EP24 A Health Economist on Trust, Tech & The Rise of the Healthcare Consumer - Jane Sarasohn-Kahn (THINK-Health)

Join us for a timely conversation with Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, renowned health economist, advisor, and author, as we examine the evolving landscape of consumer healthcare. Jane breaks down how shifting expectations, digital innovation, and eroding institutional trust are reshaping how patients engage with care. From wearable tech adoption and the power of food-as-medicine to health equity blind spots and the cultural readiness for omni-channel care, this episode dives into what hospitals must start—and stop—doing to regain trust and stay relevant. Whether you're a hospital leader, technology partner, or frontline clinician, Jane offers candid insights and practical strategies to reimagine healthcare delivery with empathy, design, and the consumer at the center.

Key Takeaways

• Most hospitals build care systems around themselves, not patients.
• The term 'consumer' in healthcare has evolved significantly.
• Trust in digital health tools is declining among consumers.
• Retail health is changing how people expect healthcare delivery.
• Food is increasingly seen as a complement to medical care.
• Consumers desire wellness and kindness from healthcare providers.
• Health equity is crucial for both ethical and economic reasons.
• Innovative leaders in healthcare are reimagining service delivery.
• Omni-channel care is becoming the norm for patient engagement.
• The relationship between patients and providers is shifting towards digital.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction to Consumer Healthcare

02:03 The Evolution of Healthcare Consumers

04:32 The Role of Technology in Healthcare

07:25 Trust and Mistrust in Healthcare

10:20 Retail Health vs. Traditional Hospitals

12:49 The Importance of Wellness in Healthcare

15:37 Addressing Health Equity

18:13 Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare

20:59 Designing Patient-Centric Healthcare

23:34 The Future of Healthcare Relationships

 

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