Philips 2014 Annual Report Download - page 45

Sector performance 6.1
Annual Report 2014 45
6.1 Healthcare
“ We remain steadfast in our commitment to enable the best
possible care provision at the lowest cost wherever care is
provided, from the hospital to the home.”
Frans van Houten, CEO Royal Philips
• By leveraging world-class innovation, deep clinical
expertise and extensive relationships, global access
to healthcare providers, and an integrated solutions
portfolio, we provide greater value while helping
lower the cost of care across the health continuum.
• Our multi-year Accelerate! program continues to
improve our operational performance, helping oset
market headwinds.
• We are focused on delivering on our nancial
commitments and driving growth, despite ongoing
softness in a number of markets, including the US,
Europe and China.
• Capitalizing on the convergence of professional
healthcare and consumer end-markets, we will
leverage our consumer and healthcare businesses to
capture the vast opportunities along the health
continuum – from healthy living to preventative care,
denitive diagnostics, minimally invasive therapy,
and hospital and home care for recovering and
chronically ill patients.
6.1.1 Health care landscape
Health care systems around the world are under
increasing economic pressure. More people are living
longer, and more are living with chronic conditions –
driving healthcare spending to unsustainable levels.
Shortages of healthcare professionals are also adding
to the relentless challenge of delivering better care at
lower cost to growing patient populations.
Fundamental transformative changes are already
taking place in the health care industry to enable the
provision of aordable, quality care to everyone who
needs it. There is a shift in emphasis from volume to
value, and from a singular focus on clinical outcomes to
a more holistic approach to population health. Greater
attention is also being paid to the benets of healthy
living and home care as a way to lessen the burden on
health systems.
Increasingly, providers and patients see the need for
patients to take a more active role in managing their
health – giving rise to the health consumer. Mobile and
digital technologies will be signicant enablers of this
trend, leading to new care delivery models that give
patients more control and responsibility for their
healthcare, and oer providers more solutions for
improving access and outcomes while managing costs.
6.1.2 About Philips Healthcare
At Philips, we deliver innovative, integral technology
solutions designed to create value by improving the
quality and delivery of care while lowering cost. Our