U.S. consumers and physicians want more digital interaction, finds EY Future of Health Survey
Both consumers and physicians are eager for increased digital engagement, according to a new nationwide poll released by Ernst & Young at HIMSS18. More than half (54%) of consumers surveyed indicate a comfort level contacting their physician digitally, and express interest in using technology such as at-home diagnostic testing (36%), using a smart phone or connect device of information sharing (33%), and video consultation (21%).
Similarly, the report indicates widespread agreement among physicians that digital technologies and data sharing will contribute effectively to the overall well-being of the population. More than four in five (83%) physicians believe that increased consumer and patient-generated data from connected devices would benefit the overall quality of care and enable more personalized care plans.
Two-thirds (66%) also indicate that increased digital technologies would reduce the burden on the healthcare system and its associated costs, and 64% think it would help reduce the burden on doctors and nurses and have a positive impact on the critical issue of burnout.
The report also indicated that creating incentives for data sharing is a critical piece of the puzzle. While only 26% of consumers are interested in sharing lifestyle information with their physician, those numbers make a big jump when you add-in incentives. Consumers said that reduced waiting times (61%) and cost savings (55%) provided the biggest incentives to increase digital engagement with their physicians. Even further, despite hesitation in sharing dietary and exercise information, 26% indicated that the ability to receive tailored diet and exercise plans would also encourage engagement with digital technology.
