Are you providing health consumers with what they want?Health Headlines - September 2009 |
Healthcare Consumerism - 2009 survey results
In the first edition of Health Headlines we shared the results of the Healthcare Consumerism survey. Many of you reported that the survey findings touched on many of the pressing issues you face - that the information provided by the report was very helpful as it gave you a better understanding of consumer demand and how you could best meet this demand. The survey has been repeated this year with further analysis on consumer behaviour, consumers unmet needs and the impact consumer demand has on health care organisations.
Something old, something new
Historically, most people thought that health care was visiting their doctor, their doctor prescribing them medicine and them doing exactly what their doctor told them to do in a bid to get well. However, today many consumers book appointments online, opt for alternative treatment and even choose the hospitals for their surgery.
As a result, the 2009 survey goes beyond the conventional boundaries of what health and health care are commonly thought to encompass. It focuses on six of the most prevalent zones of health care consumer activity wellness and healthy living, alternative health services, health insurance, health policy, information resources and traditional health services.
This survey provides you with a valuable insight about how to best prepare your business and make informed decisions. Although the study was conducted in the United States, New Zealand organisations will be faced with similar issues in the near future. History has shown that NZ consumer behaviour tends to follow overseas trends. Therefore, the insights in the survey can inform our strategic positioning and investments here in NZ.
The key finds of the 2008 and 2009 survey are:
View the surveys: