Advancing prevention in healthcare

Healthcare is often reactive. Too often, people seek medical help only when they’re already unwell. But what if the focus shifted to preventing illness before it happened? Prevention leads to better health outcomes, reduces pressure on overstretched NHS services, and saves costs for individuals and society. With growing health inequalities and rising demand for services, prevention is no longer an option—it’s a necessity.

This was the focus of our latest Digital Forum on Advancing Prevention in Healthcare, where experts from across healthcare, charities, and digital transformation discussed the opportunities, challenges, and solutions in moving from a treatment-based model to one rooted in prevention. The amazing speakers who came to share their experiences were:

• Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK 

• Libby Rhodes, Head of Transformation at YoungMinds 

• Sarah Fisher, Deputy Director, Digital Screening Services – Policy and Engagement at NHS England

Together, we explored what prevention really means, why it’s so difficult to implement, and what needs to change.

Why prevention matters

The NHS faces increasing demand, with an ageing population and rising levels of chronic illness. Investing in prevention can alleviate these pressures by keeping people healthier for longer. 

Prevention spans a broad spectrum—from vaccinations and screenings to early interventions in mental health and chronic disease management. Our discussion covered what’s working, what needs to change, and the role that policy, technology, and community-driven initiatives play in making prevention a reality.

Challenges in making prevention work

While the benefits of prevention are clear, systemic barriers often slow its implementation. Currently, not all communities benefit equally, with some interventions unintentionally widening health inequalities.

To address this, prevention must go beyond individual health choices and consider broader social factors like housing, employment, and community support. A truly preventative approach needs collaboration across multiple sectors, ensuring interventions reach those most at risk.

One of the key challenges is the lack of universal screening and early detection strategies for some diseases, particularly prostate cancer. Without national screening programmes, awareness campaigns play a crucial role in ensuring early intervention.

Mental health prevention presents another set of challenges. Traditional service models often fail to engage communities effectively, especially those that have historically been underserved. Designing culturally relevant services can help build trust and improve access to support.

Innovative solutions for the future

New digital tools and data-driven approaches are reshaping how prevention is delivered. The NHS is increasingly using digital screening and risk assessment tools to provide individuals with tailored insights about their health, encouraging early intervention before issues escalate.

Community-led support is another powerful tool in prevention. By working with trusted local organisations, healthcare providers can ensure interventions are relevant, accessible, and culturally sensitive. Mental health services, in particular, benefit from a community-first approach that prioritises the lived experiences of the people they serve.

Beyond digital and community strategies, proactive healthcare engagement remains key. Early intervention models that encourage self-management and peer support can reduce the long-term burden on services.

The way forward

The Forum reinforced that prevention cannot be an isolated effort. Local authorities, charities, digital providers, and businesses must work together to create an integrated, data-led approach that shifts the focus from reactive care to proactive health management.

With the right investment, collaboration, and outreach, the UK can build a truly preventative healthcare system—one that reduces the burden of disease, improves quality of life, and delivers better health outcomes for all.

Join the conversation

We’re committed to creating meaningful change for people, places and the planet through collaboration and digital innovation. If you’re interested in being part of the discussion, get in touch or sign up for our next Digital Forum.