Laura Scherer, PhD
Assistant Professor, Psychological Sciences
University of Missouri
Title: Exploring the psychology of overuse and underuse: Understanding the reasons for healthcare seeking and avoidance
Abstract: Overuse and underuse of healthcare resources are two major problems that stand in the way of maximizing patient outcomes and delivering optimal care. Both problems can stem from structural factors (e.g. healthcare access, defensive medicine, direct-to-consumer advertising), but the psychological aspects of overuse and underuse are often overlooked. This talk will discuss some of the psychological processes that can cause patients to seek healthcare that may cause more harm than benefit, and avoid or refuse healthcare that is beneficial.