New Research Highlights Cost-Saving Benefits of Lifestyle Behavior Change App

A study conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) of the University of Groningen has found that the use of the SamenGezond app, offered by health insurance company Menzis, is associated with a notable reduction in healthcare costs among its users. The study, which evaluates the app's impact in a real-world setting, highlights the potential of mobile health (mHealth) applications in promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems.

The research by Elena Agachi, Jochen Mierau, Koert van Ittersum, and Tammo Bijmolt indicates that participants who utilized the SamenGezond app experienced a reduction in healthcare costs of approximately 5% per participant per year. This reduction was pronounced starting one year following the app's launch, with costs dropping by 4.9% in the first year, and by 5.3% in the second year. The findings also suggest that the frequency of app use is more critical in achieving cost savings than the intensity of use.

Key observations

Key observations from the study include:

• Reduced General Practitioner Costs: Users of the app showed a decrease in expenses related to general practitioner services.
• Less Specialist Care: The study found a decline in visits to specialists, which could alleviate waiting times in this healthcare sector.
• Increased Mental Health Service Utilization: Interestingly, while there was an increase in the use of mental health services, this did not lead to higher costs, indicating that users are more likely to seek help early, potentially preventing more severe health issues.

The significance of this research is underscored by the rising global healthcare expenditures, which have surged to nearly 10% of GDP over the past two decades. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) driving a substantial portion of these costs, the study emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and lifestyle behavior change programs.

Easing the burden on healthcare systems

"Mobile health apps like SamenGezond not only empower individuals to take charge of their health but also have the potential to ease the burden on our healthcare systems," said Elena Agachi, who recently obtained her PhD at FEB.  "Our findings demonstrate that engaging with such apps can lead to meaningful changes in health behaviors and significant cost savings."

This study bridges a critical gap in existing research by evaluating the real-world impact of lifestyle behavior change apps on healthcare costs, providing valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals seeking to improve their health.

Reference:

Agachi, E., Mierau, J. O., Van Ittersum, K., & Bijmolt, T. H. A. (2024). The impact of a lifestyle behaviour change program on healthcare costs: Quasi-experimental real-world evidence from an open-access mobile health app in the Netherlands. Preventive Medicine, 108174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108174

More information

Read more about Elena Agachi’s PhD research.