The research project «Health 2040» aims to develop an innovative model of outpatient primary care that sustainably addresses the needs of the population. Involving more than 50 stakeholders from the healthcare sector, an action plan with a shared vision and three priority areas of action was developed through a co-creation process: networked care, coordination and navigation, and low-threshold access. AstraZeneca Switzerland participated in the co-creation process as a representative of the pharmaceutical industry, with the ambition to make a positive contribution to the sustainability of the Swiss healthcare system.
Outpatient primary care in Switzerland is facing significant challenges due to demographic changes, increasing cost pressures, and a shortage of skilled workers. The research project «Health2040» by the University of Lucerne and Interface Politics Studies Research Consulting AG has developed a concrete vision that provides stakeholders in the Swiss healthcare system with guidance to address these challenges. It demonstrates how outpatient care structures can be sustainably designed through an integrated, interprofessional approach. In collaboration with over 50 individuals from the healthcare sector, social services, and civil society, an action plan was developed that describes the «Health Network for All – pour tous – per tutti» as a vision for sustainable care.
Social and medical aspects are combined
The action plan aims for the targeted development of medical, psychological, and social services - building on existing initiatives and scientifically grounded. It defines a desired vision for each field of action, identifies success factors, formulates specific measures, and refers to practical examples. Dr. Sarah Mantwill, Research Manager at the Swiss Learning Health System at the University of Lucerne, is convinced: «In dialogue, hurdles can be overcome, and joint solutions for the future can be developed. The exchange between the parties involved promotes mutual understanding, builds trust, and paves the way for sustainable solutions for patients as well as for the entire healthcare system.»
Committed to Sustainable Healthcare
AstraZeneca Switzerland is involved in the research project as a representative of the pharmaceutical industry – out of conviction that it can make a significant contribution to optimizing healthcare. «Access to medical treatments is inadequate for many patients, and timely diagnosis, treatment, or medical referral remains challenging. The vision «Healthcare Network for All – pour tous – per tutti' offers a great opportunity to connect key players and thereby make care more efficient,» emphasizes Yésica Hernandez-Brichis, Medical Director of AstraZeneca Switzerland.
The Three Different Areas of Action at a Glance
The areas of action developed in the co-creation process form the basis for a health network that meets the needs of a changing society. The network care focuses on the interprofessional collaboration of service providers from the health, social, and civil society sectors. Through the flexible composition of the network, patient-centered, holistic health promotion, prevention, and healthcare are enabled.
The field of action Coordination and Navigation focuses on the alignment of service providers and aims to ensure that all parties involved can find their way. Special coordination personnel offer support when needed, and a shared secure data platform enables coordinated health promotion. «Our expertise is significant in various areas. For instance, we can contribute to improved coordination in the field of medication by promoting the implementation of guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT). Additionally, we can help improve the quality of care and make the healthcare system future-proof,» explains Dr. Thomas Campbell-James, Evidence Generation Manager at AstraZeneca Switzerland, who is actively involved in the project team.
Finally, the «Health Network for All» aims for low-threshold access that is oriented towards people's living environments. In addition to an app that provides easily understandable information on contact options, health services, and topics, other easily accessible formats and support structures are to be developed to meet the needs of various target groups. This includes, in particular, community meeting places that enable local and personal contacts.
Ensuring sustainable, affordable healthcare
AstraZeneca Switzerland is convinced that the action plan «Health 2040» is an efficient step towards ensuring the foundation for high-quality, sustainable, and affordable healthcare. Through close collaboration among various stakeholders and focusing on people's needs, the healthcare system can be holistically designed to be future-proof—a goal that AstraZeneca actively wants to help shape.
Media contact
Tel. +41 (0) 41 725 75 75; media.switzerland@astrazeneca.com
Barbara Hess, Corporate Communications Lead, AstraZeneca Switzerland
AstraZeneca in Switzerland
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that has been present in Switzerland for nearly 50 years, ranking among the country's top ten revenue-generating pharmaceutical firms. AstraZeneca focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in the areas of Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, Respiratory and Immunology, and Rare Diseases. Over 285 employees in Switzerland are committed to providing patients with life-changing medicines and making a positive impact on the healthcare system, society, and the planet. Currently, over 230,000 people are treated with a drug from AstraZeneca in Switzerland. By 2026, the company expects the approval of over 35 new therapies. AstraZeneca has pledged to an inclusive work environment based on respect and acceptance. The company was thus recognised as a «Great Place to Work» for the sixth consecutive time in 2024 and carries the «Swiss LGBTI label». AstraZeneca aims to be CO2-negative by 2030.
For more information: www.astrazeneca.ch