Integration of behavioural insights into a general theory of health economic policy

Abstract

The study aimed to conceptualise the role of behavioural economics mechanisms as a component of the modern theory of economic policy in the healthcare sector. The paper used the methods of modelling the cause-and-effect chain “tool – mechanism – behaviour – change – clinical outcomes – economic effect”, content analysis of international research materials, abstraction of the system of indicators (behavioural, clinical, economic), systematic analysis of performance indicators (Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio and return on investment, budgetary impact analysis). The findings demonstrated that structured reminders, scheduling prompts, social norms, and comparative feedback to providers reduced delayed visits, increased adherence, and reduced unnecessary procedures, which translated into lower intensity of costly episodes of care, more consistent quality of care, and reduced indirect productivity losses. The macroeconomic and fiscal implications of integrating behavioural insights into the general theory of economic policy were identified, including improved public health, which affected life expectancy and morbidity. Also, it was increased attendance and productivity, impact on the macroeconomy, which meant higher output, employment growth, as well as increased tax revenues, and lower disability benefits. A roadmap for implementation was proposed, which combined ethical principles of using behavioural tools, requirements for data infrastructure and mechanisms for regular monitoring (“planning – collection – analysis – feedback – correction”), allocating funding on results (key performance indicators: prevention coverage, proportion of healthy population, frequency of over-prescribing). The practical value was determined by an economically sound basis for reallocating resources towards preventive healthcare, increasing cost-effectiveness of expenditures and strengthening long-term fiscal sustainability through the channels of attendance, productivity and employment

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