Study shows self-care savings potential in The Netherlands
December  2011

Ecorys, a European research and consultancy company, published this month the main results of a research based on data from the NIVEL database on GP practice. In the period 2006-2009 the number of doctor visits for minor conditions increased with a massive 35%. The direct consultation costs for GP care for minor conditions reached closed to € 100 million in 2009. Ecorys has made concrete recommendations to various parties (authorities, GPs, pharmacists, druggists and social security institutions) about the measures they can take to stimulate self-care. These include not only financial incentives but also information, advice and education. The study was commissioned by NEPROFARM, WSMI’s member association in the Netherlands. NEPROFARM noted that “many consumers already practice self-care. Those that do not would need a ‘concerted push’ towards more self-care if and when possible and appropriate. NEPROFARM is willing to collaborate with stakeholders to make consumers and patients more autonomous”.