As Consumers Reject "One-Size-Fits-All" Mindset, U.S. Healthcare Struggles to Keep Up

Report identifies opportunities for healthcare sector to embrace a consumer relationship mindset

CHICAGO – Sept. 27, 2022 – From using fitness wearables, to embracing new forms of exercise, to increasingly seeking specialized mental health services, U.S. residents take an active role in managing their health, according to the 2022 State of the Healthcare Consumer Report from Kaufman Hall. But the role clinicians play in helping people get the most from these activities—and whether insurance covers the services—creates a highly variable consumer experience.

The report, which surveyed 3,500 consumers, found that 70% of people want health systems to be more actively involved with their own health management activities. Specifically, people want health systems to be more involved in supporting healthy eating (41%), paying for exercise equipment or programs (40%), or providing virtual physician-to-patient communications to discuss symptoms (39%).

Overall, 34% of respondents manage their diet and nutrition, 31% wear fitness trackers, 29% engage in physical health activities, 22% receive mental health services, 18% practice self-care activities, 12% use at-home diagnostics, and 12% use alternative therapies.

However, the health management activities that consumers frequently engage in are not always integrated into a medical visit. The report finds that while 59% of consumers that use mental health services do so at a provider’s direction, only 43% of consumers that use a wearable device do so at the direction of a healthcare provider.

“As people adopt behaviors that make them more mindful of their health and wellbeing, they are increasingly interested in integrating those activities with their healthcare experience,” said Dan Clarin, a managing director at Kaufman Hall and the report’s lead author. “Unfortunately, the health management activities consumers engage in are often disconnected from their clinical care. By listening to their consumers and integrating their insights, health systems have an opportunity to better meet evolving consumer needs.”

One complicating factor of tailoring healthcare to consumers, say report authors, is the narrowing of access to healthcare services. According to the report, nearly four in 10 people who receive health insurance through their employer have access to just one plan (38%) and 33% are offered two options. Fewer insurance choices mean fewer affordable options for consumers and clinicians to design the type of healthcare experience patients may want, with services covered by the plan.

In addition, commercially insured consumers reported participating in eight health management activities on average, while people with Medicaid reported engaging in six health management activities on average.

“Today’s insured consumers often have fewer options for health plans, which can translate into less choice for the services they are looking for,” Clarin said. “At the same time, persistent healthcare disparities are posing major public health challenges. Health systems must be able to both elevate the voice of the consumer throughout their organizations and play a leading role of lifting the health of the communities they serve.”

Report authors say the healthcare industry will be increasingly challenged to identify and meet evolving consumer demands for personalized health management. The authors say that incorporating the voice of the consumer will not be easy or quick. Adopting consumer-centric principles to care delivery, and building respectful, sustainable relationships with the patients they serve, will be imperative for health systems moving forward.

Kaufman Hall experts are available for comment, contact Tyler Williams (TWilliams@MessagePartnersPR.com, 434-329-0940).

Methodology  

Kaufman Hall surveyed approximately 3,500 healthcare consumers, reflecting a proportionate mix of age, gender, and geographic location. Respondents were also asked questions about their employment status, insurance coverage household income, physical health, and chronic health conditions to ensure a proportionate mix.

About Kaufman Hall

Kaufman Hall provides management consulting solutions to help society’s foundational institutions realize sustained success amid changing market conditions. Since 1985, KaufmanHall has been a trusted advisor to boards and executive management teams, helping them incorporate proven methods, rigorous analytics, and industry-leading solutions into their strategic planning and financial management processes, with a focus on achieving their most challenging goals.

KaufmanHall services use a rigorous, disciplined, and structured approach that is based on the principles of corporate finance. The breadth and integration of KaufmanHall advisory services are unparalleled, encompassing strategy; financial and capital planning; performance improvement; treasury and capital markets management; mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures; and real estate.