Not only treating sickness but also preventing it is becoming more important in today’s healthcare system. Patient education and preventative care are at the heart of this change. These two important parts provide people with the tools they need to take charge of their health, lower their chance of getting sick, and feel better overall. Patients are more likely to make smart choices that lead to improved health outcomes when they know what their health risks are and how to lower them.
What is teaching patients?
Patient education is the process of giving people the information, skills, and confidence they need to take care of their health or make changes to their lives that will make them healthier. You may get this knowledge in several ways, such as through face-to-face counseling, written materials, films, applications, and internet portals. Healthcare practitioners are very important in helping patients learn by giving them information that is right for their needs and degree of health literacy.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Preventive care is all about taking steps to stop diseases from happening or finding them early when they are easiest to cure. These include frequent check-ups, tests (such mammograms, colonoscopies, or blood pressure checks), vaccinations, and advice on how to live a healthier life, such as how to eat better, exercise more, quit smoking, and deal with stress.
Preventive treatment is meant to find possible health problems before they get worse. For instance, controlling excessive blood pressure can stop heart attacks and strokes, and finding cancer early can greatly increase the chances of survival.
NORTH AMERICA PATIENT EDUCATION AND PREVENTIVE CARE DETAILS
Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An estimated 129 million individuals in the US—nearly half of the population—are living with at least one major chronic condition, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, or hypertension, according to the CDC.
Example: For instance, the CDC reports that nearly 34 million Americans have diabetes, with an additional 88 million adults having prediabetes. Many of these cases could have been prevented or delayed through early education and lifestyle modifications.
According to the CDC, only about 20% of adults in the U.S. receive recommended preventive services, highlighting gaps in awareness and access.
A study published in Health Affairs found that patients who received targeted education were 30% more likely to follow prescribed treatments, leading to improved health outcomes.
Diabetes Management: Diabetes educators provide patients with knowledge about blood sugar monitoring, diet, and medication management, resulting in better glycemic control and fewer complications.
Vaccination Campaigns: Educational initiatives about flu vaccines have increased vaccination rates; for example, the CDC reports that flu vaccination coverage among adults increased from 39% in 2010 to 48% in 2020.
The CDC estimates that vaccinations prevent approximately 2-3 million deaths annually worldwide; in the U.S., immunizations prevent about 42,000 deaths each year.
Regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings can prevent stroke and heart attacks; however, nearly 1 in 3 American adults have high blood pressure, and many are unaware of it.
For example, a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) estimates that every dollar spent on preventive services yields about $3 in future healthcare savings.
Major Companies and Key Players in Patient Education & Preventive Care in the U.S.
1. UnitedHealth Group / Optum
2. Kaiser Permanente
3. Healthwise, Inc.
4. Krames (WebMD Ignite)
5. Phreesia / PatientPoint
Statistical Insights into India’s Health Landscape
Understanding the current health statistics in India underscores the critical need for patient education and preventive care:
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): India has made substantial strides in reducing maternal mortality. The MMR declined from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20, achieving the National Health Policy’s target of reducing MMR below 100 by 2020.
- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The prevalence of NCDs in India is a growing concern. According to the Rajasthan Health Department, 20% of individuals over the age of 30 suffer from diabetes, hypertension, or both.
- Healthcare Access and Expenditure: India has seen a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure out of total health expenditure from 64.2% in 2013-14 to 39.4% in 2021-22, reflecting a positive indicator as per the National Health Accounts Estimates.
Benefits of Patient Education and Preventive Care
Saving Money
Preventive care helps keep problems from getting worse or catching them early, which means you won’t have to pay for expensive treatments or stay in the hospital. Patients who are educated also tend to use healthcare resources more wisely, which can cut the total cost of healthcare.
More Involvement from Patients
Patients who know about their care and understand it are more inclined to be involved in it. This working together between patient and physician typically makes both parties happier and more trusting.
Managing chronic diseases
People with long-term illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease need to keep learning. Learning how to keep an eye on symptoms, manage medications, and adjust your lifestyle may greatly improve your quality of life.
Strategies for Effective Patient Education
- Cultural Sensitivity: Tailoring communication to the patient’s cultural background and language preferences.
- Interactive Tools: Engaging patients through apps, online quizzes, and portals to Examples of Care That Keeps You Healthy
- Annual Physical Exams: Providing opportunities to discuss health history, review medications, and identify early warning signs.
- Vaccinations: Protecting against infectious diseases like influenza, COVID-19, HPV, and shingles.
- Cancer Screenings: Early detection through routine mammograms, Pap smears, or colonoscopies can be lifesaving.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, substance use, and stress reduction to promote long-term health.
Source: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/
Reference:
National Digital Health Blueprint – https://ndhm.gov.in
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Author Name: Rahul Gotadki
Place of work: Market Research Future, Pune, Maharashtra
Educational qualification and University: MBA, MIT Pune
Email and telephone number: rahul.gotadki@marketresearchfuture.com
Conflicts of interest: Media Relations & Branding
