title: The impact of the consumer on healthcare delivery.
abstract: The authors of the lead articles are correct that the customer experience should be at the forefront of our attention and work in healthcare delivery. Expanding our current definitions of customer satisfaction and patient safety to include the important intangibles of "experience" will be key. However, a singular focus on patient or consumer experience is not enough in the long run. A solid business model and an understanding of the healthcare market dynamics are also required. The promises we make in support of our business strategy are at the core of how we interact with our patients, how we ensure their safety, and how we build their loyalty. Our work as healthcare leaders should be to keep those promises.
authors.affiliation: Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D003258:Consumer Behavior; D019981:Health Care Sector; D006298:Health Services Administration / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D015279:Organizational Culture; D017751:Safety Management; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014481:United States