Behavior change is BETTER than the leading diabetes drug, Metformin.

Bhatti et al. found frugal innovations address health-seeking behavior and utilization patterns to reduce the burden on the health systems. Dr. B.J. Fogg said in 2009, “… in 10 to 15 years, the mobile phone will be the primary platform for changing people’s attitudes and behaviors, more powerful than TV, radio, or the Web.

McKinsey researchers found that changing individual behavior is at the center of changes ahead in healthcare. The old model was a reactive system treating acute conditions after the fact. The new model is evolving to one with patients at the center focused on prevention, and the ongoing management of chronic conditions. Researchers found increasing incidence of behaviorally induced chronic conditions. Health systems must reorient toward prevention and the long-term management of chronic conditions. Today more than 70% of total costs are heavily influenced by consumer behaviors.

Many of these costs are being driven by the old reactive model focused on treatment of clinical problems after an acute event. A person-centered paradigm that uses a behaviorally based rather than disease-based orientation has emerged. The McKinsey research team identified five (5) elements of the new paradigm of patient behavior.

  1. More effective engagement of individuals based on insights from behavioral psychology and economics.

  2. Making behavior change a core component of new care delivery models.

  3. Utilizing the power of influencers and networks to support behavior change.

  4. Leveraging remote and self-care-oriented tech to support and empower individuals, and connect individuals with provider and support networks. .

  5. Adoption of a multi-stakeholder orientation including public-private partnerships in prevention interventions is essential.