European GPs Are Concerned That Health Systems Will Fail As Population Ages
Roughly 80% of doctors are concerned about how they will be treated when they grow old and fear that present guidelines to deal with the ageing population are not “comprehensive, realistic or sufficiently funded to address future demand”.
That is one of the main findings of a recent study from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), supported by Pfizer, which surveyed 1,113 healthcare professionals in several European countries. The results from the survey conclude that there is “an urgent need to rethink the way healthcare is provided to older people”.
The Economist Intelligence Unit analysis declares that the training of health professionals “is not currently geared to the evolving needs of healthcare systems, in particular the integrated care which elderly patients with more than one chronic condition require”. The EIU also argues that negative attitudes towards older people need to be challenged.
The report claims that “smarter investment should focus on preventive healthcare” and the main recommendation made by 46% of medical professionals in the survey is for governments to prioritise making citizens responsible for their own health. It argues that greater emphasis should be placed on better integration of health and social care, as only 38% of respondents feel their country is good at this.
The outlook is not entirely pessimistic, however, the Economist Intelligence Unit observes. While 49% of survey respondents claim that ageing is a threat to the viability of their countries’ national healthcare systems, 50% believe it provides the chance for wider reforms which are needed anyway.
Neelie Kroes, vice president of the European Commission, commented that “we see population ageing as being not only a challenge but a formidable opportunity for innovation and growth in Europe”. She added that the situation “forces us to adopt new models…and to invest in technologies, tools and skills to help older people stay healthy and active members of society.”
Richard Torbett, senior director of international affairs at Pfizer, noted that healthcare professionals are delivering a clear message that prioritising the right investments, in preventive health, training and service integration, now can put us in a position to manage the future shift to an older society sustainably and cost-effectively.
Links:
www.eiu.com
www.pharmatimes.com