The needs and expectations of patients vary.

May 7, 2025

The needs and expectations of consumers/patients vary.

Regarding medical treatment, patients’ requirements and expectations might range widely. These distinctions may result from several reasons, such as the patient’s personal preferences, culture, socioeconomic level, and history of healthcare encounters. Some crucial points of view are as follows:

a) Care Quality

Effective, safe, and timely medical care is what patients demand from their healthcare providers. Patients seek timely diagnosis, effective therapies, and cutting-edge medical care options. A quality healthcare system also includes doctors and nurses that treat their patients with kindness and dignity (Bakan et al., 2013). The examples include

A patient with a chronic condition, who needs long-term monitoring and individualized treatment plans, may have higher standards for their medical care.
For instance, a patient seeking elective cosmetic surgery may place a premium on the qualifications and experience of the operating surgeon, as well as the credibility of the medical center itself.

b) Information and Communication

Patients like doctors and nurses who are open and honest with them. Patients have high expectations for transparency about their diagnosis, treatment choices, dangers, and outcomes. Trust is established, patients’ autonomy is increased, and their fear is lowered through clear and open communication. The examples include

Some patients could appreciate in-depth explanations of their ailment and available treatments, while others might prefer a more streamlined approach due to information overload.
Patients from different cultural origins may need additional support while communicating with the healthcare team.

c) Ease of Use and Availability:

Patients place a premium on healthcare facilities that are simple to get to, have short wait times, and provide efficient appointment scheduling. Patients value virtual consultations, remote access to medical records, and longer appointment times as much as they do in-person visits. The examples include

Patients in remote areas may hope that options like telemedicine and mobile clinics may increase their access to medical treatment.
To meet their hectic schedules, professionals in the workforce may need alternative appointment times or open later.

d) Attention to Detail:

Patients like the care tailored to their needs and respect their beliefs and preferences. Patients expect their doctors to consider their unique cultural, religious, and philosophical perspectives when formulating treatment strategies. Health in all its manifestations—physical, emotional, and social—must be taken into account when providing truly individualized treatment. The examples include

When prescribing medicine or making dietary recommendations, for instance, a patient with religious or cultural dietary restrictions may expect their healthcare professional to consider such constraints.
Patients with mobility or communication impairments may need individualized treatment programs.

e) Care that does not stop.

The healthcare system should be unified and streamlined for the benefit of patients. Patients place a premium on trusting their healthcare professionals and having consistent treatment no matter where they go. As a result, patients get better treatment and experience fewer disruptions (Batchelor et al., 1994). The examples include

To prevent treatment disruptions and ensure the patient has a smooth transition, the hospital, the primary care physician, and the home healthcare agencies should all work together.
While caring for patients with complicated medical issues, interdisciplinary teams of experts may be necessary.

f) Price and Expendability

Healthcare service affordability is a major issue due to the wide range of patient income levels. They rely on up-front information about everything from prices to insurance policies to charity opportunities. The availability of low-cost healthcare solutions, such as generic drugs and preventative treatment, is highly regarded. The examples include

Low-cost clinics and government-sponsored programs may be of utmost importance to patients with little financial means.
Patient expectations for out-of-pocket expenses may vary between those with and without insurance or those with low and high deductibles.

g) Kindness and Encouragement

Medical professionals are often approached by patients needing sympathy and moral support. They like a sympathetic approach that takes into account their worries and stresses. Emotional support may greatly impact patient happiness and their whole healthcare experience (Batchelor et al., 1994). The examples include

Terminally ill patients often go to their healthcare professionals for emotional support, empathy, and palliative care to improve their quality of life.
Second, healthcare providers may need special training to avoid stigmatizing patients who are experiencing mental health issues.

h) Participation of Patients:

Patients like to take an active role in their medical treatment. They anticipate participating in decision-making, acknowledging their input, and being given access to resources to take charge of their health. Better health outcomes may be achieved via patient education and collaborative decision-making.

One such scenario is patients who want to be involved in the decision-making process by asking questions and researching their alternatives so they may make educated decisions about their care.
Patients may anticipate utilizing their preferred digital health technology, such as a web portal, smartphone app, or wearable gadget, to monitor their health data and make decisions about their care.

2(b)- Expression of the needs and expectations of the patients.

There are several methods by which customers communicate their requirements and anticipations. These may be direct communication, feedback surveys, or online reviews, or they may be inferred inferentially from observable behaviors.

a) Verbal Communications

Patient-provider verbal communication is common and allows for the direct expression of wants and expectations. This may happen over the phone, in person, or during a group session (Hills & Kitchen, 2007). They have the right to voice any worries or desires about their care and pose any questions they may have.

b) Written Communications

Patients can communicate their wants and requirements to healthcare providers in writing. To do this, they may complete an intake form, questionnaire, or survey in which they answer questions about their likes, dislikes, expectations, and requirements. Patients may also write comments, ideas, or concerns to hospitals or review sites.

c) Body Language

Patient’s expectations and wants may be gleaned from their body language and other non-verbal indicators. Medical professionals examine their patients’ body language to infer their degree of comfort, emotional condition, and any unsaid worries or expectations.

d) Feedback & Complaints

Complaints and compliments are common ways patients communicate their wants and requirements to healthcare providers. Patients may contribute input by completing feedback forms, participating in patient satisfaction surveys, or rating their healthcare providers online. Patient feedback in the form of complaints and ideas may be quite helpful in identifying areas that need work or are not meeting patients’ expectations (Ranjbar Ezzatabadi et al., 2012).

e) Advocacy on Behalf of Patients

Advocacy groups exist to assist patients in getting their voices heard, but patients may also enlist the aid of loved ones. Patients with access to advocacy organizations can better voice their concerns and get the treatment they need.

f) Online Platforms and Social Media

Patient expectations and wants are increasingly voiced in online forums, social media, and patient groups. People may talk about their healthcare experiences, get advice from others, and join group conversations. Doctors and other medical professionals watch these sites to hear patients’ feedback and participate in open discourse (Ranjbar Ezzatabadi et al., 2012).

g) Surveys and Research Studies

Healthcare providers and universities often ask patients to fill out questionnaires and engage in research projects. These studies aim to enhance the quality of care given to patients by gaining insight into their experiences, preferences, and expectations.