Document Type : Review Article

Authors

• Atousa Poursheikhali ¹
• Ali Masoud ²
• Amir Jahanbin ³
• Nader Markazi Moghaddam ⁴
• Mina Ghasemi moghadam ⁵
• Mousa Bamir ¹

¹ Department of Future Studies, Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

² National Center for Health Insurance Research, Tehran, Iran

³ Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Department of Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Shahid Modarres Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁵ Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The evolving character of warfare, technological acceleration, and growing systemic uncertainty are reshaping the landscape of military medicine. Anticipating these transformations requires structured foresight-oriented analysis. This study aims to identify and synthesize future-oriented trends shaping military medicine from an international perspective.
Method: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The synthesis followed Sandelowski and Barroso’s methodological framework. Between May and July 2023, peer-reviewed English-language studies published from 2000 to 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The search strategy was structured using the SPIDER framework. Extracted data were analyzed using inductive thematic meta-synthesis supported by content analysis.
Results: Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The synthesis revealed four overarching domains shaping the future of military medicine: (1) increasing uncertainty, multidimensional complexity, and evolving social dynamics; (2) technological convergence across domains such as robotics, cognitive science, simulation, telemedicine, and digital platforms; (3) expansion into emerging subfields including brain science, autonomous systems, and advanced trauma systems; and (4) strategic and governance-oriented adaptation mechanisms. Short- to medium-term priorities emphasize scalable digital integration and simulation-based preparedness, while advanced human–machine integration and autonomous systems represent longer-term structural transformations.
Conclusion: Future military medicine is evolving into a complex adaptive system driven by technological convergence, distributed models of care, and an expanding operational scope that extends beyond conventional battlefield settings. To remain prepared for future challenges, military health systems should integrate technological innovation with adaptive governance, scenario-based strategic planning, and international collaboration. Embedding foresight methodologies into military health system planning can strengthen resilience and enhance preparedness for both combat and non-combat crises.

Highlights

Atousa Poursheikhali (Scholar)

Ali Masoud(Scholar) 

Amir Jahanbin (Scholar)

 Nader Markazi Moghaddam (Scholar)

 Mina Ghasemi Moghadam (Scholar)

 

Keywords

• Military Medicine
• Military Health Services
• Strategic Planning
• Uncertainty
• Telemedicine
• Cognitive Science

Main Subjects

• Health Sciences