Definition (Description / Characteristics):

TThere is no uniform definition of “chronically ill”. In general, a chronic illness is defined as someone who has a long-standing illness that cannot be completely cured and who requires ongoing or recurring healthcare services for that illness. The list of possible chronic diseases is long. The consequences for those affected vary greatly depending on the disease and the severity of the disease. Some chronic diseases lead to significant impairments of everyday life and sometimes have a massive impact on the quality of life of those affected. Among chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic lung diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, mental disorders and diabetes mellitus are particularly widespread and affect quality of life, work ability and mortality. According to a study by the Health Knowledge Foundation, chronically ill people suffer from the disease and its consequences for an average of 15 years. 82% of the chronically ill feel restricted in their everyday life by their disease(s) [1]. Further results of the study: The probability of becoming chronically ill increases significantly with age. 56% of the chronically ill in Germany are over 60 years old. With age, the risk of needing care due to the chronic disease increases. People with multiple chronic illnesses are also at higher risk of requiring long-term care.

With age, the risk of needing care due to the chronic disease increases. People with multiple chronic illnesses are also at higher risk of requiring long-term care.

Market potential (current & future):

40 percent of the population in Germany have at least one chronic disease. That's around 33 million people in Germany. 18 million chronically ill people are over 60 years old. The list of chronic diseases is headed by high blood pressure, arthrosis and chronic back pain [1]. As a result of increasing life expectancy, age-associated diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and many types of cancer continue to increase, meaning the number of chronically ill people will also increase.

Needs (entry phase & in phase):

Financial situation: Among working people, chronic illnesses are a frequent cause of sick leave, incapacity to work or be in gainful employment. According to the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (baua), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common cause of incapacity to work, severe disability, limited ability to work and premature disability [2]. Together with mental illnesses, MSDs cause around 38% of absenteeism [3] and around 40% of long-term incapacity to work [4]. Anyone who draws a pension for partial or full disability due to the chronic illness must expect financial losses. The amount of the disability pension depends on the number of insurance years and the individual income. Without private disability insurance, the financial situation for those affected can be very tense. Additional financial burdens, which do not only affect working chronically ill people, are possible, for instance health costs that are not or only partially reimbursed by health insurances.

Leisure time, life planning: Chronically ill people experience limitations in different areas of life. Very often, the illness and the necessary therapies have a direct impact on life planning and the possibilities for leisure activities. Medical care and support often take up a lot of time. Once diagnosed, it may take a long time for the chronic patient to adjust to effective long-term therapy. In this phase, frequent doctor's appointments and check-ups are to be observed. The selected treatment program – which usually also includes measures to adjust lifestyle – must then be integrated into everyday life. A major challenge is compliance (adherence to therapy). Many chronically ill people find it difficult to always live according to medical guidelines. In particular, when there are no noticeable signs of illness, the acceptance of limiting oneself due to the illness decreases. Depending on the type and severity of the chronic disease, plans for the future can only be made to a limited extent and taking into account the consequences of the chronic disease. 25% of people with one chronic condition and 40% of people with multiple chronic conditions feel significantly limited by their condition [1]. Participation in social life is often restricted, sometimes not occurring at all.

Relationship: If a partner or family member is chronically ill, this has an impact on relationships with one another. The more space the illness takes up and the more consideration must be given to the sick person, the greater the stress and potential for tension. If the illness leads to significant physical and/or psychological limitations, care and, if necessary, nursing must be organized.  

Scenarios:

Chronically ill people who are (still) able to participate in life without restrictions usually have a great interest in their condition not deteriorating. You are sensitized to health issues and open to prevention offers and options for a healthier life. Offers and concepts that help to improve compliance are also relevant for this target group, for instance digital reminders and health apps. If there is a (significant) restriction, those affected look for solutions that make everyday life and social participation easier. Products and services are therefore of interest, by contributing to improving mobility, providing more comfort in the living environment (e.g. height-adjustable tables and worktops for people with chronic back problems) and increasing safety in everyday life. Digital products are playing an increasingly important role in these areas as well as in the social area. They can enable social participation, promote social contacts and help to prevent loneliness.