The American Hospital Association (AHA) has published its 2026 Environmental Scan, a tool for hospital and health system leadership to use in planning, according to an announcement by the organization.

The report revealed that the healthcare field is balancing financial strain with rapid transformation. Rising labor and supply costs, Medicare reimbursement that trails inflation, and persistent instability in rural hospitals are pressuring margins — even as nearly half of Americans report difficulty affording care.

Workforce shortages and burnout continue to challenge hospitals, with 40 percent of nurses signaling plans to leave or retire within five years. Yet quality outcomes are improving, and hospitals are accelerating adoption of telehealth, virtual nursing, and AI-powered tools to reduce administrative burden and expand access.

With outpatient care, home-based services, and virtual visits projected to surge by 2035, hospitals are redefining care delivery while serving an aging population with more complex needs.

In the introduction of the report, Rick Pollack, President and CEO, AHA wrote, “At the heart of it all is a steadfast commitment to delivering the highest quality care — care that is safe, compassionate and centered on the needs of every patient. That’s the story we must continue to share — not just to inspire, but also to protect access to care and ensure policymakers and the public understand the vital role hospitals and health systems play in advancing health, supporting families and strengthening our communities.”