Health care online

 While consumers are becoming more self-reliant and empowered, healthcare providers are beginning to offer their services online and learning how to become more consumer-focused.

Some Highlights

·         Patients trust their doctors, but the availability of online information pushes them to seek virtual second opinions. Though physicians, nurses and pharmacists remain the strongest links in the trust and reliability chain, many patients are unsatisfied with one information source. As a result, they are turning to the web for more information and verification before, during and after medical visits.

·         The need for health information through Internet is on the rise

Although well-known medical portals, national medical centers and government sites are still top destinations for online health-seekers, patients are increasingly searching for information about healthcare professionals, local hospital services, healthcare costs and procedure availability in their area.

·         Consumers are seeking recommendation from fellow patients by using online channel Communicating with consumers about health is no longer a one-way model. Consumers are increasingly turning to fellow patients for recommendations via online sources. Crowd sourcing is encouraging patients to cluster into online groups based on psychographic, rather than mass-market demographic characteristics.

·         Latest technology tools such as Wireless & Mobile phone has opened new ways to access information, driving a new generation of healthcare communications, devices and services.

Digital technology formats, such as smartphones, electronic health records and remote monitoring, in conjunction with growing interest and accessibility are accelerating the movement toward self-care.

·         Negative public perceptions of health insurers, pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers are   fuelling a push for transparency and honesty.

Frustrated by government haggling, industry recalls, safety issues, fine print and a glut of sometimes inaccurate online information, consumers and other stakeholders are pushing for more reliable sources. They also are increasingly seeking openness on price, product safety and online security.