About Author: Shashank Avadhani, CEO and Co-founder, Alyve Health believes that healthcare can be transformed through technology and product innovation in the health insurance space. This is precisely the area of focus of Alyve Health. Before founding Alyve Health, Shashank held the position of Partner at Boston Consulting Group, where he was instrumental in driving transformative digital programs for leading Insurers and Banks in India.
In an era where healthcare costs are spiraling and chronic diseases are on the rise, preventive healthcare is emerging as a pivotal strategy in maintaining the health and well-being of populations. Preventive healthcare, which currently accounts for roughly 40% of total healthcare spending, is not just a minor component of the healthcare ecosystem; it is a material and growing force that is reshaping how we approach health management. From diagnostics and annual health check-ups to the purchase of supplements and fitness gear, the landscape of preventive healthcare is evolving rapidly. The future of this sector lies in its ability to become more customer-centric, personalized, and continuously integrated into our daily lives through advanced technologies such as AI and smart devices.
Customer-Centric Health Plans For Personalized Prevention
For years, preventive healthcare has often been a top-down approach, with healthcare providers dictating what individuals should do to maintain their health. This traditional model, often perceived as sermonising, is now being challenged by the need for more customer-centric health plans. The shift towards personalization in preventive healthcare is driven by the understanding that each person has unique motivators and health needs, which should be reflected in their health plans.
One of the critical questions in this evolving landscape is: What does a person want to do to maintain their health? Motivations vary greatly among individuals—some may be driven by the desire to stay fit for an active lifestyle, while others may focus on preventing specific health conditions prevalent in their family history. The other side of the coin is understanding what individuals should be doing based on their unique health profiles. For example, a person with a family history of asthma may need preventive measures such as inhalers and air purifiers, while someone with a predisposition to diabetes might need to focus on diet and exercise.
This is where platforms like Alyve Health play an important role. By offering personalized health plans, they empower individuals to take control of their health in a way that aligns with their personal goals and needs. Personalization increases the likelihood of adherence to preventive measures because when individuals see that their health plan aligns with what they love doing, they are more likely to follow through. For instance, family history. Alyve Health’s platform can provide a habit coach to guide them through this process, integrating this goal into their broader health plan. The role of a personalized health plan, therefore, is not just to inform but to nudge individuals towards the actions they need to take, making prevention an integral part of their lives.
Continuous Prevention Through Smart Devices
The landscape of preventive healthcare is also being transformed by the advent of smart devices that enable continuous monitoring and real-time feedback. Gone are the days when preventive measures were limited to annual check-ups or periodic screenings. Today, we have devices that can fit into our pockets yet provide comprehensive health data on a continuous basis.
From wearable devices that monitor sleep quality and respiratory rates to mobile apps that track screen time and physical activity, prevention has become a 24/7 activity. These devices provide users with real-time insights into their health, allowing for immediate adjustments to lifestyle or behaviors that may pose risks. For example, sleep monitors can alert users of poor sleep quality, prompting them to make necessary changes before chronic sleep deprivation leads to more severe health issues.
Moreover, these devices are not just passive trackers; they actively engage users in their health journey. This kind of continuous, real-time monitoring represents a significant leap forward in preventive healthcare, making it more proactive rather than reactive. Alyve health platform can monitor all these data inputs and track them on a regular basis to give personalised health dashboard to users.
The future of preventive healthcare lies in its ability to integrate customer-centric health plans, continuous monitoring through smart devices, and the power of AI.”
