The contemporary healthcare environment is transforming, and new models of interaction between patients and medical professionals emerge. Health care consumerism is a strategy in which individuals can have more control over their treatment plans, which is enabled by the continuously increasing costs of services in the industry. However, patients do not have easy access to all the information they require, while providers are unable to present appropriate services. In order to respond to this shift in consumer behavior, healthcare establishments must develop strategies targeting the main issues.
Despite the positive impact of healthcare consumerism on the communication and cooperation between patients and physicians, several issues exist. Lagasse (2018) argues that providers are not adapting to the new model. Thus, despite consumerism being a significant trend in healthcare, not many healthcare organizations assess patient feedback and change their processes for a more consumer-oriented approach. Firstly, healthcare companies have to acknowledge that the change towards a new model of care is inevitable in the environment with high costs for consumers that allow them to demand better service.
Secondly, the application of innovation and technology is necessary to help patients gain better access to their physicians. Next, Heath (2018) suggests developing a culture that will focus on patients and their preferences. Additionally, the author suggests allowing access to personal information that would help individuals make more informed choices in the context of their health. Finally, Jain (2018) and Burns, Bradley, and Brian (2012) argue that out-of-pocket expenses for some treatments, for instance, insulin, have to be illuminated to ensure that individuals can receive vital aid, which is part of the consumer-driven reimbursement. In general, healthcare consumerism is transforming the industry. However, providers have to adjust their processes to ensure a proper response to this challenge.
References
Burns, L. R., Bradley, E. H., Bryan, J. W. (2012). Shortell and Kaluzny’s healthcare management: Organization design and behaviour (6th ed.). Delmar, NY: Cengage Learning.
Heath, S. (2018). Understanding consumerism in healthcare, patient empowerment. Web.
Jain, S. H. (2018). The type of consumerism healthcare really needs. Web.
Lagasse, J. (2018). Consumerism coming to healthcare: Opportunities and obstacles.Web.