What is the focus of demand management?

The focus of demand management is primarily about controlling the utilization of medical services. This approach aims to ensure that healthcare resources are allocated efficiently and effectively based on the actual needs of the patient population. By managing demand, healthcare organizations can avoid overutilization, which can lead to increased costs and strain on resources, while also preventing underutilization, which can compromise patient care.

Demand management involves strategies such as educating patients about appropriate use of medical services, implementing care management programs, and utilizing data analytics to anticipate and respond to patient needs. The goal is to strike a balance where patients receive necessary care without unnecessary procedures or visits, thus optimizing care delivery.

Improving patient wait times, increasing service volume, or enhancing service quality are important objectives in healthcare, but they often stem from the foundational principle of effectively managing demand. By controlling how and when services are utilized, organizations can indirectly support these other goals, but the primary aim of demand management is to oversee and regulate service use itself.