Medtech has launched a campaign designed to encourage people to see their GP more regularly – to improve individual health outcomes and relieve pressures on the healthcare system. The first phase targets men over 40 who are one of the main groups to miss regular visits.
Geoffrey Sayer, Medtech MD and Epidemiologist, is encouraging Kiwi men to visit their GP and has placed a billboard on Auckland’s Southern Motorway to target men on New Zealand’s main arterial route. The billboard receives over 2 million views per month.
“I was originally attracted to Medtech because I saw the potential for a connected system that provides healthier care,” says Geoff. “With COVID-19 taking up much of the attention at the moment many other health issues are at risk of being neglected. Some of my own earliest research focused on the need for men over 40 to get regular check-ups. Research shows that middle-aged men can improve health outcomes if they visit their GP for a regular check-up. Also men who see their GP regularly can reduce the need for hospital visits later, which has benefits for them personally, their family and the health system in general.”
“Those men who have traditional ideas about masculinity are often reluctant to see a doctor for preventative care. So we wanted to give them a nudge and do so in a light-hearted way that doesn’t threaten their sense of self,” adds Geoff. ”In the coming months, we’re looking at targeting other issues like child MMR immunisation and women’s health, working to improve outcomes for a range of community groups.”
The campaign is part of the Medtech vision for ‘healthier care’ and coincides with a series of system improvements and upgrades.
