Lecture Title: The Impact of Socioeconomic Status (SES) on Patient Preference for Aggressive Treatment Options

Speaker: Jing (Jill) Lei, University of Melbourne

Time: March 23, 2026, 10:00

Location: Room 319 of the School

Abstract:

For health conditions ranging from the common cold to cancer, patients often face a decision between conservative and aggressive options. For example, a person diagnosed with thyroid nodules might weigh watchful waiting against a minimally invasive thyroidectomy. In today's patient-centred healthcare, patients play a growing role in treatment decision-making. A key patient-related factor, socio-economic status (SES),is consistently linked to health outcomes, yet the behavioral mechanisms driving these outcomes are less understood. Research explores how SES influences patient preference for aggressive vs. conservative treatments.

Speaker Introduction:

Jing (Jill) Lei, currently Professor of Marketing at University of Melbourne (Australia), previously served as Head of Management and Marketing Department. Current research focus centers on consumer judgment and decision-making behavior in public health and wellbeing contexts. Ongoing research includes consumer judgment and decision-making in medication use, treatment options selection, and participation in preventive health behaviors. Previously served as Associate Editor of Journal of Consumer Psychology, member of University of Melbourne Health

Analytics, Leadership, and Economics Hub and Melbourne Health and Business Research Hub. Multiple papers published in international journals in marketing and interdisciplinary fields including Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Psychology, Appetite, Public Health Nutrition, Obesity Reviews.