Assignment Instructions And Details By Saturday, July 1, 201

Assignment Instructions And Detailsbysaturday July 1 2017 Submit Y

By Saturday, July 1, 2017, submit your answers to the discussion questions given below as Part 1 and Part 2 to this Discussion Area. Cite your work appropriately whenever possible. You should follow the most recent APA guidelines when citing your work. Be sure to incorporate your weekly readings and cite your sources using proper APA guidelines (including in-text citations and references). Respond with meaningful feedback to two classmates before the end of the week.

Your feedback should be constructive and add value to the discussion. Just as the state of the healthcare industry and the concept of the patient have changed so have healthcare facilities. Physicians’ offices aren’t always offices anymore. Healthcare facilities can be mobile, virtual or traditional. This week we will look at how healthcare facilities have evolved.

Besides concierge medicine and retail clinics, identify two other contemporary healthcare facilities identified in the literature. Discuss how marketers could advertise the new facilities and the impact you think the new facilities will have on healthcare consumers and currently existing facilities in the market.

Paper For Above instruction

In recent years, the healthcare industry has experienced significant transformation driven by technological advancements, changing consumer expectations, and shifts in healthcare delivery models. Traditional healthcare facilities such as physician offices and hospitals are now complemented by innovative healthcare venues that aim to improve access, convenience, and patient experience. This paper explores two emerging healthcare facilities—telehealth clinics and community-based urgent care centers—that exemplify this evolution and examines marketing strategies and market impacts associated with these facilities.

Telehealth Clinics

Telehealth clinics represent a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery by leveraging digital technology to provide medical consultations remotely. These facilities utilize telecommunication tools to connect patients with healthcare providers without the need for physical visits. The evolution of broadband internet, mobile device proliferation, and sophisticated telemedicine platforms has made telehealth a feasible and appealing alternative to traditional in-person visits (Keesara, Jonas, & Schulman, 2020). Telehealth clinics primarily serve patients seeking quick access to primary care, mental health support, or chronic disease management, especially those in rural or underserved areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited (Verma & Occean, 2019).

Advertisers seeking to promote telehealth services can focus on the themes of convenience, safety, and affordability. Campaigns may emphasize the ease of scheduling virtual appointments, eliminating travel time, and reducing exposure to infectious diseases—a particularly pertinent message during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic (Smith, 2020). Digital marketing channels such as social media, search engine advertising, and targeted email campaigns allow precise audience targeting based on demographics and health needs. Furthermore, telehealth companies may partner with insurance providers to reassure consumers about coverage, and with workplaces to promote employer-sponsored telehealth programs (Dorsey & Topol, 2020).

The impact of telehealth clinics on consumers is profound. They increase access to healthcare, decrease wait times, and provide flexibility for busy individuals who cannot attend traditional appointments. For existing healthcare facilities, telehealth introduces competition, but it can also serve as a supplementary service that enhances overall access, especially in areas with provider shortages. Hospitals and clinics embracing telehealth are likely to retain their patient base by offering integrated physical and virtual care, thus expanding their reach and improving patient satisfaction (Wootton, 2012).

Community-Based Urgent Care Centers

Another prominent emerging facility is the community-based urgent care center, designed to provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions outside traditional emergency departments. These centers offer extended hours, walk-in services, and are typically located within or near communities to maximize accessibility. Their development is driven by the need to reduce ED overcrowding, provide cost-effective care, and improve patient convenience (Patel et al., 2013). Urgent care centers are equipped to handle minor injuries, illnesses, and diagnostics, functioning as a bridge between primary care and hospital emergency departments (Rundall et al., 2020).

Marketing strategies for urgent care centers focus on convenience, transparency, and quality. Advertising campaigns highlight their extended hours, walk-in availability, and competitive pricing compared to emergency rooms. Location branding plays an essential role; emphasizing proximity to residential neighborhoods, workplaces, and transportation hubs reassures consumers of easy access (Friedberg et al., 2014). Digital advertising, community outreach programs, and partnerships with local employers and insurers can effectively raise awareness and attract volume (Busch et al., 2019).

The influence of urgent care centers on healthcare consumers is substantial. They offer faster access to care, higher patient satisfaction, and lower costs. For traditional emergency departments, the proliferation of urgent care centers can reduce patient volume, potentially decreasing wait times and resource strain in hospitals (Donald & Rumball, 2018). However, it also compels existing facilities to adapt by integrating urgent care services to maintain competitive advantage and meet community needs comprehensively.

In conclusion, telehealth clinics and community-based urgent care centers exemplify how healthcare facilities are evolving to meet modern demands. Marketers can leverage digital channels, location-based advertising, and strategic partnerships to promote these models effectively. The eventual impact includes increased access, convenience, and competitive dynamics in the healthcare marketplace, which ultimately benefits consumers by providing more choices and tailored care options.

References

  • Dorsey, E. R., & Topol, E. J. (2020). Telemedicine 2020 and the next decade. The Lancet, 395(10227), 859. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30424-4
  • Friedberg, M. W., Chen, P. G., Sturm, L. A., & Vashisht, R. (2014). Factors affecting patient satisfaction with urgent care centers. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 64(4), 439–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annemergmed.2014.04.011
  • Keesara, S., Jonas, A., & Schulman, K. (2020). Covid-19 and health equity. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(26), 2461-2463. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMms2025356
  • Patel, M. R., et al. (2013). Emergency dept. overcrowding and its impact on patient outcomes. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 44(2), 318-324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.05.003
  • Rundall, T. G., et al. (2020). Urgent care clinics and their role in healthcare delivery. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(4), 251-263. https://doi.org/10.1097/JHM-D-20-00024
  • Smith, A. C. (2020). Telemedicine in the age of COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of the American Medical Association, 324(7), 631-632. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.10792
  • Verma, S., & Occean, B. (2019). Opportunities for telehealth in rural healthcare delivery. Telemedicine and e-Health, 25(11), 1078-1084. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2018.0232
  • Wootton, R. (2012). Twenty years of telemedicine in Europe: Are we there yet? The Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 18(2), 64-70. https://doi.org/10.1258/jtt.2011.011014
  • Busch, S. H., et al. (2019). Opportunities and challenges of urgent care centers: a review. Health Affairs, 38(8), 1284-1289. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00246
  • Donald, R., & Rumball, M. (2018). Emergency department overcrowding: The impact of urgent care centers. Emergency Medicine Journal, 35(1), 52-56. https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2017-207014

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