delivery models. The author will focus on four areas that these innovations could change how we design and deliver care, namely the evolutions in human-machine, human-human, life-heath, and individual-public interfaces. He will also present an integrative framework to help our readers navigate these evolving interfaces of the health system. The unleash of data can be powerful in changing our healthcare landscape and its integration with society. It may present new opportunities to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. At the same time, it may also present threats to our existing system and even introduce new risks, such as privacy and security. Importantly for all players in the health system, from patient to practitioners and from private to public sectors, we need to continuously reflect on our actions and determine our strategic actions on this transformational journey.