Download Investing in health – economic and social aspects of chronic disease

Workshop 4: Investing in health – economic and social aspects of chronic disease
prevention and management
1. How does the expanding burden of chronic diseases affect the quality of life of
citizens, the competitiveness of economies and the cohesion of societies and what
can the EU do about it?
 There is a collective cost of chronic diseases given the significant burden on society
 There is a hidden cost for families, as people are taken away from the workplace - both
the patients and the carers
 Chronic diseases lead to poverty, social exclusion and inequities in society
 Investing in health is investment in human capital - EU and national strategies are
needed to get people back to work
 Tackling the burden of chronic diseases must be a political priority as currently 80% of
the healthcare spend is on 20% of the population; a healthy workforce is needed for a
competitive economy
2. How can the pressure of the expanding burden of chronic diseases on health
systems be reduced and how can available resources be invested in the most
efficient way?
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To reduce the burden of chronic diseases a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach is
required where there is a clear link between prevention and management of diseases
The patient should be at the centre of disease management programmes – an informed
and educated patient will lead to more cost-effective outcomes and better clinical
outcomes
Research and development into medical technologies and devices is delivering solutions
for improved disease identification, effective monitoring and providing drugs to the patient
at the right time
Disease management may improve outcomes but cost effectiveness is not so clearly
proven
There needs to be balance between quality of healthcare provision and cost reduction
Medical innovations can provide cost effective interventions; vaccine programme at all
stages of life can demonstrate clear direct and indirect economic gains, although it is
important to make the connection between chronic diseases and infectious diseases
The regulatory framework must ensure access to innovation for patients; regulatory
hurdles must be addressed
3. Which prevention measures are the most cost-effective in the short and in the long
term, and how could they be implemented? How should the EU and its Member
States promote their implementation? Which risk factors need to be addresses
more efficiently?
 It is clear that prevention is critical and that it much better than cure or care. It is vital to
get patient out of the hospitals.
 The EU and member states need to fund the uptake of more academic studies in order to
have robust evidence to promote prevention measures.
 Lifestyles and behaviour changes are difficult to tackle. Experience shows that a targeted
approaches are the most effective, addressed at those who are most at risk
 Economic /tax incentives may be useful to change behaviour e.g. in Finland alcohol tax
 Prevention measures should be delivered with no extra cost
4. How do the health and care systems need to change to respond to the ageing
challenge and growing phenomena of frailty and multi-morbidity?
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Work undertaken by the Social Protection Committee have identified the need for
consideration of quality, standards and expenditure
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There must be an integrated health/ social care approach. Patients need should be
involved in the system design and improvement of care delivery, families should also be
supported
There needs to be a proactive response, as we cannot only be reactive to the growing
number of people who are no longer in the work place and employers can also play a
role
5. How to best reach, include and empower all affected, including the most
vulnerable and marginalised people successfully in prevention and care
strategies?
 Importance of a patient focused approach, in particular addressing those with those from
low socio-economic backgrounds.
 An empowered and engaged patient is much more likely to comply with the required
treatment or care
 In addition to health technology applications which provide solutions, the human
approach to provide an integrated care strategy is vital.
6. How could the EU more support Member States’ attempts towards containing the
chronic disease burden? Which EU action and other incentives would provide
most added value - in economic, social and political terms.
o An EU policy on chronic diseases is needed, incorporating a science framework
and funding for research
o The EU should foster an integrated, multidisciplinary approach which is
patient centred for the delivery of cost-effective solutions
o The regulatory framework must allow access to innovation for patients
o The EU can create an effective exchange forum for best practice and
collaboration between member states and stakeholders
o Policies must balance quality with cost control
o Evidence must be provided for outcome oriented policies in order to evaluate
investments in health
o Ministries of education, social affairs and finance should be involved in the
policy-making process given the relevance for economic growth in Europe
o Health should be integrated into all policies in order to ensure an active and
healthy workforce