HJNO Mar/Apr 2021

42 MAR / APR 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS COLUMN INSURANCE TODAY, better patient outcomes are linked to patient satisfaction. Why? Because insights into patient engagement have shifted dramatically in the last 20 years. However, patient populations continue to reflect myriad attitudes, experiences, understandings and cultures, making suc- cessful patient engagement a formidable goal. One easy way we can begin thinking about ways to increase patient involve- ment is by simply considering them from a generational perspective. By factoring in a few guiding characteristics, physicians can address some of the biggest obstacles to building trust and boosting engagement. Consider the five primary generations and their defining features: Traditionalists (born before 1946). Peo- ple from this generation tend to be defer- ential to physician authority. They’re also among the highest users of healthcare, along with some baby boomers. Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964). Boomers are known to prefer indi- vidual engagement during their health- care system experiences. They like in- teracting with their providers and value their opinions but also want to do some of their own research. Gen X (born between 1964 and 1980). Gen X-ers are willing to assume their provid- ers are knowledgeable but also tend to actively pursue more information about their own health.* They tend to have more in common with millennials than they do with baby boomers. Gen Y or Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994). Members of this generation are often referred to as “digital natives” for their tech-savvy natures. They like to use technology as part of their healthcare experience, and they value efficiency and convenience. Right now, they tend to be the lowest utilizers of traditional health- care. Gen Z (born between 1995 and 2000). This generation strives to maintain bal- ance as a part of their overall wellness and are most likely to Google their health question first. Self-service and conve- nience play into Gen Z’s interactions FROM BIG BAND TO K-POP In Step with Better Patient Outcomes Like music, healthcare habits differ from generation to generation. And, like each generation, healthcare delivery represents changing trends and attitudes.