Health products and services

Question 1

Factors influencing the use of health products and services

Answer 1

media, transport, cost, consumer confidence

Question 2

Media

Answer 2

Product manufacturers will use the media to persuade consumers to use their product and increase consumer confidence. This is achieved by advertising or using celebrities.

Question 3

Transport

Answer 3

The availability of public transport, parking and accessibility can all influence the uptake of health services eg health facilities near public transport more likely to attract consumers, some consumers may not be able to afford insurance cover or fees (such as ambulance cover).

Question 4

Cost

Answer 4

The expense of the product may determine selection of a particular brand. Consumers will buy products they feel are ‘quality for money’ and ‘safe’ regardless of price eg berocca
Private health insurance may not affect selection of health services for an individual, low income earners may have to buy cheaper health products and services.

Question 5

Consumer confidence

Answer 5

Consumers have increased confidence in brands that deliver what they say they will deliver. Trusted brands develop an emotional connection between the consumer and the brand eg panadol. Consumers believe that Panadol will deliver safe and effective pain relief, so they will buy it even though it costs more than other brands.

Question 6

Product placement

Answer 6

The use of specific products in a movie or television program where the manufacturer or retailer pay the media producer as a form of advertising.