Report: Future of healthcare uncertain

The future of healthcare is uncertain and creates anxiety among consumers and providers, according to a report from Booz Allen Hamilton and Ipsos Public Affairs.

The researchers interviewed consumers of healthcare services and providers of those services—primary care physicians, specialists and administrators working in and out of healthcare. They found that the cost of healthcare is the primary concern of doctors and consumers, fueling unease. Only 33 percent of consumers and administrators feel that healthcare is moving in a positive direction, and one-fourth of physicians and one in 10 specialists share this view.

In other findings, the respondents indicated that addressing healthcare is critical. However, they are split on how to approach this matter. Providers widely viewed prevention as a means to control and reduce healthcare costs, but consumers did not see prevention as a top healthcare priority.

However, the respondents agreed that technology offers the promise for better outcomes. While consumer use is relatively low for internet and mobile applications, they see their development as positive.

Meanwhile, social media use is high among consumers, but not necessarily for the purpose of managing their healthcare. Health IT is where more providers expect their practice or organization to increase its investment in the next five years, the study also concluded.

Read the study.