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Health Care Consumerism: 2008 Findings

A two-way conversation

In 2008, the U.S. health care system was and continues to be in the midst of a transformational change that many believe is centered on consumerism — the process of enabling and engaging consumers more directly in selection and purchase decisions regarding health care services. A traditionally one-way conversation is becoming a dialogue as the health care system transitions from patient-oriented to consumer-oriented. Industry stakeholders need to prepare to address the challenges and opportunities that consumerism presents.

Explore the resources below to learn more about results from the "2008 Survey of Health Care Consumers" which asked people about their behaviors, attitudes and unmet needs toward health, health care and health insurance. Also explore the "2009 Survey of Health Care Consumers" library to discover this year's survey results.

	Executive Summary: 2008 Survey of Health Care Consumers The role consumers play in the U.S. health care system has become more prominent. Understanding consumer attitudes, behaviors and unmet needs is crucial to inform this debate. Our survey revealed general desires such as greater accessibility and customization, but it also found telling differences in market segments.
	Reference: Fact Sheet Library Segmenting by demographic, we break down this complex issue and provide brief outlines and statistics on consumer desires, needs and habits.
	Segmentation: What Type of Health Care Consumer Are You? Six distinct consumer types emerged from the survey: Content & Compliant, Sick & Savvy, Online & Onboard, Shop & Save, Out & About and Casual & Cautious.
	Overview: Survey Methodology The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions employed a unique strategy and rigorous methodology to assess adult consumers’ behaviors, attitudes and unmet needs.
	Research: Will Consumerism and Consumer-Directed Health Plans Transform U.S. Health Care? Consumer-directed health plans appear to be an important ingredient in the transition from a patient-centric to consumer-centric health care delivery system.
	Library: What Challenges and Opportunities are Ahead for Your Health Care Sector? Our consumerism survey revealed specific implications for the life sciences, health care provider and health plan sectors. The following industry-specific reports address how each sector should consider new strategies, capabilities and investments to capitalize on trends.

Series on “Disruptive Innovations” in Health Care

This report is part of a series of reports by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions about “disruptive innovations” in health care. Learn more about the series.

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