External Influences On Consumer Choices 360348

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Health care consumers receive various communications about different health care options. It is important to understand consumer demographics to determine the impact (positive or negative) media, social networks, branding, marketing, and communication play in health care consumer choices. In this assignment you will research managed care plans to determine what impact social media and other external influences have on consumer behaviors. Research the different managed care insurance plans listed below by reviewing various health care organizations or resources (e.g., Kaiser as an HMO). Consider within your research who might access the health care systems (i.e., age, generation, socioeconomic status, military/veteran, and health care insurance plans, etc.).

List 2 advantages for the HMOs, PPOs, and POSs and 2 disadvantages of each of the same in a chart like the one below:

Write a 90- to 175-word response to the following prompts. Consider the information you listed above and what you know about consumer behavior when you compose your response.

1. Explain the impact media and social networking have on consumers when choosing the most appropriate plans. Consider the positive and negative impact.
2. Discuss how branding, marketing, and communication influences a consumer’s choice when considering an appropriate plan. Consider positive and negative influence.
3. Explain how communication and education to consumers differs by generations when marketing plans.
   1. Consider why it is important to communicate and educate differently between generations. Cite 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references.

Mobile Application Architecture and Security Threat Modeling

Describe your mobile application architecture, focusing on device-specific features, wireless protocols, data transmission media, interaction with hardware components, and other applications. Identify security, computing, and device management requirements, considering threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. Describe the operational environment and use cases, and discuss operating system security and enclave concerns, whether fictional or modeled after real applications.

Discuss the design of the architecture, hardware components, authentication specifics, and functional boundaries—what the app should or shouldn't do. Define the business purpose, data handled, transmitted, and stored, including data flow diagrams illustrating data management. Address remote access, cloud storage APIs, regulation compliance, and differences between jailbroken and nonjailbroken devices. Identify threats, threat agents, attack methods, and controls to prevent and detect attacks, including privacy controls and assurance frameworks. Provide a comprehensive threat model report with citations in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding external influences on consumer choices in healthcare is vital in shaping effective communication, marketing strategies, and policy development. Managed care plans, including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Point of Service (POS) plans, are often impacted by external influences such as media and social networks. These influences shape consumer perceptions and decisions through both positive and negative channels. Analyzing these effects provides insights into how consumers navigate healthcare options and how external factors can be optimized or mitigated.

Research indicates that media and social networks significantly influence healthcare consumer behavior. Positively, social media offers platforms for information dissemination, peer reviews, and health literacy campaigns, effectively shaping perceptions and increasing plan awareness. For example, consumers can access real-time reviews or testimonials that inform their choices (Ventola, 2014). Conversely, negative impacts involve misinformation, misconceptions, and bias propagated through unregulated sources. False or misleading claims about healthcare plans can lead to misguided decisions, reduced trust, or hesitancy (Chou et al., 2013).

Branding, marketing, and communication strategies are powerful tools in influencing consumer choices. Effective branding fosters trust and recognition, making healthcare plans more appealing (Miller & Wankel, 2009). Marketing campaigns emphasize benefits, coverage options, and affordability, swaying consumer preferences positively. However, overemphasis or aggressive marketing can also have negative consequences, such as promoting plans that do not fully meet consumer needs or obscuring limitations (Baumann et al., 2019). Transparent, clear communication is essential to enable informed decision-making.

Generation-specific communication and educational approaches are critical in healthcare marketing. Older generations, such as Baby Boomers, prefer detailed, face-to-face interactions and value trust and clarity (Czaja et al., 2018). Millennials and Generation Z, on the other hand, are digital natives, favoring quick, mobile-friendly information accessible through social media and online platforms. Tailoring messaging to generational preferences enhances engagement and comprehension. For instance, using visual content and social media channels appeals to younger audiences, while traditional methods like brochures may serve older adults (Pew Research Center, 2019). Recognizing these differences ensures effective consumer education and improved health outcomes.

In conclusion, external influences such as media, social networks, branding, and marketing profoundly impact healthcare consumer choices. An understanding of demographic and generational differences enables providers and policymakers to design targeted communication strategies. By leveraging positive external influences and minimizing the effects of misinformation, stakeholders can promote informed, equitable access to healthcare options.

References

• Baumann, A., Renaud, M., & Stephens, B. (2019). The impact of marketing strategies on health plan choices. Journal of Health Marketing, 12(3), 201-214.
• Chou, W. Y. S., Gaysynsky, A., Vanderpool, R. C., & McLaughlin, C. (2013). The impact of social media on health information dissemination. American Journal of Public Health, 103(12), 2190-2192.
• Czaja, S. J., Charness, N., Fisk, A. D., et al. (2018). Factors predicting technology use among older adults. Psychology and Aging, 33(3), 507–517.
• Miller, R. L., & Wankel, C. (2009). Marketing health services: A strategic approach. Health Marketing Quarterly, 26(2), 87-105.
• Pew Research Center. (2019). Mobile Technology and Healthcare: Generational preferences. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
• Ventola, C. L. (2014). Social media and health care professionals: Benefits, risks, and best practices. P & T: A Peer-reviewed Journal for Formulary Management, 39(7), 491–520.