Why customers are ripe for getting virtual healthcare services?

Rising demand by customers for virtual healthcare services is putting more pressure on providers and payers to expand delivery choices for on-demand health services.

A survey of 1,501 customers commissioned by Accenture found that most respondents say they are eager to use a broad range of virtual healthcare services.

For instance, about three-quarters of all respondents claimed that they would use virtual healthcare services to track health indicators, like blood pressure, pulse and glucose levels (77% of respondents); for follow-up appointments (76%); or to be analyzed for non-urgent health problems, like a rash or a sore throat (70%).

Although, despite that rising interest, only one in 5 respondents (21%) stated that they have really got health services virtually.

For those who have got care virtually, the reasons they cited most often for seeking virtual care are higher convenience in comparison to the traditional in-person healthcare services (37%); familiarity using technology to handle their health (34%); and curiosity to try virtual health (34%).

Provider endorsement of the technology is critical, they note. Consumers stated that they would be more likely to try virtual care if motivated by a physician (cited by 44%) or a healthcare payer (31%).

“Technology-enabled services will be equally significant as traditional in-person services, permitting the modern sufferer to select when and how they get health and care services,” said Frances Dare, managing director of Accenture’s virtual health services.

Dare adds that customers now are searching for their care to be delivered in a variety of ways, so that it is convenient for them. In fact, more than three-quarters (78%) of those surveyed said they would be fascinated in getting healthcare virtually some or most of the time. Findings recommend that health systems need to balance and integrate virtual and in-person services so consumers perceive that they are in charge of their own health, both today (cited by 85%) and if they become ill or wounded (51%).

“Given evolving consumer attitudes toward virtual care, making virtual health a priority could be a boon for provider agencies that are resource- and finance-constrained,” Dare stated. “As more and more sufferers take control of their own healthcare in the age of consumerism, provider agencies must be capable to provide meaningful choices for virtual care, in-person care and a combination of both.”