Our Surroundings
What are we facing?
Global trends are shaping the future of the world, and these changes are having a profound impact on the healthcare system across the globe.
From demographic shifts to a shortage of healthcare professionals, these factors are reshaping the landscape
and presenting new challenges for us all.
Imagine a world where the population has a longer life expectancy and where we age significantly(1). This demographic shift has implications on healthcare
and results in an increasing demand for a decreasing group of healthcare professionals(2).
It’s a complex and rapidly evolving situation, but one thing is certain: the world is changing, and we need to be prepared. By understanding
and adapting to these macro factors, we can help ensure that our healthcare system is ready to meet the challenges of the future.
Pressure ulcers/injuries
Pressure injuries cause significant suffering for those
affected and result in significant costs for society,
however, these injuries are avoidable(3).
Pressure ulcers represent a very significant cost burden
in the UK, estimated up to 2.1 billion pounds each year.
Without concerted effort this cost is likely to
increase in the future as the population ages.
Health assosiated infections
7.4% of patients staying in an intensive care unit
for more than two days presented with at least one
ICU-acquired healthcare-associated infection
under surveillance(4).
A healthcare associated infection may seriously affect
a patient’s health, increasing their stay in the hospital
and hospital costs, and causing considerable
distress to these patients(4).
Aging population
According to the World Health Organization, the number
of persons aged 80 years or older i expected to triple
between 2020 and 2050 to reach 426 million(1).
As populations continue to age, the need for
good-quality healthcare services will continue to
increase. We understand the challenges this presents,
and our vision to eliminate pressure ulcers/injuries is
our contribution to meet these demands.
Shortage of Healthcare professionals
The World will face a shortfall of Health care workers,
projected up to 10 million, according to the World
Health Organization(2).
At Care of Sweden, our goal is to develop solutions
with the aim to enable healtcare professionals to focus
on what truly matters; the patients.
How do we adress these issues?
References:
1. World Health Organization. (2021) Ageing and health. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
2. World Health Organization. (2023) Health workforce. Retrieved April 31, 2023, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/health-workforce#tab=tab_1
3. Gerry Bennett 1, Carol Dealey, John Posnett. The cost of pressure ulcers in the UK. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15082426/#:~:text=The%20total%20cost%20in%20the,future%20as%20the%20population%20ages.
4. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2019). Healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units: annual epidemiological report 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/healthcare-associated-infections-intensive-care-units-annual-epidemiological-report-2019.pdf