Human sciences can increase technology acceptance in rehabilitation science: a call for action

According to the World Population Prospects 2022 report by the United Nations, the global population growth is projected to decelerate in the coming decades, potentially reaching its zenith by the close of the century. However, the demographic cohort comprising individuals aged 65 years and above is rapidly expanding and will continue to do so in the ensuing decades. Just until the mid of the 21st century, the share of this demographic is anticipated to surge from 18.7% (in 2022) to 26.9% (in 2050) in Europe and Northern America. This demographic transition impacts the labor market, pension systems, and notably, the healthcare infrastructure.
The repercussions for healthcare systems stem from two primary factors. First, an aging population means increasing prevalence of various disorders and conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, stroke), as well as impairments (e.g., hearing loss) in need of treatment. In fact, a recent, global study estimated that the number of people potentially in need of rehabilitation services already increased by 63% between 1990 and 2019, due to a growing and aging world population. Second, this escalating demand is set to collide with a shortage of healthcare professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) foresees a deficit of 10 million health workers by 2030, impacting nations across all socioeconomic development levels, with a particularly bleak outlook for low- and lower-middle-income countries. Global inequalities already cause significant migration of health care workers from the Global South to the Global North, leaving the health care work force in the originating countries depleted. This confluence of heightened demand combined with a diminishing workforce poses a considerable challenge for healthcare systems (which are already contending with personnel shortages, low wages and high demands in flexibility, responsibility and physical and mental burden). If not prevented, it leads to a reduction in service provision and/or quality, which increases human suffering.

Although the details may vary with respect to countries and regions, it is evident that many societies worldwide will face an aging population combined with a contracting workforce in the forthcoming decades, exerting significant ramifications on the healthcare sector. Consequently, there is an imperative need to formulate and implement mitigation strategies addressing this challenge across various domains, including rehabilitation.