Consumerization in health care is the trend that everyone is talking about and you need to know about.
Indeed, Consumerization refers to the embracement of new technologies and models that originate and develop from the consumer perspective. Furthermore, this concept’s hot tendency reflects the interest in the impact that consumer-originated technologies can have on the health industry. Also, reflects the willingness of health institutions and providers to know how this will affect them. For being prepared and take advantage of it.
These new models are emerging because patients are getting more self-conscious about their role in their own health and treatments. That is to say, payers and providers now see patients from a different perspective, as users and consumers.
Consumers want to be more informed about their health status and conditions, keep easy access to their health records, including their care plans, medications and recommended activities. they love to book appointments easily and access to a doctor in a short period of time. They want to have real-time access to everything related to them.
Consumerization has nothing to do with the consumer's age
Health care consumerization should shelter all ages. Not only younger generations that were born with technology at their fingertips, but the ones that did not. Technology providers should design for consumers and relatives from all “tech-savvy” levels, and from all ages.
Understanding generational needs is more than knowing a person's age
“Health Tech” businesses participating in health care should understand the needs of all generations. They should think of accessible products and services capable of integrating into their routines, and their budget.
Consumer Engagement is not a problem, just related to a lack of knowledge of digital tools. Even though younger generations know how to use phones, devices, and video platforms; they are not worried about being healthy.
According to the “Prevalence of Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults, 2018” study, published by the CDC:
This is evidence that consumer engagement goes beyond technology. No matter if health institutions have the best technology tools or services, will be not enough without a high-quality interaction. High rates of patient absenteeism, appointment cancellations, high rate of readmissions, and ER visits could be the results of a bad coordinated technology-human care strategy.
The human touch is relevant to engage consumers in treatments, from the Doctor’s office to the patient’s home and workplace. No matter if consumers are self-independent, all of them need at some level to reaffirm some ideas about their health. Consumers like to share experiences with peers, this is one of the reasons why some of them are active on social media.
Consumer experience improvement will boost engagement rates
Healthcare stakeholders need to think about consumer experience while implementing a technological update. Whether virtual or in-person health care attention, the experience should be equally great for all consumers. Gestures like greeting, using a name, or even smiling can make the difference. It is the health care institution’s duty to make the user feel human instead of just an ID.
About Esvyda Consumerization
We help health stakeholders to engage consumers and at the same time, our solution fits in their ecosystem and workflows. Not only boosting consumer engagement and satisfaction, but also the ROI and efficiency.
Esvyda improves consumer engagement with interactive communication among health care providers, payers, caregivers, and patients. Complementing this, esvyda offers tools such as vital signs Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), physical activity, online booking, and video-driven health. By integrating seamlessly into workflows, our solution allows care plan follow-ups through secure communication.
In short, with the right tailored health technology tools and strategies integration, healthcare stakeholders may follow up with patients and consumers anytime, anywhere.
References
Definition of Consumerization – Gartner Information Technology Glossary. Retrieved 12 May 2022, from https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/consumerization
Boersma, P., Black, L. and Ward, B., 2020. Prevalence of Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults, 2018. CDC. Retrieved 16 May 2022, from
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0130.htm
