Rethinking health systems to meet the diabetes challenge
06.09.19
We are all familiar with the challenges posed to individuals, communities and health systems by rising rates of diabetes. Today, around 60 million people in Europe – nearly 1 in 10 of us – has diabetes. By 2045, this number will reach 80 million.
Together with other healthcare stakeholders, including patients, EFPIA member companies are committed to developing real solutions to this challenge. Some of the barriers to better care are structural: we face an epidemic of chronic diseases but our health systems were designed to manage acute illnesses.
Empowering primary care to serve people with diabetes, and better integrating healthcare pathways between services, can help to deliver care to more patients as efficiently as possible.
Of course, change is never easy. Making the transition from existing models of care poses challenges for health systems, healthcare providers and patients alike. We must address a range of key questions if we are to redesign diabetes care pathways.
- What are the barriers and opportunities presented by an increased focus on integrated care and primary care management of diabetes?
- How can we align and improve care coordination efforts among providers, and enhance communication between providers and patients?
- How is daily practice supported and empowered by health authorities to identify the right incentives to improve primary care?
To explore these questions and build consensus on possible policy solutions EFPIA, in collaboration with Primary Care Diabetes Europe (PCDE), is convening a multi-stakeholder roundtable in Brussels on 9 September. This is an opportunity to share perspectives, experiences and examples of how health systems can best serve people living with diabetes. The event is part of an ongoing series of meetings and publications designed to advance policy dialogue in this area.
