From Challenges to Solutions: Breaking Barriers to Revolutionize Patient Services

Patients today too often find themselves navigating a myriad of challenges that can make accessing quality healthcare a daunting task. Various common obstacles range from financial barriers to long wait times, to geographical and technological limitations and much more.

As someone deeply invested in improving patient health outcomes, I’ve had numerous conversations with patients, healthcare providers (HCPs), and pharmaceutical manufacturers who echo the sentiment that these barriers can significantly impede patient access, affordability, and adherence.

In light of all of these complexities, it’s crucial to understand the specific hurdles patient services programs must overcome. Here are some of the top ones.

1. Lack of information

Over 60% of patients report wanting more information when deciding where to get care. They often feel lost navigating their treatment options and need clearer guidance on therapies available to them. This gap in reliable healthcare information can lead to poor decision-making, and, often, non-adherence to prescribed drugs, which only worsens health outcomes.

2. Long wait times

The average wait time for a new patient appointment in the US is a staggering 26 days. Imagine being in pain or facing a health issue, and having to wait nearly a month to see a provider. This is not just inconvenient; it can lead to delayed treatments and increase reliance on already overburdened emergency services.

3. Rising costs of therapies

Between 2019 and 2022, hospital drug expenses per patient increased by a reported 19.7%. This rise in the cost of therapies can place an incredible financial burden on patients, particularly those with chronic conditions or requiring specialty medications. As a result, many patients are forced to make tough decisions about whether they can afford to continue treatment.

4. Socioeconomic challenges

Factors such as income, education, and location have a significant impact on healthcare access. Patients living in rural areas or low-income households often face additional barriers to receiving care, contributing to growing health disparities.

5. Fragmented care coordination

When care is not well-coordinated, patients often find themselves bouncing between HCPs without clear communication or cohesive treatment plans. This fragmented care leads to miscommunication, duplicated tests, and inconsistent treatments.

6. Access to technology

In an increasingly digital world, access to and basic knowledge of technology is becoming more essential to access care, yet only 58.5% of adults reportedly used the internet to look for health or medical information in 2022. This digital divide means many patients are missing out on the benefits of telehealth, online appointment booking, and digital health management tools, limiting their engagement and access to services.