It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is undergoing a major shift, with more and more business being conducted through retail outlets. According to researchers at Forrester, the amount of healthcare business conducted through retail outlets is set to double by 2023. This trend is being driven by retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and CVS, who are offering healthcare services such as blood tests, vaccinations, and medical check-ups that have traditionally been provided by hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ practices.
As global economic conditions lead to squeezed budgets at traditional healthcare facilities, and the shortage of trained clinical staff worsens, retail healthcare providers are able to offer a more convenient and accessible customer experience that many patients may find more appealing. In fact, Forrester’s research predicts that “in 2023, patients will choose retail health for their primary care needs as health systems, constrained by inadequate resources, fail to match retail’s elevated patient experiences.”
This trend towards retail healthcare should serve as a wake-up call for traditional healthcare providers like hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Unless they are quick to adapt and become more competitive, they risk being left behind as patients increasingly opt for more convenient and accessible healthcare options.
So what can traditional healthcare providers do to stay relevant in the face of increasing competition from retail organizations? One way is by offering more flexible appointment scheduling and virtual consultations. By using telemedicine and other digital technologies, patients can access healthcare services remotely, without the need to travel to a physical location. This is especially useful for people who live in rural areas or have mobility issues.
Another way traditional healthcare providers can improve the patient experience is by using data analytics to personalize care and better understand the needs of their patients. By analyzing data on patient demographics, medical history, and other factors, healthcare providers can tailor their treatment plans to better meet the needs of each individual patient.
In conclusion, the rise of retail healthcare should serve as a wake-up call for traditional healthcare providers. Unless they are quick to adapt and become more competitive, they risk being left behind as patients increasingly opt for more convenient and accessible healthcare options.