The good folks at the California Healthcare Foundation explain why more information does not necessarily equal better consumerism.
Their main point? Consumers’ decision making processes are not linear, simple, or straightforward; the deep complexities of the health care decision-making process do not lend themselves to simple metrics and ranking systems, yet that’s what consumers like to use.
A few other misconceptions about information and decision-making…
– more info does not equal better decision-making; too much info can lead to information overload and confusion
– consumers are cynical, doubting and very cautious about the source and provenance of information – chalk it up to advertising’s negative effect, the awful state of politics, and the explosion of Doublespeak (Healthy Forests Initiative, anyone?)
– people just need to spend more time studying and learning about health care to be better consumers; on the face of it, a true statement. Practically, impossible. Backup? Ask any physician how hard it is to stay on top of the latest research, then remember that is their job, they spent 8+ years training to do that job, and they have the academic background and access to specific sources.
What does this mean for you?
Yes, we need more and better information to help people make better decisions. No, an educated consumer is not a panacea.
Hi Joe:
Good post – I have more thoughts on it over on my site – but the “myth” busting of the CA Study stinks of paternalism to me. Consumers can’t possibly grasp this . . .
Thanks – TO’B
More data presented to consumers, about healthcare or anything else, almost never results in better decisions. Consumers need ways to turn the data that is available into better decisions and they need ways to do that without always having to consult a doctor. Systems smart enough to help them answer lifestyle questions and tell when to go to the doctor and when not to would really help!
JT