DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

In my everyday job I work as Chief Business Development Officer in Motitech AS. A Norwegian company with customers in 10 countries helping older people and people living with dementia to increase their physical activity, cognitive stimulation and social connectedness (https://motiview.com/). We are social entrepreneurs and go with our hearts 1st to serve and support seniors’ quality of live – the whole life.

Through the last decade we’ve served in a healthcare landscape undergoing a profound transformation driven by advancements in technology, evolving patient needs, and the rising costs of medical care.

To meet these challenges and deliver more effective, equitable, and sustainable care, I believe that healthcare systems must adopt three strategic shifts: from hospital-centered care to community-based care, from analogue processes to digital solutions, and from a reactive treatment model to proactive prevention. Each of these transitions is essential for improving patient outcomes, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring long-term sustainability in the healthcare system.

Let’s explore…

1. From hospital to community: Decentralizing care delivery

Historically, healthcare has been centered around hospitals and specialized clinics where patients receive diagnosis, treatment, and post-acute care. However, this model is increasingly being recognized as inefficient and inaccessible for many. Shifting care from hospital settings to community-based environments provides a more patient-centric and cost-effective approach.

Why this shift is necessary:

• Rising healthcare costs: Inpatient care is the most expensive form of healthcare delivery. Treating patients in community settings can reduce costs associated with hospital stays and emergency visits.
• Aging population: As global populations age, the demand for chronic disease management increases. Community care models better support long-term, continuous care.
• Improved access & equity: Rural and underserved populations face significant barriers to accessing hospital care. Community-based care increases availability and reduces geographical inequalities.

Strategies to enable the shift:

• Expanding primary & community care services: Strengthen community health centers, home-based care, and telemedicine services to provide care where patients live.
• Integrated care models: Coordinate care across hospitals, primary care providers, and community health organizations to ensure seamless patient experiences.
• Public-private partnerships: Leverage collaborations between government bodies, private health providers, and community organizations to extend care delivery.

In the United Kingdom, the NHS has implemented «Integrated Care Systems» (ICS), which aim to deliver holistic, community-based care by linking general practitioners, hospitals, and social care providers. This model reduces hospital admissions and enhances patient outcomes by prioritizing early intervention and home care.

2. From analogue to digital: Embracing technological transformation

The analogue healthcare system, reliant on paper records and face-to-face interactions, is being replaced by a digital-first approach. Digital transformation improves efficiency, enables real-time data sharing, and empowers patients to manage their health more actively.

Why this shift is necessary:

• Data-driven decision-making: Digital tools provide robust data analytics, supporting evidence-based medicine and personalized care.
• Efficiency & accuracy: Electronic health records (EHRs) and digital workflows reduce administrative burdens and human errors.
• Patient empowerment: Digital health applications, wearable devices, and telehealth give patients more control over their health and improve engagement.

Strategies to enable the shift:

• Investing in digital infrastructure: Implement comprehensive EHR systems, interoperable platforms, and cybersecurity measures.
• Telemedicine integration: Incorporate virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital therapeutics to extend care beyond traditional settings.
• Workforce training: Equip healthcare professionals with digital literacy skills and foster a culture of innovation.

Estonia’s e-Health system is a global leader in digital healthcare. With 99% of health data stored digitally, patients and providers have secure access to comprehensive medical records. This system improves continuity of care, reduces duplication, and enhances patient safety.

3. From treatment to prevention: Shifting to proactive care

Traditional healthcare systems prioritize treating illnesses after they emerge. However, focusing on prevention can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases and healthcare costs while improving population health.

Why this shift is necessary:

• Rising chronic disease prevalence: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are responsible for the majority of healthcare spending and morbidity worldwide.
• Economic sustainability: Preventing diseases is more cost-effective than treating them once they become acute or chronic.
• Population health: A prevention-first model promotes long-term health and reduces disparities in healthcare outcomes.

Strategies to enable the shift:

• Public health initiatives: Implement community programs targeting lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, healthy eating, and physical activity.
• Screening & early detection: Invest in routine screenings for at-risk populations to identify conditions before they progress.
• Policy advocacy: Promote health-supporting policies, such as sugar taxes, air quality regulations, and incentives for preventive care.

Singapore’s «War on Diabetes» is a national prevention campaign addressing one of the country’s most pressing health concerns. Through public education, regular health screenings, and policy measures like the Healthier Choice Symbol for food products, the program aims to reduce diabetes incidence and improve long-term health outcomes.

The intersection of these shifts

While each strategic shift is vital on its own, the most transformative outcomes arise when these three areas intersect. For instance, community-based preventive care programs supported by digital technologies can provide real-time data for proactive intervention. Similarly, digital tools facilitate community health monitoring and enable early detection, reducing reliance on hospital-based acute care.

Challenges & considerations

• Equitable access: Digital and community-based solutions must be designed to serve diverse populations, including those with limited digital literacy or internet access.
• Cultural change: Healthcare professionals and patients need to adapt to new care delivery models and technologies.
• Data privacy: Secure handling of patient data is crucial as healthcare systems become increasingly digitized.

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The future of healthcare lies in embracing a patient-centered model that shifts care from hospital to community, transitions from analogue to digital, and emphasizes prevention over treatment. These three strategic shifts, when implemented in a coordinated manner, can improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the patient experience. By investing in these transformations, healthcare systems can create a sustainable future where innovation and compassion go hand in hand, delivering better care for all.