Due to population ageing and advances in medical science, people with chronic diseases are living longer, which has become a challenge and a problem for the society. The challenges include how healthcare systems can cope with the cost burden of chronic disease, sustain quality independent living for patients and ensure sustainable healthcare and social care systems.
Currently, Osakidetza has a target population of more than 2.2 million inhabitants of which, in 2021, more than 22 % of the total population was 65 years old or older. Therefore, ageing, chronicity and dependence are one of its strategic priorities.
To this end, the Basque Country pilot intends to make them participants in their own illness by improving self-management and control over their health through active ageing activities. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their applications in the Basque healthcare practice are emerging as an alternative to tackle the challenges of the health system. Moreover, reducing dependence on the health system by chronic patients and the use of smart devices will lead to a reduction in both the number of hospital admissions and the number of visits to emergency services, as well as the reduction in healthcare costs.