Healthcare Consumer Confidence Shows Continued Volatility in Q2, According to Truven Health Analytics Sentiment Index
Ann Arbor, MI July 25, 2012 — Americans’ confidence in their ability to access and pay for healthcare continued to exhibit volatility in the second quarter of 2012, according to a consumer sentiment index produced by Truven Health Analytics, formerly the Healthcare business of Thomson Reuters.
The Index, which measures consumer attitudes toward healthcare access, use, and payment, reflected largely positive sentiment when respondents were asked if they had experienced a reduction in or loss of insurance coverage. However, overall scores remained volatile over the course of the second quarter. In April, the Truven Health Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Indexjumped to a record high of 103, before leveling off to 102 in May, then 100 in June.“Despite continued volatility, the second quarter of 2012 has been one of the most positive stretches we’ve seen since we initiated the Index four years ago,” said Gary Pickens, chief research officer at Truven Health Analytics. “To see overall sentiment at or above the 100 baseline level for a full quarter is very encouraging.”
The Index is based on the Truven Health PULSE™ Healthcare Survey and has two components:
- A retrospective component gauges respondents’ experiences during the past three months. It tracks whether they postponed, delayed or cancelled healthcare services and whether they had difficulty paying for medical care or health insurance. In June, retrospective consumer sentiment dipped three points from 102 to 99.
- A prospective component gauges respondents’ expectations for the next three months. In June, prospective consumer sentiment held steady with readings over baseline levels at 102.
The Truven Health Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index is updated monthly and reported quarterly. A full report on Q2 results is available here.
The Truven Health PULSE Healthcare Survey collects information about healthcare behaviors, attitudes, and utilization from more than 100,000 U.S. households annually. It is representative of all U.S. adults and households. The Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index is based on responses from a survey subset of 3,000 respondents each month. Its baseline measurement of 100 was set in December 2009.
About Truven Health Analytics
Truven Health Analytics, formerly the Healthcare business of Thomson Reuters, delivers unbiased information, analytic tools, benchmarks, and services to the healthcare industry. Hospitals, government agencies, employers, health plans, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies have relied on its solutions for over 30 years. Truven Health Analytics combines deep clinical, financial, and healthcare management expertise with innovative technology platforms and information assets to make healthcare better, collaborating with customers to uncover and realize opportunities for improving quality, efficiency, and outcomes. Truven Health Analytics employs approximately 2,200 people worldwide and has its principal offices in Ann Arbor, Chicago, and Denver. For more information, please visit truvenhealth.com.
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