Columbus, OH– Today, we’re excited to continue the release of our our fifth annual trends series. Our Health Trends report is fueled by clues, examples, stories and big ideas collected by more than 70 trend watchers from around the world.

What’s inside? 2016 will be the year an old debate reignites and simple digital tools fuel an incredible new era of clinical study. The patient journey will be rerouted and the tug of war at the point of care will get much more intense. Caregiving will approach a cliff, healthcare teams will get bigger, and patients will come to the exam room with new expectations. The science of motivation will face a crossroads and you’ll probably lose your Fitbit.

Download the full report for free:


Here’s a quick look at the eight trends we’re following:

#1 Real World Science

We’re at the advent of a new age of clinical study, one that will dramatically amplify the size and scope of research. And, you’re invited to join in.

#2 How Much?

The debate may be an old one, but it’s re-energized and raging in 2016. Patients, payers and providers want to know: are these drugs really worth the cost?

#3 Healthy Getting Healthier

Already motivated to live better? Good, we’ve got more stuff for you. But, what about the people who aren’t motivated yet?

#4 Any Doctor Will Do

In 2016, healthcare is happening everywhere. Consumers are finding healthcare professionals in pods, on iPads, in stores, in living rooms, and more.

#5 Prescribed Prescriptions

Payers, administrators, and patients are ripping decision making away from the point of care.

#6 Team Health      

Consolidation and specialization have created deep benches of professional talent at many practices. For patients, that means a new player, a new face at every visit.

#7 First Visit, Second Opinion

Patients are coming into the practice with strong opinions about what’s wrong and what they need to feel better.

#8 Caregiver Crunch

Millions of people are doing a job they were never trained for: managing the health and wellness of an aging loved one

Our 2016 Trends series includes DigitalHealth, Consumer and Communications coverage. The Consumer and Communications books will publish later this month. Check back here for updates or sign up on the top right of this page to have them delivered to your inbox.

About the Author:

As Managing Director of Innovation and Insights for Syneos Health Communications, Leigh is responsible for building and scaling a global team of healthcare experts who together help life science leaders better understand the complex lives, influences and expectations of their customers. Specifically, they uncover actionable insights that fuel empathy and creativity; lead co-creation events that let marketers learn from peers, trends, and new possibilities; and help clients identify the most valuable and useful new customer experiences to create.

Leigh has worked with Fortune 1000 companies to craft their digital, mobile, social and CRM strategies for nearly 20 years.She’s worked for category-leading agencies in retail, public affairs, B2B technology, and higher education. Prior to moving to Syneos Health Communications, she held several leadership roles at our largest agency, GSW.  There, she founded an innovation practice fueled by the zeitgeist and spearheaded digital and innovation thinking across the business.

Leigh has taken a special interest in complex healthcare products that can change lives in meaningful ways. She was recently a strategic lead on the 3rd largest launch in pharmaceutical history: Tecfidera. Before that she had keys roles with Eli Lilly Oncology, Abbott Nutrition, Amgen Cardiovascular, and Eli Lilly Diabetes.

A critical part of Leigh’s work is trends and new ideas. Every year, she convenes a group of trend watchers from across our global network to identify the shifts most critical to healthcare marketers. This year, she led over 250 experts to experts to focus on the most important changes in the commercial, consumer, marketing, digital and healthcare landscapes. (See reports at trends.health)

Leigh is a sought-after writer and speaker. Recognized as one of the most inspiring people in the pharmaceutical industry by PharmaVoice and Top 10 Innovation Catalysts of 2017 by MM&M, Leigh also was recognized  as a Rising Star by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) for her overt passion, industry thought leadership and significant contributions in new business, strategy and mentoring.