The health consumer survey is an important tool that physicians and patients alike can use. The report this year highlights four key themes that should be used as a guide for health care consumers. These themes include optimism, choices, transparency, and patient-generated data. These are the key elements for improving consumer satisfaction in health care.
Optimism
Optimism has been associated positively with improved health and wellbeing. It is linked to positive coping strategies, which focus on the positive aspects in stressful situations. Indirect effects of optimism on quality of living are also evident. Optimists report a higher quality life than those who are pessimists.
Optimism can be associated with a healthier lifestyle. This includes better physical health and a stronger social support network. People who are optimistic tend not to smoke, get more exercise, have a partner, and follow more medical advice. Despite these benefits, there is not enough evidence to show that optimism leads to a healthier diet or a slimmer body.
Choices
The Patient Protection & Affordable Health Act (PPACA), has created health insurance markets where consumers can compare and choose from different plans. Many consumers don’t have the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding their coverage options. They end up spending more than is necessary. RAND researchers look at the literature in this report to assess whether consumers are making informed decisions about their coverage.
Consumer choice is key to improving quality health care in the United States. The health consumer report can provide information that will help consumers make informed choices about their health by asking them about their experiences with doctors and hospitals.
Transparency
The Transparency in Health Consumer Report movement has many positive aspects. It makes it simple for consumers to choose a doctor or hospital according to their ratings. They also get information about how their provider ranks. There are some potential risks. The report may contain complex information and jargon that consumers might not understand.
First, consumers may be less likely to make the right decisions when choosing a health provider. It is easy to make a mistake and choose the most expensive provider when the health system is complex. The quality of healthcare is not always reflected in the cost. Many patients have to pay prescriptions or facility fees which can cause an increase in their bills.
Data compiled by patients
Patient-generated Data (PGHD) refers to data that is not collected within a traditional health-care setting. This data also includes information about health promotion and prevention. This data expands the definitions of health beyond wellness and illness to include all aspects of the person. This data also improves the quality and satisfaction of patient care.
Data can be gathered from many sources and used for health care. It could include information on personal health such as blood pressure readings or exercise information. It is important to differentiate between patient-generated data and patient-reported outcome measures.
Biopharma companies
Research to develop new drugs is a major focus of the pharmaceutical industry, which spends billions every year. But despite these investments, the price of prescription drugs in the U.S. is on the rise. However, consumers continue to be willing to spend money on prescription drugs, even when they are not required. One example is insulin, which costs $14 to $300 in the U.S. but just $6 to $30 in other countries.
This report examined 35 large pharmaceutical companies with revenue from sales that generated EBITDA of $3.7 billion. This was more than triple the revenue of the S&P 500. In contrast, profits at biopharmaceutical firms were lower than S&P 500.