Is the EU doing enough for patients with chronic illness?

The Burden of Chronic Diseases in OECD EU Countries

Chronic diseases are a significant and growing challenge across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries in the European Union (EU). Research has revealed that approximately 80% of people aged 45 and older who visited a primary care professional in the past six months are living with at least one chronic condition. More than half of this group has two or more chronic conditions, while over a quarter struggles with three or more. Hypertension is the most commonly reported condition, followed by arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health or breathing disorders. These chronic conditions are not only prevalent but also costly, placing a heavy burden on patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the healthcare system as a whole.

The OECD’s latest patient survey highlights the severity of this issue, emphasizing that chronic conditions are a major driver of healthcare costs and often result in reduced quality of life for those affected. For instance, in France and the Czech Republic, over 70% of individuals with two or more chronic conditions also reported having mental health issues. This overlap underscores the complexity of managing multiple health conditions and the need for comprehensive, integrated care.

Factors Influencing Healthcare Outcomes

The factors influencing healthcare outcomes are diverse and multifaceted. Socio-economic status, age, and gender play significant roles in shaping health and well-being. On average, women’s well-being scores are 3% to 5% lower than men’s across OECD countries, with this gender gap widening to as much as 9% in countries like Portugal and Italy. In contrast, Luxembourg exhibits a smaller gap of less than 3%. These disparities highlight the need for targeted policies to address gender-related inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.

Age is another critical factor, as older populations are more likely to experience chronic conditions and face challenges in navigating the healthcare system. For example, older and less educated individuals often struggle to understand health information and feel less confident using digital tools to manage their health. This digital divide is particularly evident in countries like Italy, Romania, and Belgium, where fewer than 10% of people report confidence in using online health information to make informed decisions about their care. In contrast, in France and the Czech Republic, over 30% of individuals express confidence in using digital health resources, pointing to the importance of education and technological literacy in improving health outcomes.

Trust in Healthcare Systems

Trust in healthcare systems varies significantly across OECD EU countries and is influenced by factors such as income level, age, and the presence of chronic conditions. In Italy, for instance, 74% of individuals with higher incomes and chronic conditions report trusting their healthcare system, compared to 60% of those with lower incomes. This 14 percentage point gap highlights the role of socio-economic status in shaping perceptions of healthcare quality and accessibility.

Higher levels of trust are often associated with better health outcomes, as individuals who trust their healthcare system are more likely to engage in preventive care, adhere to treatment plans, and report satisfaction with their care. However, trust is not uniformly distributed across populations, and addressing disparities in income and education is crucial to building trust and improving overall health outcomes.

The Role of Continuity in Primary Care

Continuity of care is a critical determinant of the quality of healthcare, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. Research shows that people with multiple chronic conditions who have a long-standing relationship with a primary care professional are more likely to report better quality of care. In Romania, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, over half of patients have been with the same primary care professional for more than a decade, highlighting the importance of longitudinal care in managing complex health needs.

Long-term continuity in primary care is associated with better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and more efficient use of healthcare resources. Patients who have a stable relationship with their primary care provider are more likely to receive timely and appropriate care, reducing the need for emergency services and hospitalizations. This underscores the importance of strengthening primary care systems to ensure that patients receive consistent and high-quality care over time.

The Impact of Digital Health Literacy

The rise of digital health technologies has transformed the way healthcare is delivered and managed, but not all individuals are equally equipped to benefit from these advancements. Digital health literacy, or the ability to understand and use health information from digital sources, varies significantly across OECD EU countries. In France and the Czech Republic, over 30% of people report feeling confident in using online health information to make decisions about their care. In contrast, in Italy, Romania, and Belgium, fewer than 10% of individuals express confidence in using digital health resources.

This digital divide has important implications for health outcomes, as individuals with lower levels of digital literacy may struggle to navigate the healthcare system, access important health information, and manage their conditions effectively. Addressing these disparities will require targeted efforts to improve digital literacy, particularly among older and less educated populations, and to ensure that digital health tools are accessible and user-friendly for all.

The Connection Between Spending and Health Outcomes

While spending more on healthcare can lead to better physical health outcomes, this is not always the case. For example, the Czech Republic and Slovenia have achieved strong health outcomes despite relatively low levels of healthcare spending per capita. These findings suggest that the quality and efficiency of care, rather than the amount spent, are key drivers of positive health outcomes.

The relationship between healthcare spending and outcomes is complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including the organization of healthcare systems, the prevalence of chronic conditions, and the effectiveness of preventive care. Policymakers must carefully consider these factors when allocating resources and designing healthcare policies, ensuring that investments are targeted towards interventions that have the greatest potential to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities.