Hospitals and health systems are entering 2026 with a mandate to operationalize digital transformation, improve workflow performance, and strengthen resilience across people, processes, and technology. Industry leaders stress that real-time data visibility, intelligent automation, and integrated care models will be key enablers for reducing administrative burden, improving care transitions, and stabilizing margins amid regulatory and workforce pressures. Many executives also underscore that adopting AI and other advanced tools must be paired with measurable outcomes and seamless workflow integration to truly impact patient care and organizational performance.
In this article, Chief Healthcare Executive asks healthcare leaders offer their projections on the opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. Avalon CEO Bill Kerr captured this practical imperative for 2026:
“The future of healthcare innovation will depend on how well we bring clinical precision and operational insight together. It’s not just about chasing the next diagnostic or digital tool—it’s about creating systems that turn data into better decisions for patients and for the organizations that serve them. Efficiency and equity should move forward together; that’s what real healthcare leadership looks like.” This perspective aligns with the broader industry view that meaningful progress in healthcare will come from harmonizing data, execution, and outcomes—not technology adoption alone.
– Dr. Bill Kerr, MD, MBA, CEO, Avalon Healthcare Solutions
