4 Reasons Convenience Is More Important Than Quality in Health Care

Consumerism is increasingly becoming a major driving force in most industries, and health care is no exception. Today more than ever before, consumers in this industry have countless options at their disposal. A wide range of homecare products is available, placing considerable power in the hands of patients and caregivers. With this increase in options, there has also been a significant spike in demand for convenient health care.

In an industry dominated by legacy providers who are typically adamant about changing, this growing trend comes as a surprise. Let’s explore four reasons convenience has become more important than quality in modern-day health care.

Shifting Consumer Attitudes

A significant factor behind the change is that the consumer mindset is changing. Patients have become accustomed to the convenience of such online apps as Uber, Airbnb, and InstaCart, to name a few. And they desire a similar experience regarding attending to health issues.

With this in mind, many opt for providers offering online appointment booking and payment options. Moreover, various convenient healthcare-related online apps have emerged in response to this growing need. These make it possible to consult a doctor with the same ease as booking a cab or ordering food.

The Advent of Technology

Closely related to the above point is the contribution that technological advances have made to the desire for convenience over quality. The onset of the pandemic particularly sped up the adoption of this trend, with telehealth becoming a necessity rather than a preference.

Telehealth refers to electronic data use, and technology supports long-distance health care. Convenience is at the heart of the technology as it allows users to access and manage health services at the touch of a button. For patients living in remote areas or whose movement is limited, its benefits far outweigh any disadvantages in terms of service quality.

A Growing Population of Millennials

Another crucial factor giving convenience an edge over quality is an increase in younger, lower-risk patients. The sheer size of this group makes it a force to reckon with. Taking as an example the United States, millennials reportedly account for the largest segment of the labor force. The needs and preferences of this group differ vastly from those of other generations.

To begin with, this generation is accustomed to the aforementioned mobile apps and having everything at their fingertips. Doubtlessly, their overall healthcare needs are far lower than older generations with higher occurrences of chronic conditions.

Consequently, they do not have to visit the doctor as frequently and their needs while there are relatively lightweight. The same group also has to juggle multiple responsibilities, in some cases, including kids and a career. Thanks to this combination of factors, the industry has had no choice but to start adapting to its needs.

An Increase in Economic Pressure

A series of policy changes in the industry have forced consumers to shoulder a more significant portion of healthcare costs than they did in the past. Insurers, for instance, have imposed copays, deductibles, and other cost-sharing approaches.

In response to this, consumers are eager to extract value from every coin spent, which drives demand for affordability. Service providers keen to meet this demand are adapting by offering models that prioritize convenience and cost-effectiveness. Not surprisingly, self-care and self-diagnosis options are quickly gaining popularity among consumers worldwide.

Ushering in a New Era of Convenience

These are just some factors that make convenience more important than quality in health care today. Considering the pace at which this trend is gaining traction, legacy providers are trying to keep up to avoid the risk of becoming obsolete.