Health Care Access Options Essay
Analysis of the changing landscape of the health care system
Today’s changing landscape of the health care system highlights the need for improving the quality of patient care and minimising overall costs in hospitals and other health care settings. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 helped to reduce the number of uninsured in the United States. In addition, health care reform legislation is aimed at “the escalating costs of health care delivery, to optimize resource utilization, eliminate waste, and improve the quality of service delivered by the health care system” (Sasson et al., 2012, p. 1204). The new regulation of the health care system contributes to improving hospital profitability, promoting consolidation trends and ownership patterns and modifying federal reimbursement policies (Sasson et al., 2012).Health Care Access Options Essay
Overview of the various places health care is delivered
The various places health care is delivered in the United States include outpatient and inpatient health care facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical centres, health care centres, urgent care clinics, nursing homes and doctor’s offices.Health Care Access Options Essay
Analysis of the impact of cultural demographics on the health care market
The impact cultural demographics have on the health care market is tremendous. The health care personnel is diverse, but it “does not replicate the demographic configuration of the US population as a whole” (Pol & Thomas, 2012, p. 48). Health workers should be culturally competent to address the needs of diverse population. However, the discriminatory acts are prevalent in the US society. According to researchers, “sexism, racism, ageism, and cultural chauvinism are features of the health care system” (Pol & Thomas, 2012, p. 48).
Analysis of the targeted audience of the clinic
The targeted audience of the clinic (Redmond Urgent Care clinic) based on cultural demographics includes people from different cultural backgrounds. The clinic offers walk-in urgent care in the city of Redmond, Washington. The racial make-up of the Redmond city includes 79,26% Whites, 1.52% African Americans, 0.45% Native Americans, 13,02% Asians, 0.03% Pacific Islanders, 5,61% Hispanics. 24,94% of the total population include children (Redmond Population and Demographics).
Analysis of the effectiveness of the marketing approach for the clinic to various cultures
The marketing approach for the clinic is effective to address the needs of various cultures. The business model is developed to provide economically functional operations. The clinic is based on traditional marketing. Due attention is paid to the quality of services, provided to patients, pricing, sourcing and other resources. The Urgent Care clinic in Redmond is a good option for clients from different cultural backgrounds. At this Urgent Care clinic, patients can get X-rays, stitches and care for a wide range of minor injuries and illnesses that are not assessed as life threatening (Urgent Care Clinic Locations, 2017).Health Care Access Options Essay
Analysis of the marketing techniques to improve the marketing within different cultural demographics
The marketing techniques that could be used to improve the marketing within different cultural demographics include the adoption of social media channels for each clinic of the MultiCare Health System, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and blogging. Social media channels are the sources of digital word-of-mouth marketing. New technologies can help to improve interaction with patients. In addition, social media allows expanding the clinic’s marketing and significantly improve management (Malvey et al., 2015).
Analysis of the effect different generations have on the health care market
The effect different generations have on the health care market is enormous. Each generation has its own needs, demands and preferences in relation to health care delivery. Older patients are focused on traditional approaches to treatment and full reliance on health care providers, while younger patients prefer to seek health information in the Internet and their social networks. Anyway, the use of new technology allows to deal with the problems faced by the health care market. Due to the Internet-based software programs, the quality of services can be improved. The health care market should be modified to incorporate the elements which will facilitate health care delivery, e.g. health information technology, health and wellness promotion initiatives, social marketing, electronic health care records, etc. (Burns et al., 2011).
The targeted audience of the clinic based on generational demographics is diverse. There are elderly, middle aged and young patients. This fact means that generational demographics include Millennials, Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y. The clinic is located in the suburban area. The majority of patients are children and adolescents as they get sick and injured more frequently than adults and the elderly. The Urgent Care clinic addressed the needs of all generations.Health Care Access Options Essay
The effectiveness of the marketing approach for the clinic to various generations
The effectiveness of the marketing approach for the clinic to various generations can be assessed by applying the analysis of the website of the company. Redmond Urgent Care clinic is one of the MultiCare Urgent Care clinics which provide services across the US. The official website of the company (https://www.multicare.org/urgent-care/) gives an opportunity to address the needs of various generations. MultiCare Health System is a not-for-profit health care organization, which employs 15,000 team members, including employees, health care providers and volunteers (About MultiCare Health System, 2017). Working with clients of different age groups, the health care provider is focused on combination of traditional marketing efforts with digital marketing tools like e-mail marketing, social networking and online ads. The clinics owned by MultiCare Health System use Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other online resources to share information about the services provided to patients. Clients are offered to subscribe to Healthy Living, a monthly email newsletter that provides health information, wellness recommendations, healthy recipes and health news. Considering the marketing approach developed by the clinic, it is possible to conclude that the needs of Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation are addressed effectively.
The marketing techniques that could be used to improve the marketing within different generations
The marketing techniques that could be used to improve the marketing within different generations include the use of various traditional marketing tools, including flyers, newsletters and postcards, as well as development of the initiatives to improve face-to-face communication. These marketing techniques should be strengthened to allow clients becoming involved in traditional marketing campaigns. People who do not use technology while seeking the proper health care options can feel confidence when dealing with MultiCare Health System. It is necessary to improve contact with clients. Knowing more about clients will help to develop the services attuned to their health needs and lifestyle choices.Health Care Access Options Essay
Analysis of the impact of media and social networking on consumer choices
The impact of media and social networking on consumer choices is powerful because online tools help to establish communication between virtual communities. According to researchers, “health systems can use social media to engage members and potential members by building trust and making large organizations more accessible and approachable” (Eytan et al., 2011, p. 71). In fact, social media tools are used to help patients in management of their health-related problems (e.g. dealing with chronic conditions) and making healthy choices. Social networking allows uniting people who share similar interests and activities. They have a chance to be involved in online interaction through the use of various mobile technologies. For example, the most popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and blogs help to improve knowledge of the benefits of new medications, explain treatment options, and provide consultation on specific health issues (Eytan et al., 2011).Health Care Access Options Essay