High-Need Patients in Their Own Words

https://goo.gl/Z4DKy4

High-need patients are a varied group of people who tend to interact with the health system frequently. To better understand these patients’ experiences, Healthwise—a nonprofit that aims to help people make better health decisions—has identified three key populations within the high-need group: individuals with at least three major chronic conditions, individuals under 65 living with a disability, and frail elders, defined as people over age 65 with functional limitations.

As part of this work, Healthwise researchers interviewed multiple people in each of these different segments of the high-need group. Understanding their problems with the health system as well as their daily challenges provides insights into what aspects of care are working for people, and what needs repair. The patient voices provide a much-needed patient perspective at a time when federal health funding cuts are being considered. Below, we offer video of these three interviews.

Annie is living with major chronic conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure. Because of her complex health needs, she often feels limited in what she is able to do yet avoids asking for help for fear of burdening her family. Annie expresses the importance of a good doctor–patient relationship, describing two very different situations she’s been in.