Commonwealth Survey Assess Consumer Views of U.S. Healthcare System
The Commonwealth Fund Commission issued findings from their survey (pdf) recently completed to assess patient views of the U.S. healthcare system. The survey also examined individual experiences with the healthcare system, in addition to perspectives.
Harris Interactive completed the survey on behalf of the Commonwealth Fund. This entailed a phone survey of a random sample of just over 1,000 Americans.
Approximately eighty percent of the respondents agreed that the U.S. healthcare system requires extensive change or a complete makeover. In fact, most cited that this should be a key issue in the upcoming presidential election. These efforts should address care quality, cost of care, and access to healthcare.
Patient experiences with the system indicate areas for system improvement. Specific areas that require modification noted in the survey results include better system coordination, more timely access to healthcare, and improved means to share information between healthcare providers.
Those who responded to the survey cited an interest in the use of health information systems as a means to improve patient care. Another factor noted which may support care is improved coordination of the system.
Issues with the health insurance system were also noted. Respondents note that this system needs to be simplified.
August 8, 2008 Related topics: General Management & Administration, Trends