Harvard project will use behavioural sciences and economics to improve healthcare delivery, outcomes

The Behavioral Insights Health Project at Harvard will explore how behavioural science and behavioural economics can help improve health outcomes for patients and decisions made by doctors. It will draw on the expertise of doctors, public health specialists, economists, policy analysts and law professors to identify ways to improve outcomes for patients, improve medical decisions and identify cost-effective approaches. Potential areas of exploration include smoking cessation, blood pressure control, opioid addiction, medical adherence and cancer treatment. Special attention will be given to health-related "nudges," such as reminders, default rules and other information, which preserve freedom of choice and promote better outcomes.