Wonder

Research Outline

Prepared for Carmen P. | Delivered December 11, 2019

Factors that Influence Choice of Hospital

Goals

To find information on the factors consumers consider when selecting one hospital over another. Information to be researched will include the key drivers and factors that influence hospital choice when looking for a healthcare facility for critical kinds of care/procedures, the hospital features that matter when choosing a hospital, what people/patients expect in terms of what the hospital offers, what they absolutely need/want, who/where consumers look to for input to help them make this decision, and whether the patient makes the decision or someone else such as a caregiver, spouse, or children make the decision. 

Early Findings

Choosing a Hospital When choosing an hospital, steps to consider include:
A patient learning about the care they need and the available hospital choices - with a reference to their condition, patients can ask their doctors or healthcare providers on the best care for them.  
Thinking about personal and financial needs - patients should check whether a hospital offers insurance coverage and they should also think about their medical preferences. 
 Finding and comparing hospitals with a reference to health conditions and needs.
Discussing the available hospital options and choosing a hospital - these discussions can be held with family, friends, and health professionals. 
Hospital Quality Quick CheckWhen looking for and comparing hospitals, patients should look for a hospital that:
Has enough experience with their condition.
Checks and improves the quality of its care. 
Performs well on measures of quality, including a national patient
 survey. A good resource to use for this is the Hospital Compare section of the Medicare website.
 Participates in Medicare. 
 Meet their needs in terms of location and other factors such as visiting hours. 
Is covered by their Medicare health plan.
Primary Care ProvidersIn choosing a primary care provider, people tend to choose healthcare providers that:
Make them feel comfortable in discussing health topics.
Promptly and fully answer questions. 
 Communicate properly using easy to understand terms. 
Suggest tailored ways of improving their health. 
Recommend screening and tests that are relevant and appropriate to the patients age and sex. 
Treat common injuries and illnesses. 
Involve the patient as a partner in their care i.e. by asking for the patient's opinion, listening to their concerns, and expect them to follow through on recommended actions when required. 
 Explains all available options when treatment is needed. 
Offers referrals to high quality specialists when necessary. 
 Are board-certified as this indicates the provider has had additional training after medical school and has passed exams in an area of medical specialty. 
Primary care providers include family medicine physicians, internal medicine physicians that treat adolescents and adults of all ages, obstetricians/gynecologists that treat adult females, pediatricians that treat children, physician assistants, and family nurse practitioners.