Survey: Patients Welcome Active Role in Care

American healthcare consumers are buying into the notion that they must take an active role in their healthcare, according to a recent survey by Wolters Kluwer Health.

The survey found 80 percent of healthcare consumers believe the trend of individuals taking a more active role in their own care is positive for Americans. Further, and somewhat surprisingly, the consumers feel ready to do so: 76 percent reported they have the necessary tools and information to take on that role. This is good news for employers seeking to implement value-based insurance designs, as VBID typically entails employees taking on more responsibility for their own health and health care.

This information comes at a time when many health systems and increasing numbers of employers are moving toward population health management as part of accountable care programs, which require patients to take control of and play an active role in their health, especially preventive care services.