Tomorrows healthcare
Sweden’s health system is confronted with several challenges, including the rising healthcare demands due to an ageing population and existing workforce shortages in the sector. In the next years, the group of those aged 85 and older is expected to grow by 73%.
If these issues are not adequately tackled, the Swedish healthcare system is likely to face an increased burden, resulting in further workforce shortages, less development and implementation of innovative new care models and poor health outcomes, which are associated with lower quality of life and longer waiting times.
Below you can read more about some of the initiatives and projects beeing done at Karolinska to hift the health care system towards new care delivery models and preventive care.
Rethinking Healthcare Systems
In Sweden, as in many countries there is a "fee-for-service" model which prioritizes physical visits at the hospitals. This drowns incentives for new care delivery models such as digital consultation and preventive consultations. Without adequate shift of financial incentives towards quality aspects, sustainability will be difficult.
Karolinska University Hospital, together with the European Commission are working on a two-year project called "Rethinking Healthcare Systems - Reimbursement of university hospitals in future health care systems".
More information to follow.
Hospital@home
Treating patients in their home is known to add many benefits for the patients. It is also an important step for a sustainable healthcare system. Karolinska University Hospital is pioneering a transformative approach to healthcare delivery through its Karolinska@home initiative. This program aims to provide specialized medical care in patients' homes, reducing the need for hospital visits.
Read more about the Karolinska@home initiative
Healthcare Frontline Innovation
Healthcare Frontline Innovation is a three-year project, with funding from Karolinska University Hospital and the European Social Fund. By supporting ideas, development and collaboration, it addresses several major challenges - developing new ways of working, tackling resource shortages and creating a more sustainable working life.