How Self-Care is Revolutionizing Healthcare Access

Impact of Self-Care

During the pandemic, patients understood the importance of self-care in preventing the spread of the virus.  Since then, the realization that self-care can significantly impact health has grown. It has benefits across the board, from patients to pharmacists.

On Patients: It can provide patients with several benefits, such as empowering them with the required knowledge and resources and giving them control over their health, thereby improving their quality of life. Furthermore, self-care options foster a sense of responsibility and confidence in people while managing their health, leading to improved adherence to treatment plans and health outcomes. Additionally, they promote preventive healthcare by identifying and addressing health issues before they escalate. Altogether, the overall estimated timesaving for patients is almost 11,000 hours worldwide.

On Governments: Adoption of self-care strategies can help in decreasing costs, efficiently utilizing resources and services, expanding access and coverage, and reducing the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. In total, the overall cost containment is almost USD 120 billion worldwide.

On Healthcare Professionals: The global shortage of healthcare workers is at a very challenging level. The World Health Organization estimates a shortfall of 10 million workers by 2030 primarily in low and middle-income markets. Adoption of self-care measures can alleviate this pressure, thereby allowing them more time to focus on serious conditions. This also allows them to effectively manage their caseload. Through adopting self-care measures, it is estimated that healthcare professionals could collectively save approximately 1.800 million hours annually worldwide.

On Pharmacists: The rise in self-care has expanded the role of pharmacists, transforming them into front-line healthcare providers in many regions. At least 93% of Americans are living within five miles of a community pharmacy and reported encountering their local pharmacist nearly 12 times more than their primary care provider.  Pharmacists are highly accessible and provide a range of healthcare products, including OTC drugs. They help fill gaps in primary care, providing convenient and affordable healthcare to communities, particularly in underserved areas.  Particularly in remote areas where access to primary care might be limited, pharmacists play a crucial role in self-care by providing essential healthcare products and consultations for minor ailments such as pain relief, common symptoms, and allergies.

It is important to remember that self-care complements, not replace, professional medical advice.

Fostering Integration: Bridging the Gap Between Self-Care and Traditional Healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many healthcare systems battered, with limited resources struggling to meet patient needs. Additionally, it has also exposed the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems, in Southeast Asia in particular. Self-care options can play a critical role in alleviating this pressure and creating a more efficient, patient-centric model.

Self-care empowers individuals to manage their health, reducing reliance on facility-based services. This can be achieved by managing chronic conditions at home or utilizing OTC medications for minor ailments, freeing up valuable time for healthcare professionals. Additionally, self-care education and tools empower patients to proactively monitor their health, identify potential issues early on, and seek timely professional help when needed, ensuring they receive appropriate care while optimizing healthcare worker capacity.

The seamless integration between self-care and traditional healthcare models, spurred by digital innovations, is already a reality today in the form of:

•        Telemedicine: During the pandemic, telemedicine emerged as a safe and preferred alternative for non-severe cases. This technology allows patients to connect with doctors remotely for consultations, prescription refills, and follow-up appointments. This reduces unnecessary in-person visits, freeing up valuable time for healthcare professionals to focus on complex cases.

•        Wearable Health Monitoring Devices: Advancements in technology have given rise to wearable devices that track various health parameters, like heart rate, blood sugar levels, and sleep patterns. This real-time data empowers patients to monitor their health proactively, identify potential issues early on, and share this information with healthcare professionals for better-informed treatment decisions.

•        Medication Adherence Apps: Medication adherence plays a crucial role in managing chronic conditions. Self-care apps can send medication reminders, track adherence patterns, and connect patients with pharmacists for support. This improves medication management, leading to better health outcomes and reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.

•        Online Educational Resources: Self-care education empowers individuals to take charge of their health. Online platforms provide access to reliable information on various health topics, disease management strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices. This empowers patients to make informed decisions about their well-being and collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals.

The evidence-based benefits of these models are already emerging. A study conducted in the Philippines during the pandemic found telemedicine to be a safe and effective alternative for non-severe cases. Three in five people surveyed preferred telemedicine, highlighting its convenience and effectiveness. Telemedicine represents just one example of how self-care can integrate with traditional healthcare delivery. Wearable health monitoring devices, medication adherence apps, and online educational resources are additional tools that empower patients and keep healthcare professionals informed.

The Future of Healthcare

As many markets continue to grapple with a growing population and resource-strapped healthcare systems, self-care is emerging as a transformative force. Self-care can significantly reduce the burden on overwhelmed facilities by empowering individuals to manage their health through self-monitoring, prevention, and responsible use of consumer healthcare products. Imagine a future where chronic conditions are managed effectively at home, minor ailments are treated with readily available OTC medications, and early intervention prevents complications.

This shift towards self-care fosters a collaborative approach to health, with empowered patients and healthcare professionals working together to achieve optimal outcomes. By embracing self-care, there is a significant potential to create a more sustainable, efficient, and empowered healthcare system for all.