HBW17 explores the “Uberization of health care” and how a connected patient ecosystem leads to healthier consumers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 11, 2017 -- COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Sept. 11, 2017 – Global Market Development Center (GMDC), an association that connects its members to advance innovation in the marketplace, explored the “uberization of health care,” at its annual Health Beauty and Wellness Conference Business Session on Sept. 9.

In today’s rapidly changing health care landscape, creating a connected patient ecosystem is imperative to meet the needs and demands of consumers that are proactive and preventative participants of their own health. In this new era, a grocery store could be the most important source for consumer health and wellness, positioning retail outlets as a huge catalyst for consumer self-care.

“The health and wellness industry is being transformed through the creation of patient care models that leverage manufacturers, payers, providers and in-store experts in new ways, enabling seamless handoffs from end to end,” said Patrick Spear, GMDC president and CEO. “These new care models offer opportunities for retailers to become patient care destinations, leading to greater affordability and healthier consumers. The opportunity for retailers is in understanding these new occasions, the drivers behind them, their impact on consumer spending, and how category and merchandising strategies should evolve.”

So what is the uberization of health care and what does a connected patient ecosystem look like? Mary Alice Lawless, managing director of Everything Health, explored these themes as moderator of a panel of that included; Shannon Huneke, senior director, strategic partnerships and alliances, United Healthcare; Colleen Lindholz, president of The Little Clinic; Christina Groth, vice president, GM/HBC and non-foods, Kroger; Rupa Dave, director professional marketing, Pfizer; and Chris Jobes, director of health and wellness, Johnson & Johnson.

“Across the health care continuum, patients are affected by self-care trends; they are expected to be active in their own health, responsible in their care in transitions from hospital to the home, and competent uses of new technologies,” said Lawless. “The panel discussed innovative strategies for supporting consumers as they manage their health and care outside a hospital or doctor’s office, and it will explore new benefits and opportunities for manufacturers and trading partners, and much more.”

Recent consumer research by NCPIE indicates consumers are taking major steps toward self-care. An overwhelming majority – 95 percent – agrees that it is strongly connected to taking personal responsibility for health. And nearly 80 percent define this trend as actively seeking ways to treat, diagnose or manage issues and conditions on their own.

“We must challenge the industry to think differently, and bring the ecosystem – manufacturers, retailers, payers and providers – together to meet the consumer at all touchpoints in the health care journey with information, resources and solutions that are relevant to them and will improve outcomes,” Jobes said.

The “uberization” of health care can help reduce costs across the industry, streamline the entire value stream through partner collaboration, and puts the consumer in control of their own health and wellness. Shannon Huneke of United Healthcare, who has many years of experience in the CPG industry, describes the changing culture inside her organization as “we now look at members as being consumers”.

“For every dollar spent at retail for self-care, six dollars are saved in the health care system,” Dave said.

The session concluded with the top focus trends in the constantly evolving health care industry. Those include:

• Continue building on customer relationships in the era of self-care.
• Commitment to long-term solutions the health of our nation.
• Bring new solutions to where consumers are, and engage them along the journey.
• Move quickly and nimbly or get passed by.

“It’s a customer-first strategy built around health and wellness, aspiring to help people live healthier,” Lindholz said. “Our mission is to simplify health care by creating solutions that combine health, wellness and nutrition, connecting with our customers on a personal and emotional level.”

About GMDC

Global Market Development Center (GMDC) energizes members and the marketplace by advancing a culture of Connect-Collaborate-Create-Commerce. As the leading GM and HBW trade association, GMDC is dedicated to serving its ecosystem of more than 600 General Merchandise and Health Beauty Wellness retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and service/solution member companies by enabling consumer-facing innovation and retail reimagined. GMDC's combined member volume represents more than 125,000 retail outlets and more than $500 billion in sales. To learn more, visit gmdc.org.

Media Contacts:
Todd Smith, Deane | Smith                                                                                  Mark Mechelse, GMDC
President, CEO                                                                                                    Director of Insights & Communications

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91af6353-5e0e-41be-91d9-9e8c1b18bec4

Todd Smith
Global Market Development Center (GMDC) 
[email protected]