With the increased access to data and insights that digital technologies bring, people will now be able to take control of their health like never before. Already, we are seeing markets like Singapore moving towards a model of self-accountability when it comes to preventative healthcare for an aging population.
On the other hand, for markets like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Indonesia, getting access to quality healthcare can often be challenging, in comparison to more developed markets in the region. Therein lies an opportunity for healthcare providers to extend the abovementioned continuum of care and go “beyond the pill”.
Such models of patient-centered healthcare, where healthcare practitioners aim to empower patients to manage their health while optimizing care beyond the primary institution, can range from remote monitoring devices to nurse educator programs.
The latter aims to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and patients. For example, patients who require long-term injectable medication are inclined to have lower adherence rates due to the fear of having to self-inject. The nurse educator program teaches the patient to self-inject, giving them the confidence to do this by themselves and ultimately improving adherence rates.
Centering healthcare services around the patient will ultimately improve outcomes for both patients and the healthcare ecosystem. As we step further into 2023, we expect more providers and patients to embrace “beyond the pill” services.