Better prevention is the future of healthcare

Healthcare professionals have long been bound by a single goal – to restore the sick back to good health. Yet, with the steady integration of digital health technologies, healthcare expertise and resources are increasingly being channelled towards a broader imperative: to assist healthier lifestyles and timely interventions that prevent people from getting ill.  

We are entering a fascinating time where patients and care workers are using digital tools, services and big data insights to transform the way healthcare and personal health is organized and accessed. Telehealth services, remote patient monitoring, and advanced home care, connected in the cloud, are rewriting the norms of traditionally “reactive” sick care.

With demographic changes and chronic disease pushing health systems to the limit, there are good reasons to be upbeat about prevention strategies that prioritize improved experiences – and more efficient ways of working – in lower cost settings. 

In fact, prevention is a key theme in the 2017 Future Health Index (FHI) report – an extensive international study that investigates the challenges health systems are facing across 19 countries and five continents as they transition to digitally-integrated healthcare models.

Given that 45% of patients with chronic conditions now account for 86% of healthcare spend[1], one healthcare expert interviewed told us:

“With lifestyle choices being a major contributor to chronic conditions, a more holistic focus on prevention has the potential to positively impact the demand being placed on services and, ultimately, total healthcare spend.”

It’s a view I strongly agree with.

Be it the option of a “virtual” appointment with your family doctor; a smart watch that tracks and shares vital signs with a remote care team; or an online platform for family members to help manage the blood-sugar levels of a diabetic child or elderly parent – at the current rate of innovation, the opportunities are enormous!  

However, the report reveals that whilst care providers and general public recognize the potential of connected technologies, too few people are engaging digital tools and services effectively to enact a meaningful shift towards prevention.

Here is some of what the report uncovers:

It remains my clear view that, whilst prevention is high on the healthcare agenda (when supported by clinical evidence) there remains a clear need to empower healthcare professionals to apply and recommend connected technologies to their patients.

This means we must share and normalize conversations around patient data as part of a healthy partnership between care professionals and the public. We must also better educate healthcare consumers to take a more proactive role in managing their health.

The education, change management and system design necessary to fulfil our potential will not happen overnight. But I am convinced that with the help of smart tools and technology, an increased focus on prevention is undeniably the future for a healthier, more productive and sustainable outlook.

Check out this video for more on the FHI.

[1] CDC 2010 report: