Appetite for change
The Future Health Index indicates that a large majority (92 percent) of Chinese healthcare professionals believe it is important that the healthcare system in China is integrated. Fortunately, the government has little to do to convince the general public about the benefits of health-related technology. They're already open to its applications and, in many cases, already using connected-care technology to track their own health. For example, the Future Health Index noted that about two-thirds (67 percent) of the general population surveyed say they have used connected-care technology to track health indicators in the past 12 months. What's more, the majority of these users (84 percent) say they have shared information from connected-care technology with a healthcare professional in the past 12 months.
This willingness to engage with connected-care technology will have an important role to play in creating more and better access to healthcare solutions across the whole continuum of health from prevention to diagnosis and treatment to post-acute care.
Conclusion: digital transformation in health
With around $7.5 trillion spent globally each year on health, there is significant potential for digital transformation in the sector, both in terms of creating efficiencies, but also harnessing new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. From advances in connected home and virtual care to data-driven solutions that allow patient health to be monitored more effectively in real time, digital solutions are instrumental in accelerating the shift to value-based healthcare.
There are particularly significant gains to be made in prevention and home care. The move from primarily "inpatient" to "outpatient" settings will not only broaden geographic and demographic access, but will also signal a significant shift in the current healthcare model, freeing up resources.
While there is no denying certain existing structural and cultural barriers that need to be overcome globally – from reimbursement models and financial incentives to regulation, or even some basic concerns around trust – the Chinese government has shown significant commitment to embracing this shift. And, as pockets of activity are already proving, wider adoption of smart, connected technologies will continue to boost affordability and access.
Andy Ho, Chief Executive Officer, Philips Greater China
