Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Globally, 20-40% of healthcare spending is lost to inefficiencies, diverting vital resources from patient care. Improving efficiency—such as optimizing workforce use and outcomes—is key to expanding healthcare capacity. This study evaluates the broader impact of an optimized patient journey in chronic kidney disease (CKD) on stakeholders like medical staff and hospitals. It introduces the concept of “opportunity gain in resources,” a monetized metric capturing potential workload relief and resource reallocation through more efficient care pathways.
METHODS: This study employed a mixed-method approach, integrating expert consultations with data-driven analysis, to optimize the care pathway for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Drawing on insights from the German healthcare system, the model assessed healthcare resource utilization by comparing the current state with projections for an enhanced primary care pathway. Key components included time allocation for nurses and physicians, patient education initiatives, physician training, and disease management programs—highlighting the potential benefits of a more efficient care model.
RESULTS: System inefficiencies delay care, prolong illness, and reduce quality of life, while administrative burdens and limited awareness hinder both patients and healthcare professionals. Simulation results revealed significant workload reductions for physicians, specialists, and nurses. For patients, the average duration of the care journey could be shortened, enabling earlier achievement of disease control.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the significant resource burden associated with chronic disease management, especially in primary care. By demonstrating how streamlined patient journeys can unlock opportunity gains, this study contributes to the growing evidence base supporting efficiency-driven healthcare transformation. By considering direct and indirect resource savings, as well as intangible benefits, this study provides a framework for understanding the wider impact of healthcare improvements on workforce efficiency and patient care outcomes.