Are We Ready For This ‘Patient'?

Patients today are not mere receivers of treatment but play an active part in making the decisions

- Rajit Mehta

Scene 1 – "I recommend that we go ahead with the surgical removal of tumour and then we can look at chemotherapy if needed" said the surgical oncologist. "But the medical oncologist advised the other way around?" the patient replied. "We think we should also take a second opinion, can you advise another specialist as well?" said the family.

Scene 2– "Oh, he is a big doctor and a very busy one. You’ll have to wait," the front office person informed. The patient shrugged his shoulders saying, "But I booked an online appointment, why would you not inform? And I’ve paid a premium for my time slot and this service!".

Scene 3 – A simple tweet by a troubled patient to a politician and all hell breaks loose! google search of ‘Neuro Endocrine

A Carcinoma’ throws up some 50 lakh results including a knowledge card that gives information on the rarity, symptoms and probable treatments of this disease. Information is not just easily accessible; it doesn’t even need a finger touch now – thanks to Google voice search!

Welcome to the new world of an empowered patient! What started off, many years ago, as a brilliant tagline has now become a survival kit for all businesses! Enter Amazon, Uber, Bookmyshow, and Zomato - the ABCs ​of convenience, choice and customer centricity have been redefined. If every other industry could turn around and adapt, why not healthcare? The paradigm of patient expectations has shifted. And we better shape up or ship out!