The Dynamic Healthcare EnvironmentIts Impact on the Future

Dr Ambrose McLoughlinSecretary General31st October 2012

Patient-Centred Healthcare

Patient Profile

• Patients are living longer• Managed chronic diseases – the “Artificially

Well” patient• Co-morbidities

• Cardiac• Respiratory• Endocrine

The Healthcare Professional• Challenges of the dynamic healthcare environment to today’s healthcare professional

• Changed skillsets for healthcare professionals• Competent practice of their professions• Maintenance of competence • Relationships with patients

The Evidence Base• Modern Healthcare

• Evidence based• Cost effective• Outcomes focussed

• Patient’s environment• Home Care• Self Care• Shared Care• Ambulatory Care• Day Care• 5 Day Care

The TechnologyElectronic Patient Records

• Records follow the patient (digital/chip technology)• Remote patient monitoring• ICT/Smart technologies enable the

care environment― BP monitoring― Clinical & Phlebotomy results

• Access to accurate and current patient records will increase the scope of Health Professionals to add value to patient care

The Technology Patient Self-Monitoring• Patient monitors his/her own condition• Patient takes responsibility• Practitioner and Patient have

access to the relevant information•Smoking cessation•Substance abuse•Obesity•Mental health

• Synchronised messages between patient and practitioner

• “Close the Feedback Loop”

Potential Impact on the Patient• Empowered patient• More active in their own

healthcare

• Healthcare is driven and directed by the patient – demand led patient care

Patient-Centred Healthcare

Economic Analysis

Health Economics

• Cost analysis models• Metrics• Cost of inputs is assessed• Consider the stage of the technology & the

learning curve effect• Mature technologies: cost and skill mix adjustments• Development & growth phase technologies:

opportunities for efficiencies

Patient-Centred Healthcare

Economic Analysis

Patient Protection

Patient Protection – The Role of the Regulator• Protection of patients in a changing

healthcare environment is critical to ensure successful patient outcomes

• Competent Practitioners• Clinical & technology systems in place are

appropriate and meet the standard• Verify that patient outcomes are being

monitored

The Future of Healthcare• An informed patient means increased compliance and

better outcomes• Advancements in technology will change the nature,

scope and location of the patient’s care environment• Specialist Nurse Practitioner and Pharmacist have

greatly enhanced role in the future• Cost Effective Integrated Interdisplenary Care – Best

Outcome• A Real Challenge for all• How can Department of Health and it’s Ministers

Help?