How digital tools and preventative action are improving healthcare systems around the world

Non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer were responsible for 75% of deaths globally (not counting COVID deaths) in 2021, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This means these chronic diseases account for a significant portion of spending by healthcare systems that already face increasing pressure due to rising costs and ageing populations.

In the US, the Medicare Advantage star ratings system evaluates health plans based on factors like preventive care, chronic disease management and patient satisfaction. Plans with higher ratings receive increased reimbursements and stronger retention rates, incentivizing quality care.

Adapting this kind of incentivization model globally could help other healthcare systems move from a reactive approach to a more sustainable, patient-centred framework that uses digital tools to prioritize prevention, education and holistic wellness.

Traditional healthcare models tend to focus on treating illnesses after they become severe, rather than preventing them in the first place. This reactive approach leads to inefficiencies and escalating costs. In the US, 90% of healthcare spending is directed toward treating chronic diseases and mental health, but many of these conditions could be better managed or even prevented with earlier intervention. Preventable hospitalizations alone cost $25 billion annually, placing unnecessary strain on healthcare infrastructures.

Engaging patients earlier in their healthcare journeys has been shown to improve outcomes. In the US, for example, Medicare Advantage plans that actively promote engagement see higher medication adherence, lower hospitalizations and improved member retention.

If similar engagement-driven strategies were implemented worldwide, healthcare systems could become more efficient, cost-effective and patient-focused. Customers who are highly satisfied with their plan are 61% more likely to renew their coverage with their health plan and 26 times more likely to recommend it to a friend or colleague.

Medicare Advantage plans with strong preventive care initiatives see 20-25% fewer hospitalizations in the US. Proactive engagement is impacting healthcare outcomes in other countries too. In the UK, National Health Service (NHS) vaccination programmes use convenient locations and promote widely to make vaccines easier to get, with the aim of helping to reduce emergency room visits.

Chronic disease management programmes also demonstrate the effectiveness of patient education. In the UK, diabetes self-management initiatives and education have reduced readmissions. Meanwhile, lifestyle intervention trials in randomized studies have lead to incidences of diabetes falling from 58% to 29% among high-risk populations in Finland, India, China and the US.

Convincing patients to take their medication correctly remains a global challenge, however. Nearly 50% of patients fail to take their medications as prescribed, leading to worsening conditions and higher treatment costs. In the US alone, non-adherence contributes to $300 billion in avoidable healthcare costs every year.

Using digital solutions to provide better patient engagement could dramatically reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improve long-term health outcomes. In Australia, digital patient engagement systems help to coordinate information and reduce wait times, demonstrating that improving access and communication can lead to better patient experiences.

Better health literacy is one of the most effective ways to improve healthcare outcomes. In the US, 36% of adults have basic or below-basic health literacy, while in some countries up to 75% of people have limited health literacy. People are less likely to engage in preventive care or adhere to treatment plans without a solid understanding of their health conditions.

Digital peer-led education programmes are a promising solution, helping older adults navigate healthcare systems, medications and disease prevention strategies. The UK’s Expert Patient Programme, for instance, has reduced doctor visits by up to 44% by giving patients with arthritis the knowledge they need to manage their conditions more effectively.

Preventive care offers one of the highest returns on investment in healthcare. Studies show that for every $1 spent on preventive care for drug-related addictions, $10 is saved from the more than $35 billion spent globally on drug abuse treatment. Implementing more digital education-based incentives for screenings, education and wellness visits could significantly improve early disease detection.

Rwanda is already using community health initiatives to drive change. By prioritizing cervical cancer screening through local engagement, the country aims to increase cervical cancer screening rates to 90%, alongside an ongoing 90% HPV vaccination rate. Such structured, proactive strategies can lead to better health outcomes.

Engagement can also play a vital role in medication adherence. Patients with adequate health literacy and who understand their prescription drug regime are less likely to be emergency room patients. This not only improves individual health outcomes but also reduces overall healthcare costs. The WHO's Medication Without Harm initiative aims to show that structured medication education can reduce prescription errors by 50%, reinforcing the importance of clear communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Rewarding preventive care rather than reactive treatment can significantly lower costs while improving overall population health. Investing in patient education through accessible, digital peer-led learning initiatives can also help those with low health literacy. This ensures that more individuals understand their healthcare options and have access to preventative care initiatives, including chronic disease management, fall prevention programmes, nutrition and more.

New artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives offer resources to help break down complex healthcare information into bite-size instructions that are easier for people to digest. When combined with digital reminders, these resources can help providers implement patient-centred healthcare effectively and at scale.

The future of healthcare depends on proactive engagement, education and prevention. Countries that embrace these strategies and use digital resources could create healthier populations, while reducing costs and boosting patient satisfaction. Ultimately, this will create a healthcare system that is not only more efficient but also more equitable and sustainable for future generations.