Which Consumers Share Medical Information? Sharing Is Linked To Consumer Attitudes Toward Medical Community And Basic Trust

Which Consumers Share Medical Information? Sharing Is Linked To Consumer Attitudes Toward Medical Community And Basic Trust

 

By Bradford J. Holmes and Julie Hanson

 

The virtue of consumers who share their medical information, through applications like personal health records, is clear. These pioneers ease communications among themselves, payers, and physicians and enable their own path toward better health and wellness. Yet, while some people are ready to share their medical information, others are unsure or say they are downright not interested. To understand why some consumers are willing to share their medical information, and for what benefits, market researchers must take notice of the varying attitudes of those willing and not willing to share their medical information.

 

COST SAVINGS AND BETTER BENEFITS ENCOURAGE SOME CONSUMERS TO SHARE

 

Consumers are motivated to share their medical records by a variety of benefits, ranging from lower costs to increased coverage and even access to personal health programs. But a chunk of the population remains unsure about sharing, no matter what the incentive.

 

Forrester found that:

 

• Saving money motivates many to share. Nearly half (47%) of respondents say they would be willing to share their medical information for lower insurance premiums
• This should come as little surprise, as cost is a rising concern for healthcare consumers. In fact, the respondents willing to share their medical information also say that healthcare costs are a major financial burden for their household and that they would be willing to use their health benefits more carefully if they got to share in the savings.
• Increasing health benefits encourages others. Second to cost savings, consumers say they would be willing to share their medical information for increased access to preventative health programs and enhanced coverage. Healthcare consumers are increasingly active in their health management by completing health risk assessments and enlisting in disease management programs. In fact, 22% of consumers have completed a health risk assessment, and often did so not because their doctor told them to, but because of their own personal interest in completing the assessment.

 

For more information, contact Forrester Research.