Rethinking Chronic Care: How Blended Patient-Centered Care Delivery and Innovative Financing Models Can Contribute to Achieving Universal Health Coverage - A Case Study of an Integrated Approach in Kenya

Abstract

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure all individuals have access to essential health services without financial hardship. Chronic diseases, like hypertension and diabetes, play a critical role in achieving UHC due to their lifelong management needs. This paper examines the implementation of a digital and mobile-based, patient-centered care model aimed at improving care for hypertensive and diabetic patients in Kenya. Between 2018 and 2019, 1626 patients from nine clinics in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri and Vihiga counties were enrolled in an integrated non-communicable disease (NCD) care model including self-management devices for home monitoring, a digital health wallet (M-TIBA) for co-payment and facility-based peer support groups. The case study highlights the potential of digital health solutions to enhance chronic care and support UHC by improving accessibility and reducing costs.