Increasingly informed patient population
Patient expectations are changing. Patients are now more independent and have precise expectations regarding their care.
The population is more assertive and patients will seek more therapy if they feel they require it. Patients are also more likely to research their conditions and create a more informed dialogue with a clinician. There are also more patient groups mobilising around certain conditions to lobby for more specialised care.
Related Sectors Related Specialities
- Healthcare
- Social care
- Public health
- Allied health professionals
Related Themes Related Projects
Size of impact
Level of uncertainty
Proposed workforce impact
- Increased demand from a better-informed and more assertive public.
- SLTs may have to adjust their approach with patients and families of patients in order to meet these increased expectations.
- Commissioners may have to adjust their approach to fund increased demand for specialised care, raised by patient expectations.
Sources or references
- http://www.bmj.com/content/325/7371/984
- http://www.healthcarecommunication.com/Main/Articles /How_patient_expectations_for_health_care_providers_9609.aspx
Additional research questions
- Is the information the public is receiving to increase its expectations reliable?
- How have patient expectations changed in the last 20 years, and are there any trends in this that can be extrapolated?
Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.
