Both patients and doctors can use the health consumer report as a tool. This year's study outlines four key themes that should guide health care consumers. These themes are: Optimism. Choices. Transparency. Patient-generated data. These are the key elements for improving consumer satisfaction in health care.
Optimism
Positive outcomes have been associated with optimism, such as better health and well being. It is also linked to coping strategies that focus on the positive aspects of stressful situations. There are indirect effects that optimism has on quality-of-life. Positive people report higher quality lives than 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 be more active, to quit smoking, to live with a partner and to follow their doctor's advice better. Despite these benefits, there is not enough evidence to show that optimism leads to a healthier diet or a slimmer body.
You have many options
The Patient Protection & Affordable Health Act (PPACA), has created health insurance markets where consumers can compare and choose from different plans. Many consumers do not have the knowledge necessary to make informed coverage decisions and end spending more money than they should. RAND researchers review the literature to find out if consumers make the right health coverage decisions.
Consumer choice is a key approach to improving the quality of health care in the United States. Health consumer reports are created by asking consumers about their experiences working with health care providers. This helps them make informed health decisions.
Transparency
Transparency in Health Consumer Report is a positive movement. This report allows consumers to easily choose a hospital or doctor based on ratings. It also gives them information about their provider's performance. There are some potential risks. Consumers may have difficulty understanding the jargon and complex information within the report.
First, consumers are less likely to make informed decisions about choosing a healthcare provider. Due to the complexity of the health care system, patients are prone to select the most expensive provider. The quality of healthcare is not always reflected in the cost. Patients often have to pay for facility fees and prescriptions, which can raise their bills.
Patient-generated data
Patient-generated health data (PGHD), are data collected outside of a traditional medical setting. This data includes information on prevention and health promotion activities. It broadens the definition of health beyond illness and wellness, to include the whole person. This data improves patient care through improved service and satisfaction.
This data can come from a variety sources and be used in the health care. It can also include personal health information like blood pressure readings and exercise information. It is crucial to recognize the difference between patient-reported outcome and patient-generated information.
Biopharma companies
The pharmaceutical industry invests billions each year in research and development of new drugs. But despite these investments, the price of prescription drugs in the U.S. is on the rise. Despite this, many Americans are willing to spend money, even if their medications don't really need them. One example is insulin, which costs $14 to $300 in the U.S. but just $6 to $30 in other countries.
The report looked at 35 large pharmaceutical companies that generate revenue from sales and generated EBITDA of $3.7 trillion. This was more revenue than the S&P 500. However, profits from biopharmaceutical businesses were less than those of S&P500.