pLOG

2024-12-23

Transformations and Developments in the Healthcare Industry and Patient Support Services in 2025

 

According to Deloitte's "2025 US Health Care Outlook" report, rising healthcare costs remain the biggest challenge for healthcare systems and are expected to persist through 2025.

The report indicates that U.S. healthcare spending is projected to reach an astounding $4.6 trillion by 2025. This suggests that patient demand for financial assistance through PAP (Patient Assistance Programs) and PSP (Patient Support Programs) will continue to grow, while pharmaceutical companies will face increasing pricing pressures.

This report is based on a survey conducted between August and September 2024, involving 80 executives from major U.S. healthcare institutions and health plans, each with revenues exceeding $500 million. Most executives believe that "2025 will be a transformational period for the healthcare industry, with regulatory uncertainties potentially impacting their 2025 strategies."

Sixty-five percent of senior executives consider developing growth strategies for their organizations as their top priority for 2025, making it the most popular trend in the industry (Figure 2). Additionally, 46% of senior executives identify consumer affordability of healthcare systems as a major development trend.

Looking ahead to 2025, Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) and Patient Support Programs (PSP) are set to undergo significant changes, driven by shifts in policies and regulations, technology, patient needs, and growing awareness of health equity and medical rights.

PAP/PSP Under Pressure from Multiple Healthcare Transformations

In August 2022, the U.S. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aiming to curb inflation by reducing the federal budget deficit, lowering prescription drug prices, and promoting clean energy. The provision allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly impacts pharmaceutical companies' profit margins, forcing them to reconsider the operational models of PAP/PSP and sources of drug revenue.

Additionally, commercial insurers' restrictions on drug reimbursements and the rise of high-deductible plans exacerbate the financial burden on patients, increasing their reliance on PAP/PSP for support.

Digital Transformation: Embracing Technology

Deloitte's report highlights the critical role of digital technology and generative AI in the healthcare sector, predicting a continued rise in the use of digital health tools by 2025. From online applications, electronic health records, and teleconsultations to mobile applications, digital tools not only improve efficiency but also expand service reach to more patients in need.

As patient acceptance of digital healthcare services grows, PAP/PSP are accelerating their adoption of digital technologies. However, this transformation brings new challenges, such as the digital divide. While digital tools offer convenience, many patients may lack familiarity with them and fail to utilize these services effectively.

To address this, PAP/PSP must ensure multi-channel service accessibility, including diverse online services, telephone support, and in-person interactions, ensuring all patients can access the assistance they need conveniently.

Health Equity: Bridging Gaps and Ensuring Equality

Addressing health inequities is a critical issue in healthcare today. For PAP/PSP, this means focusing not only on medication accessibility and affordability but also on bridging the gaps faced by underserved populations in accessing healthcare services and support. PAP/PSP must offer more flexible, on-demand, and targeted programs for specific groups, ensuring equitable support for all patients. Tailored and personalized PAP/PSP designs are becoming the norm.

Personalized Care: Data-Driven Customization

Personalized care and AI-assisted solutions represent the future of healthcare. PAP/PSP are shifting away from one-size-fits-all approaches, instead providing customized support based on individual patient circumstances. Data analysis plays a pivotal role in this transformation. By analyzing personal information, medical history, and medication habits, PAP/PSP can deliver precise educational content, medication reminders, and psychological support, enhancing treatment adherence and outcomes.

Innovative Services: A Competitive Edge for Pharmaceutical Companies

In an evolving landscape, innovative PAP/PSP services have become a strategic tool for pharmaceutical companies, offering benefits such as:

  • Enhancing Brand Value and Reputation: High-quality PAP/PSP services establish a positive corporate image and build trust among patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Boosting Patient Loyalty: Exceptional PAP/PSP services foster patient loyalty, ensuring continued use of the company’s products.
  • Expanding Market Share: Innovative PAP/PSP attract more patients, increasing market penetration.
  • Collecting Real-World Data: PAP/PSP can gather real-world patient data to better understand patient experiences and refine products and services accordingly.
  • Creating Differentiated Competitive Advantages: Innovative PAP/PSP serve as a unique competitive advantage, helping pharmaceutical companies stand out in the market.

Data Insights: The Future of PAP/PSP

Deloitte's report emphasizes the growing importance of data analytics in healthcare, a trend equally relevant for PAP/PSP development. Through data analysis, PAP/PSP can:

  • Understand Patient Needs: Analyze patient data to identify preferences, behaviors, and pain points, enabling more targeted services.
  • Evaluate Service Effectiveness: Track the impact of PAP/PSP and adjust strategies based on data insights to enhance service efficiency.
  • Identify Potential Risks: Detect medication-related risks through data analysis and implement preventive measures.
  • Optimize Resource Allocation: Use data analytics to allocate resources to the areas of greatest need, maximizing efficiency.
     

By 2025, patient-centered innovative services, influenced by regulatory changes, digital technology, patient demands, and a focus on health equity, will profoundly shape PAP/PSP. The pharmaceutical industry must proactively address these challenges, embracing innovation as a core competency to deliver patient-centered management services. This approach ensures that all patients can access the medications and support they need through various tailored channels.

─ Patientsforce, Chairman and President, Sean Chang