Background: Healthcare systems in Australia and around the world are failing to address the challenges ofthe modern world. Healthcare leaders are calling for radical, transformational change and entirely new systems of care. However it is unclear what a future, sustainable healthcare system would look like.
Methods: A narrative review to examine emerging trends in health and social care was conducted.
Results and conclusions: Six key trends were identified. Collectively, they suggest that future systems are likely to be characterised by increasingly sophisticated technology, but at the same time greater personal and community responsibility for health and well being, innovative use of social capital, and a new approach to ageing and end-of-life care.