At the GIBS/PPS conference on 19 August, Professional Provident Society Health highlighted the ongoing digital transformation in the managed healthcare space. As technology reshapes every facet of our lives, healthcare is no
exception, with significant changes particularly evident in managed healthcare. PPS Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Professional Provident Society Insurance company, is at the forefront of this evolution. By leveraging its mutuality model, PPS is driving purpose-led strategies that prioritise long-term member value over short-term profitability. This approach
is digitally enabling healthcare initiatives through a comprehensive strategy focused on primary healthcare, prevention, and ultra-personalised solutions.
The Mutual Advantage: A Purpose-Led Strategy
As a mutual organisation, PPS operates on a model that places its members at the core of its business. Unlike traditional for-profit entities, mutuals like PPS are purpose-led, emphasising long-term value creation for their members and stakeholders. This approach is deeply rooted in an engagement model that prioritises owner-member interactions over standard customer relations, building a unique ecosystem where growth and innovation are driven by the needs and well-being of its members.
Digital Transformation: Three Pillars of Progress
PPS's digital transformation in healthcare is anchored on three critical pillars: primary healthcare and prevention, omni-channel distribution networks, and digital solutions. Historically, healthcare services were predominantly physical, but PPS has shifted towards a more digital-centric approach, offering services through a combination of physical and digital
channels. This shift is not just about convenience; it's about enhancing accessibility, affordability, and efficacy in healthcare delivery.
Primary Healthcare and Prevention:
At the core of PPS's healthcare strategy is a focus on primary healthcare and prevention. This includes proactive screening, outcome tracking, and calls to action that lead to ultra-personalised solutions for members. The goal is to shift from reactive to
proactive care, catching potential health issues early and managing them effectively before they escalate.
Omni-Channel Distribution Networks:
The transition to digital has been seamless, with PPS now providing healthcare services through multiple channels, including digital platforms. This omni-channel approach ensures that members can access healthcare services anytime, anywhere, making healthcare more inclusive and accessible.
Digital Solutioning:
Leading through digital solutions, PPS has integrated advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) into its healthcare offerings. The challenge lies in packaging these solutions to be user-friendly and affordable, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse communities. This is where PPS’s digital integrated toolkit comes into play, driving health transformation strategies.
The Rise of Digital Wellness and Chronic Care Management
Wellness has become a buzzword in the healthcare industry, with the global wellness market projected to reach $13 trillion in the next two years. PPS is at the forefront of this paradigm shift, moving from traditional disease management to a more holistic wellness approach.
Digital wellness and chronic care management are now critical components of PPS's toolkit, focusing on shifting the narrative from "unwell" to "well".One of PPS’s key innovations in this space rewards members for engaging in healthy behaviours and preventive screenings, PPS is driving better health outcomes and promoting a culture of wellness among its members.
AI and Digital Therapeutics: The Future of Healthcare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising healthcare, and PPS is leveraging AI-enabled platforms to enhance its service delivery. The PPS AI-enabled health tech platform is used for care coordination, with built-in expected care journeys for various diagnoses and procedures. By tracking patients proactively, PPS care coaches can identify deviations from
expected care journeys and intervene appropriately, reducing hospitalisations, costs, and disease severity.
Digital Therapeutics (DTx) is another innovative area where PPS is making strides. DTx delivers evidence-based therapeutic interventions via high-quality software programs to manage and treat a broad spectrum of physical, mental, and behavioural conditions. In a country like South Africa, where 30% of the population is grappling with non-communicable
diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, the potential impact of DTx is immense.
Precision Medicine and Non-Invasive Biomarkers
PPS is also pioneering the use of precision medicine and non-invasive biomarkers. With advancements like plethysmography and non-invasive cellphone scanning, PPS is enabling mass screenings to quantify chronic disease levels among its population. This data-driven approach is not only enhancing diagnostic accuracy but also driving personalised interventions.
Partnering for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Recognising the growing mental health challenges, particularly among younger populations, PPS has partnered with Augmental Tech, a local digital health company, to develop a wellbeing digital app. This app, which caters to the adolescent and younger demographic, leverages digital health and wellness solutions to address mental health issues. By
incorporating behavioural science, personalised interventions, and a vast library of educational content, PPS is creating a supportive ecosystem for its members.
PPS Health is at the forefront of digital transformation in managed healthcare. By harnessing the power of its mutuality model and a purpose-driven strategy, PPS is revolutionising the healthcare experience for its members and setting new industry benchmarks. At PPS, the future is now.
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