The health consumer movement references broad cultural and economic shifts that motivate people to take a more proactive role in all aspects of their healthcare including the selection of health plans, providers, and treatment options; tracking their health status via personal health records, wearable sensors, and in-home monitors; and directly contributing to and/or accessing personal health data from providers, payers, testing labs, pharmacies, and other organizations. In addition, health consumer engagement is related to the concept of “accountability” which is growing and extending across the healthcare ecosystem including patients, who increasingly need to do more and pay more to ensure more positive health outcomes. The consumer engagement movement is shaping up to be a significant cultural shift impacting stakeholders at every level of the healthcare system, driven by the transformation of the way we deliver and pay for health services.
Consumer Health Survey Overview
Frost & Sullivan recently conducted a web-based survey with 1,500 US consumers to explore a range of topics around healthcare coverage, services, and connected health. Eligible respondents meet the following criteria: reside in the United States, have health insurance coverage, are 18 years or older.
Key objectives of the survey included
- To assess consumers’ perception of their current health status, engagement in health, and current health-related activities
- To determine current health conditions and prevalence among surveyed consumers
- To identify current health-related behaviors being utilized to maintain and manage health
- To review consumers’ current use of mobile technology and health tracking applications
- To determine the most appropriate consumer segments to target for connected health through mobile and wearable devices
