< Back to the full 2026 report on Top Risks Healthcare under pressure: mastering risk to unlock new growth 6 min read 2026 Executive Perspectives on Top Risks and OpportunitiesHealthcare organizations are operating in an environment defined by rapid technological acceleration, rising cost pressures and shifting patient and member expectations. Protiviti’s global survey of 1,540, cross-industry board members and C-suite leaders reveals how healthcare executives are navigating this volatility — balancing cyber threats, regulatory uncertainty and talent shortages while pursuing growth through AI adoption, modernized core systems and stronger operational resilience. The findings show an industry confronting immediate risk whilst moving decisively toward digital transformation and more connected models of care. Read the full report to understand where your peers are prioritizing investment, how AI is reshaping strategy and which actions organizations are taking now to build resilience and growth.Download the 2026 healthcare insights14-minute readWatch the 2026 webinar60-minutes, on-demand Where healthcare leaders see the greatest growth opportunities over the next two to three yearsAs organizations navigate shifting market dynamics and increasing cost pressures, executives across the healthcare ecosystem are prioritizing strategies that strengthen financial performance while improving operational efficiency 76 % Revenue potential 60 % Ecosystem development 58 % Geographic expansion Based on a five-point scale assessing agreement/disagreement. Percentages reflect sum of "Agree completely" and "Agree somewhat" responses. Our webinar series Discover how leading executives are turning today’s top risks—AI, cybersecurity, and talent—into tomorrow’s growth. Join us for actionable insights to help your organization outpace uncertainty and seize new opportunities. Register now Explore featured solutions and industries Pro Digital Hightech Artificial Intelligence (AI) We help organizations reach the possible with AI that’s innovative, controlled, and accountable, focusing on delivering business outcomes, supporting you through change, and building trust through responsible, expert-led implementation. Technology We help organizations modernize with purpose to maximize ROI and drive enterprise impact, transforming technology with speed, accuracy & focused-outcomes. Pro cloud Cybersecurity We help healthcare leaders align cyber initiatives with core business objectives to drive growth, build trust, and ensure resilience focusing on protecting your revenue, reputation and customer trust. Pro Document Stack Digital Transformation We help payer and provider leaders uncover emerging technology risks and opportunities and effectively respond to the need for consistent innovation through training, ideation workshops, prototyping, Customer Experience (CX) initiatives, and implementation. Pro Document Consent Healthcare At Protiviti, we know healthcare. Our global reach continues to expand at a rapid pace as we serve leading healthcare organizations amid accelerating change. We know industry changes that are imminent and their drivers. Pharma & Life Sciences In today’s rapidly evolving environment, a trusted advisor — who not only provides relevant insights but delivers a combination of strategic vision, proven expertise and practical experience — can enhance the value of your business. Get more Top Risks insights Discover our full catalog of insight briefs for additional research findings and expert commentary related to the 2026 report on Top Risks. Insights by industry Insights by organizational role Insights by industry Aerospace & Defense Energy & Utilities Financial Services Manufacturing & Distribution Private Equity Technology, Media & Telecommunications Insights by organizational role Finance Teams Information Security Teams Internal Audit Teams Operations Teams Technology & Data Teams FAQs + EXPAND ALL How are healthcare leaders approaching modernizing core systems while managing rising risk? + Healthcare executives report that 76% see revenue growth, 60% see ecosystem development and 58% see geographic expansion as key opportunities, all of which require stronger digital foundations and modernized core systems to realize. At the same time, cyber threats rank as the top global risk, and organizations emphasize the need to integrate AI into existing technologies while strengthening data governance, interoperability and cybersecurity exposure controls. Protiviti helps organizations modernize legacy environments, manage technical debt and build more resilient technology platforms that support secure, scalable transformation. What are the most significant AI challenges healthcare executives expect to face, and how are they preparing for them? + Healthcare leaders identify data and cybersecurity risks (41%), integrating AI with legacy technologies and business processes (38%), and preparing the workforce to use AI responsibly (33%) as their most pressing challenges. These issues reflect the difficulty of modernizing fragmented systems, ensuring governance over rapidly evolving AI tools and maintaining human oversight as automation expands. Protiviti helps organizations strengthen data foundations, build responsible AI governance frameworks and modernize core systems so AI can deliver safe, measurable and sustainable value. Which risks are most urgent for healthcare organizations in the next few years? + Cyber threats rank as the number-one short-term risk, followed by regulatory uncertainty, third-party vulnerabilities and workforce shortages across both clinical and non-clinical roles. These pressures heighten operational fragility and require improved oversight of vendors, data, security and labor planning. Protiviti supports organizations in strengthening resilience, enhancing cyber readiness and improving risk visibility throughout the enterprise. Where are healthcare organizations planning to focus their investments to protect margins and improve performance? + The survey shows the top investment areas as business process improvements (42%), cybersecurity (38%) and customer experience (31%). Leaders are prioritizing workflow modernization, digital tools, virtual care, automation and stronger identity frameworks to drive efficiency and reduce risk. Protiviti helps organizations advance modernization, streamline operations and strengthen security to support these priorities. What long-term challenges are expected to shape healthcare strategy over the next decade? + Executives anticipate major long-term challenges in customer expectations and competition (48%), AI deployments (45%) and security and privacy (37%). With technology reshaping care delivery, organizations must modernize to stay competitive and maintain trust. Protiviti provides insights and capabilities that help leaders plan for sustained transformation, future-ready operating models and continued security maturity. Connect with us Richard Williams Richard is a founding member and Protiviti’s Global Healthcare Practice Leader. He has extensive experience providing operational, financial, and regulatory consulting and internal audit services to the healthcare industry. In addition to leading numerous business ... 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