Abstract
BackgroundThere is an escalating crisis in health care, locally and internationally. The current health care model is unable to meet the increasing health care demands.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to reconceptualize the provision of health care to produce better outcomes at no greater cost, by placing individuals in the position of authority to direct their own care, in a personalized, integrated health care system.MethodsIn this study, we used the Australian health care system as a model. We reviewed the current landscape of digital health in Australia and discussed how electronic medical records (EMRs) can be further developed into a personalized, integrated health care system.ResultsSome components of an EMR and digital health system are already being used in Australia, but the systems are not linked. A personalized, integrated health care model that is responsive to consumer needs requires not just a passive repository of medical information; it would require a team approach, including the government, health care funders, industries, consumers and advocacy groups, health care professionals, community groups, and universities.ConclusionsImplementation of a personalized, integrated health care system can result in reduced pressure on the current health care system, and it can result in the delivery of best-practice health care, regardless of location. Importantly, a personalized, integrated health care system could serve as an education platform, “upskilling” not only clinicians but also, more importantly, patients and carers by providing them with accurate information about their condition, treatment options, medications, and management strategies. By proposing personalized, integrated health care, we offer an intelligent model of health care that is ubiquitous, efficient, and continuously improving.
Highlights
BackgroundOngoing improvements in health care, successful management of chronic conditions, and falling birth rates in developed nations are globally leading to an aging population [1]
We propose a new health care system that builds upon the flipped health care model to place consumers in the driver’s seat of their health care, termed the Bespoke Health Care System” (BHS)
We argue that an intelligent approach using electronic personal medical records to place individuals at the center of their care and “upskill” them to have ownership over the management of their health care will lead to greater efficiencies and better patient outcomes
Summary
Ongoing improvements in health care, successful management of chronic conditions, and falling birth rates in developed nations are globally leading to an aging population [1]. Australia has a workforce shortage across a number of health professions [11]; clinicians are struggling to meet the health care requirements of patients [12] Exacerbating this situation, consumers have increased expectations of clinicians to assist patients in becoming more informed and involved in the treatment decision making and health management and provide prompt, appropriate, and individualized support [12]. The current political climate in health care is characterized by fiscal restraints combined with an aging population [3], increases in the incidence of chronic illnesses [4], and escalating health care costs [6] These issues are aggravated by a limited and burnt-out workforce trying to meet growing needs [11,14] and significant inefficacies and waste [10]. To ensure sustainable effective health care into the future, it is crucial that we implement a digitally supported, fully integrated, and secure health care system that is proactive in the following: tailoring precision, holistic health solutions for the individual; improving equity and access, among the disadvantaged; disseminating health innovations rapidly and upskilling health providers in these innovations; empowering consumers to manage their own health and well-being [16]
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