A new survey from Wolters Kluwer Health, a Philadelphia-based provider of business intelligence services, has found that 80 percent of Americans feel the trend of people being involved with their healthcare from a consumer standpoint is a good and necessary change. Despite positive feelings on this “consumerization” of healthcare, only 19 percent of those people surveyed said they have a personal health record (PHR), and 86 percent admit they have to take a more proactive role in managing their own healthcare.

Seventy-six percent of those surveyed, which included 1,000 U.S. consumers ages 18 and older, said they have the information and tools to take a more proactive role in their healthcare including choosing providers and researching treatment options. Furthermore, 30 percent want their patient experience to be the same as any other customer experience they have, with choices and control. In terms of evaluating providers, the technology aspect and the ability to communicate via email, ranks behind costs of visits and procedures in terms of importance.

"With greater responsibility placed on patients to take a role in their own care, it's essential that consumers have access to evidence-based tools and resources to make informed decisions about their care in partnership with their healthcare providers," Linda Peitzman, M.D., CMO of Wolters Kluwer Health, said in a statement "Access to research-based medical information not only can positively impact quality of care, but it also can lead to improved doctor-patient communication and relationships."