A new OECD report reveals healthcare systems fail to meet the needs of millions living with chronic disease and other chronic conditions. The Patient-Reported Indicator Surveys (PaRIS).collected data from 107,000 patients aged 45 and older and 1,800 primary care practices across 19 countries. It provides a comprehensive picture of patient-reported health outcomes, highlighting critical gaps in care, trust, and digital adoption.
The survey focuses on chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Many patients feel unsupported, struggle to manage their health, and lack personalized care. The findings call for urgent healthcare reforms to improve outcomes and rebuild patient trust.
CHRONIC CONDITIONS ARE WIDESPREAD, BUT CARE REMAINS INCONSISTENT
The study shows chronic illnesses affect most primary care patients. About 82% of respondentshave at least one chronic condition. Around 52% live with two or more. Nearly 27% manage three or more illnesses.
Despite high rates of chronic disease, healthcare quality varies across countries. Patients in Switzerland, the United States (Medicare population), France, Norway, and Australia report better health outcomes. In contrast, people in Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Romania, and Wales (UK) rate their care experiences below average.
BETTER CARE IMPROVES HEALTH OUTCOMES
Healthcare that prioritizes patient needs leads to better physical and mental health. OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann emphasizes that higher healthcare spending often results in better health. However, effective care can be achieved even with lower budgets.
However, the survey finds 40% of patients lack confidence in managing their health. Another 40% do not trust their healthcare systems. These figures signal serious gaps in patient supportand the need for more personalized care models.
MORE TIME WITH PATIENTS BUILDS TRUST
Patients who receive adequate time with their doctors trust healthcare systems more. The report shows:
- 64% of patients who feel their doctor spends enough time with them trust their healthcare system.
- Only 34% of those who feel rushed express confidence in their care.
Patients also lack personalized treatment plans. Only one in four have a customized care plandeveloped by their doctor. This absence leads to frustration, poor health management, and lower trustin medical systems.
Reliability of Healthcare Affects Public Trust
People who experience medical errors or delays lose confidence in their care. Only 45% of patients who face negative healthcare experiences trust their medical system. Among those with no bad experiences, trust levels rise to 70%.
Issues like misdiagnoses, appointment delays, or poor communication contribute to distrust. Addressing these failures could restore confidence and improve patient satisfaction.
WOMEN REPORT WORSE HEALTHCARE OUTCOMES THAN MEN
The survey highlights major gender disparities in health outcomes. Women report worse physical and mental health despite longer life expectancy.
- 74% of men say they are in good physical health, compared to 65% of women.
- 86% of men report good mental health, while only 81% of women do.
- Women are less likely to trust healthcare providers and report lower quality of care.
These findings reinforce the gender-health paradox, where women live longer but experience poorer health and healthcare interactions. Addressing these disparities is crucial for equitable healthcare.
DIGITAL HEALTHCARE IS UNDERUTILIZED
Despite technological advancements, digital healthcare adoption remains low. The survey shows:
- Only 7% of patients used video consultations.
- Just 17% accessed their medical records online.
- Only 43% of lower-educated patients found their doctor’s website easy to use.
Expanding digital tools and telemedicine could bridge care gaps, improve accessibility, and enhance patient engagement.
CHRONIC ILLNESS REDUCES WELL-BEING
The study reveals a direct link between chronic conditions and declining well-being. The WHO-5 well-being scale (ranging from 0 to 100) shows:
- Patients with one chronic condition have higher well-being scores.
- Those with three or more conditionsscore 14 points lower, reflecting poorer mental and physical health.
Healthcare providers must focus on early intervention, mental health support, and integrated care modelsto improve patient quality of life.
URGENT NEED FOR PATIENT-CENTERED HEALTHCARE MODELS
The PaRIS report urges governments and healthcare providers to prioritize patient-centered care. Key recommendations include:
- Increasing time spent with patients to build trust and satisfaction.
- Expanding personalized care plans for better chronic disease management.
- Reducing medical errors and delays to restore public confidence.
- Strengthening digital healthcare access for improved patient engagement and efficiency.
FUTURE OF GLOBAL HEALTHCARE
Chronic diseases are rising, and healthcare systems must adapt to support millions of patients effectively. The OECD report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to reshape healthcare strategies and enhance patient experiences.
With better funding, technology, and patient-centered care, healthcare systems can improve health outcomes and rebuild public trust. The time for change is now.
