Will the ACA be repealed under the new administration? How will industry navigate the challenging reimbursement environment? What emerging technologies will impact business models in healthcare? PwC Health Research Institute calls out these and other issues in its annual Top Health Industry Trends for 2017 report.

Last year, PwC’s HRI called out the patient-consumer and security threats as key issues for 2016. READ THE ARTICLE“There is still work to be done to improve the consumer experience and affordability even as a new presidential administration starts to make their mark on the health system,” said Kelly Barnes, PwC US Health Industries leader in a press release. “Our prescription for the industry—double down on more innovation, new collaborations and the shift to value-based care.”

“Value” is the key word: Companies will need to better adapt to the shift to a value-based system, part of which involves finding more effective ways to engage with patients. Emerging technologies that will help companies better demonstrate value include artificial intelligence, virtual reality and 3-D printing.

PwC highlighted its top 10 business issues in healthcare for 2017:

1. Under President-elect Trump’s administration, the future of the ACA is unclear.
2. Pharmaceutical companies have more engagement with patients as they face an increasingly difficult reimbursement and regulatory environment.
3. Taking the “training wheels” off value-based payment.
4. Healthcare systems must modernize secure payment systems so they are low risk and low in complexity.
5. Prepare for the above-mentioned emerging technologies and their impact on business, operations and cybersecurity.
6. The United States and Europe continue to invest in fighting infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance.
7. Health organizations focus on the nutrition of Americans, as unhealthy diet is a driver of healthcare costs.
8. Restrictions on drug prices.
9. Joint ventures, partnerships and other industry collaboration pick up as mergers and acquisitions continue.
10. Medical schools and residency programs to better prepare students for the new healthcare landscape through innovative training programs.