The Future Health Index, released by Philips, examines where we stand in the path to improved health outcomes by surveying those directly involved – people and health professionals internationally.  Much of the report focuses on how connected health can deliver the most benefit and where the gaps are that need more effort and investment.  

The major sections of the report describe these current and future challenges: Healthcare systems under strain; professionals shifting the mindset to prevention; putting people at center stage; and the future measures of value.

Findings – Gaps

• Both citizens and healthcare professions have a high degree of trust in their health systems but better integration of those systems would improve this
• Perceptions of access, integration and adoption show gaps in alignment with reality, particularly around integration
• Sustainability of health systems depends on a shift toward prevention
• Connected care is seen as key to prevention but infrequently used
• Consistent incentives for focusing on prevention are lacking

Findings – Solutions

• There is a short term pay-off in using connected care technology in homecare
• People want connected care to enhance--not replace--the human touch in medicine
• There is a need to make data a discipline
• Need to convert skeptical healthcare professions into connected health adopters
• Patient-centered care that empowers patient to more fuller participate in managing their health is key
• The promise of connected care is apparent to the public but health system budgets do not provide adequate support
• The future measures of value will be the success of preventive services, but also making health services more pervasive, such as, continuous follow up of those discharged from hospitals

To read the complete report, go to https://www.futurehealthindex.com/