The 2024 OECD edition of Health at a Glance Report: Europe evaluates the ongoing challenges and opportunities for European health systems in the post-pandemic era, focusing on health workforce shortages and the demographic shift toward ageing populations. Two key themes—leveraging digitalization and promoting healthy longevity—are pivotal for ensuring sustainable health systems and mitigating workforce challenges in Europe.
Harnessing Digitalization to Strengthen Health Systems
Digital technologies, including telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data systems, offer transformative potential for addressing Europe’s health workforce crisis. These innovations can alleviate strain on health systems by:
- Enhancing productivity: AI tools streamline administrative tasks and support diagnostic accuracy, enabling health workers to focus on patient care.
- Expanding access: Telemedicine increases healthcare reach, particularly in underserved regions, reducing disparities caused by workforce shortages.
- Skill optimization: Digital training tools and remote monitoring allow advanced practice nurses and other professionals to manage chronic conditions efficiently, optimizing the workforce’s skill mix.
These technologies complement short- and long-term strategies like improving working conditions, increasing training opportunities, and attracting youth to healthcare careers. Policymakers must prioritize investment in digital infrastructure, training programs, and ethical frameworks to fully integrate these solutions into health systems.
Healthy Longevity: A Workforce Priority
Europe’s ageing population poses challenges to health systems, with the proportion of people over 65 projected to rise from 21% in 2023 to 29% by 2050. Promoting healthy longevity is essential to reduce the burden of chronic diseases and ensure an active, capable workforce.
Key strategies to promote healthy ageing include:
- Preventive care: Addressing modifiable risk factors like physical inactivity and obesity can prevent up to 45% of dementia cases and other chronic conditions.
- Empowering self-management: Digital health tools can empower individuals to monitor and manage their health, promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing long-term healthcare demands.
- Vaccination and mental health support: Boosting vaccination rates and mental health initiatives ensures healthier populations capable of contributing to economic and social activities.
A focused approach on healthy longevity, supported by technology and preventive care, can mitigate the rising demand for health and long-term care workers while containing healthcare costs as a share of GDP.
A Resilient Future
Addressing Europe’s health workforce shortages and ageing demographic requires a dual approach: integrating digital solutions to enhance system efficiency and promoting healthy ageing to maintain population health. Together, these strategies can create a sustainable health landscape, ready to meet the demands of a changing Europe.