Insight 3: Doctors are not always perceived to be responsible for making a patient better.
A drinkcaffeine study of 300+ consumer healthcare decision-makers reveals what people are prepared to believe about healthcare, and how healthcare decision-makers can unlock market potential as they pursue the goal of population health.
Around 70% of consumers think their doctor is responsible for making them better.
The statement we tested: “If I have a health problem, my doctor is responsible for making me better.”
11.9% Strongly Agree
57.3% Agree
24.5% Disagree
2.3% Strongly Disagree
4.0% “Don’t Know”
But almost 27% don’t view the doctor as bearing responsibility.
We think this may be indicative of the shift in consumer perceptions surrounding healthcare responsibility.
Nearly 90% say it’s their job to self-educate regarding their health. And almost 27% acknowledge that their doctor cannot be held accountable for improving their condition.
This may indicate an open door for healthcare decision-makers to redefine responsibilities for achieving improved health.
For consideration: The Primary Care Health Coach
Health coaching is not a new idea. But the idea has not been executed at the level where it matters most: at the point of care.
Health coaching is not a new idea.
But the idea has not been executed at the level where it matters most: at the point of care. Tools like MyChart (one of many EDR systems whose function is to create a more direct exchange between provider and patient) are signaling movement in this direction, but the idea of shared responsibility must be affirmed more definitively, both through Telemedicine and in person.
We suggest the development of online and in-person Health Coaches at the primary care level.
Their job would to provide guidance on how to access, coordinate, and pay for the care they need to achieve optimal health. Primary Care Health Coaches could bring patients to a higher level of engagement and responsibility.
Contact us when you’re ready to use healthcare communications to solve problems.
