While there are many blogs highlighting insights from HLTH 2024, no other blog has focused on what it means to the marketing and PR professionals who bring these brands to life. This year’s theme, Be Bold, encouraged attendees to think big, embrace change, and push the boundaries of what healthcare can be.
From cutting-edge technological advancements to fresh approaches in patient-centered care, the event showcased groundbreaking shifts shaping the future of health. Envision Health had an amazing experience engaging with industry trailblazers and gathering insights to help our clients and partners lead in this fast-evolving landscape. Here’s our take on the top trends and takeaways from HLTH 2024 along with key considerations marketing and PR professionals should keep in mind to successfully navigate and promote these innovations.

1. The Rise of Personalized, Predictive Health Care

This year, precision medicine was front and center, with discussions highlighting the transformative potential of predictive health tools. Leaders in genomics and AI-driven diagnostics showcased how AI can be used to identify disease risk and develop personalized care pathways to prevent chronic disease progression, emphasizing data-driven insights to tailor treatments to individual health needs.

From a marketing and PR perspective, this trend underscores the ongoing need to educate and engage patients and providers on these complex innovations. Content strategies that demystify AI in healthcare and highlight practical consumer outcomes will be crucial in the coming years.

2. Strengthening Digital Health Infrastructure

Another key takeaway was the emphasis on improving digital infrastructure to make healthcare more accessible and efficient. Leaders discussed the next wave of digital health platforms, with a focus on interoperability and seamless data exchange between providers, payers, and public health organizations. Secure, scalable solutions that enhance standardized data access and sharing were highlighted, along with new interoperability initiatives designed to improve communication across care networks.

For marketers, promoting tools that enable healthcare entities to integrate data, monitor outcomes, and engage patients digitally is pivotal. The shift towards interoperability will require clear patient messaging on data security and benefits to build trust among both providers and patients.

3. Empowering Patients with Health Literacy

This year’s sessions put an emphasis on health literacy as a foundation for improved patient outcomes. New platforms focused on patient education and engagement aim to simplify complex medical information for patients and involve them more actively in their own health and wellness. Innovations included tools that boost adherence to treatment plans and provide resources to help patients understand their health journeys more effectively.

Healthcare marketing and PR pros can support these efforts by creating accessible, informative content that speaks to diverse patient demographics and the value of these tools to prospective clients. Educating patients on their conditions, treatments, and preventive care options will help bridge the knowledge gap and foster proactive health management.

4. Innovations in Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental health remains a critical topic and HLTH 2024 featured new solutions designed to meet growing demand for accessible mental health care. Digital mental health platforms showcased at the conference emphasize enhancing accessibility through teletherapy and various tools that support behavioral health resources.

Marketing and PR leaders have an opportunity to reshape mental health conversations, focusing on the benefits of these tools for patients and providers and destigmatizing the need for mental health care. Leveraging social proof, testimonials, and stories from real users can make these offerings more relatable and encourage adoption.

5. A Focus on Health Equity and Inclusivity

HLTH 2024 reinforced the importance of equity and inclusivity in healthcare, with a call to action for providers and tech companies to address disparities. Efforts to reduce these disparities focused on targeting underserved populations and making healthcare more inclusive and accessible. Some strategies included integrating social determinants of health data analyses and resources into care models, specifically targeting communities with limited access to quality healthcare.

For healthcare marketing and PR professionals, this movement highlights the importance of creating culturally competent stories and visuals that truly connect with diverse audiences. We see this as a prime example of doing well by doing good. Marketers who authentically champion inclusivity and respect, resonating with underrepresented communities, will stand out and excel beyond the broader market.

Hello Readers,

HLTH 2024 brought a spark of optimism and a roadmap for fresh solutions and innovative perspectives aimed at reshaping the US healthcare system. I’d like to invite you to connect with me personally on LinkedIn, as well as with my partner, Kelley O. Smith, RN, MPH. We’re collaborating with leading visionaries, established vendors, consultants, and innovation hubs, and we’re excited to engage in meaningful conversations about the latest healthcare trends—what’s working, what needs improvement, especially from a marketing and PR standpoint.

Together, let’s envision a better healthcare future!

Best,
Tim