Behavioral Economics as a Driver of Healthcare System Reform: Methodological Approach

The aim of this study was to develop and apply the Behavioral Economics in Health index as a methodological tool for assessing the role of behavioral strategies in healthcare reform, with particular attention to their impact on healthcare expenditure, life expectancy, and system-level adaptation in countries with varying levels of institutional maturity and economic capacity.

The research used system-dynamics-based simulation modeling using behavioral and economic parameters, followed by statistical analysis of the results.

The AnyLogic simulation results showed that, under an intensive behavioral integration scenario for 2024 to 2034, per-capita health expenditure decreased by USD 200 in Ukraine and USD 190 in Poland. In these countries, the initial levels of behavioral integration were the lowest-0.51 and 0.59, respectively-and the 10-year increase was 0.30. This fact ensured a steady reduction in expenditure throughout the entire modeling period without significant fluctuations. In Denmark, where the initial behavioral integration level was higher (0.88), the decrease amounted to only USD 26 per person, indicating a limited effect of further behavioral interventions in an already prevention-oriented healthcare system. Conversely, in the United States, where the integration index was even higher (0.91), expenditure increased by USD 20.72 per capita.

These findings indicate that the maximum economic effect of behavioral strategies is achieved in countries with low initial levels of integration and limited resources.