SOCIETAL CHALLENGES Society and healthcare are changing increasingly rapidly. We are continually adapting our strategic course to reflect relevant new developments. Here are a few of the most important societal challenges: COMPOSITION OF POPULATION The proportion of older people in the population and average life expectancy are increasing. As a result, there is a rise in the number of people with age-related illnesses, chronic conditions, comorbidity, and social problems such as loneliness. There is greater diversity among older people as regards level of education and income. The role and the position of patients are changing, as they participate ever more in the care process and have greater autonomy and more choices. NETWORK MEDICINE Network medicine is essential for dealing with healthcare issues that go beyond individual institutions and disciplines, and to prevent fragmentation of care. This requires good coordination between healthcare providers and the social domain. University medical centres are undergoing major development as regional academic drivers of healthcare and prevention. This encourages an integrated approach, which is necessary to make the healthcare system sustainable. The borders between the public and private spheres are blurring, so that social and economic valorisation in cooperation with partners is a driving force behind innovation. EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY Efficiency of care is important, based on the principle of the right care in the right place, provided by the right professional at the right time. The emphasis is on an individual’s ability to adapt and to take control, and patients are called upon to exercise self-management. Healthcare providers work with their patients on promoting and maintaining quality of life. In addition, a sustainable healthcare system requires us to limit our ecological and social footprint. TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITALISATION This is a time of major technological breakthroughs. Robots are in use and regenerative medicine enables us to develop therapies for tissues and organs that do not function properly by harnessing the body’s regenerating capacity. Gene technology is continuing to make progress, which means that particular care needs to be taken regarding risks and ethical questions. Data-driven technology opens up the possibility of customised healthcare, self-care and remote care. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to change healthcare provision. LABOUR MARKET The above-mentioned changes are affecting the labour market. The ageing population makes it more difficult to find suitable staff. The complexity of care and digitalisation require changes in deployment and different competences. Technological developments are creating new professions and can provide solutions in the event of labour shortages. NO. OF PEOPLE AGED 65+ 2015: 3.1 million 2040: 4.8 million +55% NO. OF PEOPLE AGED 90+ 2015: 117,000 2040: 340,000 +191% NO. OF PEOPLE AGED 65+ LIVING ALONE 2015: 920,000 2040: 1.73 million +88% NO. OF PEOPLE AGED 50-64 PER PERSON AGED 85+ (POSSIBLE INFORMAL CARERS) 2015: 10 / 2040: 4 -60% REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF LONG-TERM ILLNESSES One or more long-term illnesses or conditions 2016 per Municipal Health Service region, adults aged 19+ Percentage 31,0 - 32,4 32,4 - 33,9 33,9 - 35,6 35,6 - 38,7 Source: www.rivm.nl 13 Healthy Living 2025
Visiedocument_Healthy_Living_2025
To see the actual publication please follow the link above