Hea l t h Ca r e Providing Patient-Focused Info Through promotional campaigns, doctors’ offices and medical practices can keep patients informed. Here’s what patients want to hear more about: General health and wellness tips 42% Scheduling options for preventive screening 41% Appointment availability 39% Vaccine updates 37% Chronic disease management 37% Updates about COVID-19 34% Source: SymphonyRM Let’s Talk Telehealth Many patients no longer want to see their doctor in person. In fact, 40% say they will continue to use telehealth after the pandemic over, according to McKinsey. This is due to the convenience of virtual visits and a better overall experience than going to the doctor’s office. Physicians can use promotional products to promote their telehealth services and educate patients about how to take advantage of various offerings. High Trust In Health Care Professionals The public continues to hold nurses and doctors in the highest esteem when it comes to honesty and ethics. Among more than 20 different occupations, these medical professionals hold the top two spots, with 81% of Americans viewing nurses as having high or very high ethical standards and 67% of Americans saying the same about medical doctors. Pharmacists also rank in the top five, with 63% of Americans viewing them as being honest and ethical. Source: Gallup’s annual Honesty and Ethics survey Better work/life balance 35% More money 12% Increased flexibility 11% A more desirable location 8% Better workplace culture 7% More growth opportunities 5% More support from administration 4% Health Care Spending Skyrockets U.S. health care spending topped $4.3 trillion in 2021 and is projected to grow 4.9% annually from 2022-2024. By 2030, spending could hit $6.8 trillion. Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services The History Of The White Coat A white coat – or lab coat – has been the traditional attire for medical professionals since the 1800s. Doctors initially wore them to be easily recognized by patients and colleagues, and to distinguish themselves from phony physicians who tried to sell miracle cures. Doctors today still wear white coats as a symbol of professionalism, integrity and their commitment to caring for the sick and suffering. Nearly all medical schools (99%) accredited by the Association of American Medical Colleges hold white-coat ceremonies as a rite of passage for graduates. Source: Intiva Health What’s Up, Doc? During the pandemic, nearly half of patients (49%) in a survey from SymphonyRM say they didn’t receive the critical information they needed regarding COVID-19. This lack of communication is the top reason patients lost confidence in their doctor. Nearly 1 in 5 patients is now considering changing providers based on how their doc handled COVID-19. Job-Changing Physicians Regular citizens aren’t the only ones updating their resumes and switching jobs these days. Nearly half of physicians (43%) changed jobs amid the pandemic. About 8% retired and 3% left medicine altogether to pursue something different. Why the turnover? According to a CHG Healthcare survey of more than 500 physicians, the primary motivators include: Frogella / iHstrongART / Shutterstock.com 40 | NOVEMBER 2022 | GROW
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