WK4 DISCUSSION HP-111

What Drives Healthcare Spending

The Deloitte 2021 Report in the readings has a short version (feel free to download the long version, it can be used as a reference for content in future courses), containing a succinct report on major drivers in healthcare costs and performance. While this is a global report, keep in mind that healthcare is driven by industrialized nations with a variety of complex systems. The U.S. is one of course, but it is influenced by the others. This was made clear during the pandemic when healthcare needs changed overnight, and the world was ill-prepared for it.

The report speaks to six major drivers for the future: Consumers and the human experience , Care model innovation, Digital transformation and interoperable data , Socioeconomic shifts , Collaboration , and the Future of work and talent .

Access the Deloitte site

Download and read the Deloitte Synopsis (PDF)

Consider the relationship between healthcare costs and consumer behavior.

Include the following aspects in the discussion:

· After reviewing the Synopsis version, focus on the Consumers and the human experience section.

· In a few short sentences, this report asserts that healthcare consumers have needs, goals, preferences, demands, and expectations. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

· Share what your needs, goals, preferences, demands, and expectations are.

· Discuss the impact these consumer drivers have on healthcare costs.

· Do you think the U.S. can afford to meet consumer needs, goals, preferences, demands, and expectations? If not, how would the system ration each so it was affordable?

· Cite any references. Proper grammar, sentence structure, and spelling are required. Use your own words. Copying and pasting are not allowed.