The healthcare ecosystem needs to accelerate the shift toward making healthcare more personal, convenient and omnichannel, according to a new report by the business consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
The report said the pandemic influenced how consumers view healthcare and how they want to access it. Due to concerns over safety, providers are urged to seamlessly integrate physical and virtual care. They are also encouraged to treat the whole person, focusing on the physical, mental, and social aspects of their patients.
The report also said payers need to rethink health insurance plans. Nearly half of the consumers surveyed wanted plans that are more affordable and offer better coverage.
Consumers also wanted more transparency from providers and payers. The report said many expressed frustration with higher-than-expected out-of-pocket costs. Providers and payers are encouraged to incentivize consumers to cost-compare products and services, collaborate across the healthcare ecosystem in sharing appropriate information and make all information easier to understand.
The report found a more personalized approach to healthcare promotes better outcomes by enabling patients to make better decisions.
