Despite the explosion of telehealth and other remote options during the pandemic and after, a surprising number of people don’t even know these options exist, according to a survey by NTT Data Services.
Of those surveyed, 52% of respondents were unaware that healthcare providers were testing or working to provide medical care at home instead of requiring an office or hospital visit. The home care option is somewhat popular, with 35% saying they would prefer home care over office care. Asked about the biggest barrier to getting medical care at home, 36% said it was because they were completely unaware of the option, while 35% said it was due lack of access from their medical provider or location.
Telehealth is a popular option for care, with 47% saying they would prefer a telehealth appointment if offered the option, while 25% said they would prefer a doctor to come to their home. home, and 28% said they did not prefer telehealth or visiting the doctor at home.
Survey respondents also agreed or strongly agreed (67%) with the statement that they feel more comfortable at home when they have fallen ill, compared to 43% who agreed or strongly agree that they felt more comfortable in the hospital.
According to the report, more patients are more likely to turn to telehealth visits for things like filling prescriptions, treating cold and flu symptoms, annual checkups that don’t require in-office testing and other non-life-threatening. needs.
“The pandemic has been a catalyst to highlight the current challenges in healthcare systems: the struggle to meet patient demand and the efforts needed to retain key staff,” said Lisa Esch, chief strategy officer. , innovation and industry solutions provider, NTT DATA Services, in a report. “It has also led to an increase in the number of patients wanting more personalized ways of receiving care, such as telehealth. The transition to delivering care outside of traditional physician offices and hospitals requires planning and digital system architecture that is secure, efficient, and transparent.
