ABSTRACT
The savvy health consumer will discern that the healthcare environment today is beginning to mirror society. Just as civilization is wired through round-the-clock internet and instant messaging, so too has healthcare expanded virtual resources such as telemedicine and virtual care. Changes in retail with an “add to cart” mindset have shifted thinking about access to include healthcare at the corner drugstore. Standard healthcare job descriptions such as physician, nurse, and respiratory therapist now include new titles like patient navigator and community health worker. How the business of healthcare gets accomplished, where, and by whom represent changes in the healthcare environment. This chapter examines new healthcare trends, perceptions, and responses of healthcare untethered from the traditional medical setting. Student insights into the healthcare environment, systems, organizations, and the patient's perspective are highlighted. Promising practices in environmental stewardship, preparedness planning, and career trends, are also explored.
