HOW THE PANDEMIC IS IMPACTING PATIENTS’ APPROACH TO GETTING TESTED
Over the past few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the physical and emotional health of millions of people worldwide and turned the healthcare system on its head. The pandemic now serves as a constant reminder that everyday actions play a crucial role in maintaining health. From how people interact and how hygienic they are to paying attention to symptoms; everything has changed the way patients approach health.
As we close in on a post pandemic environment, more and more people are taking charge of their health. They are equipping themselves with the knowledge of health risks and communicating with healthcare providers in new and innovative ways. According to McKinsey & Co., 2020 saw most US citizens shift to online and omnichannel engagement and adopt in-home alternatives to most outdoor activities. These shifts seem to want to stick around, affecting how patients approach healthcare and testing. Not just now, but maybe forever.
So, here are a few ways the pandemic is impacting patients’ approach to healthcare and getting tested.
● Increasing Interest in Self-Care
Self-care can take many different forms. From yoga and practicing mindfulness to checking in with friends and family or undertaking medical tests on time are popular forms of self-care. Prioritizing one’s health has become increasingly popular post-pandemic as every 3 in 5 people realize they have comparatively poorer physical health today than before the covid lockdown.
More and more people today are making an active effort to dedicate their time to physical and mental wellbeing by exercising, healthy eating, and seeking timely medical care. In other words, patients realize they have greater wholesome healthcare needs and are actively working towards fulfilling them.
● Rapid Adoption of Virtual Health Channels
Without a doubt, COVID-19 placed a massive burden on healthcare systems globally. Many people expressed that they were willing to delay testing and receive healthcare if they felt a physical location was unsafe. Such restrictions that prevent in-person consultations with doctors have changed patient attitudes toward telehealth care.
Before the pandemic, people only engaged in telemedicine technology for follow-up care, mainly due to the inconsistency in reimbursement compared to in-person healthcare. However, post-pandemic saw more and more people adopting telemedicine and viewing it more favorably. Over 50% of Americans consulted a medical professional virtually in 2020, and 89% of them found the experience satisfying.
● Using The Latest Tech to Track Health
Today, we find that many tech companies and medical professionals are developing apps and tests for wellness and prevention strategies, ranging from infection diagnosis and chronic-disease management to identifying future risks of an illness.
While 46% of people said that activity trackers like the Fitbit or Apple watch were helpful, opinions about these devices may be waning. This is because most medical tracking devices take a lot of work. A wearable or phone may track steps and sleep cycles, but more advanced tests require patients to sit down and collect samples like blood, breath, etc. These must be performed at different times of the day and through different devices.
● Willingness to Share Medical Data
Pre-pandemic, the majority of the populace believed in controlling who could access their health data. And while this remains mostly true today, patients are more willing to share their medical information with healthcare providers and insurance companies. This especially includes those with complex chronic diseases. The growing willingness to share medical information contributes to the development of platforms that drive:
● Medical screening
● Predictive analysis
● Better health management
● Clinical trials
Millennials and Gen Z: Their Proactive Role in Healthcare
It is no surprise that the younger generation of Millennials and Gen Z approach their healthcare and diagnostic testing differently than older generations. Growing up with social media and other consumer-centric technology–not to mention the changing social and economic factors–these generations favor modern, digital solutions, including healthcare. Furthermore, health organizations are realizing that their presence on various social media platforms is becoming an essential marketing tool to promote their services. Here’s how Millennials and Gen Z are driving healthcare and testing transformation:
● Digital Interactions: 74% of Millennials prefer consultations through telemedicine and opt for alternative solutions to solve problems that require more than a video call.
● Informed Decisions: The younger generation believes in staying informed and seeking information sources they can trust. Millennials and members of Gen Z are showing the healthcare system what it can do to offer the best care–by treating patients as partners.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has reformed the way the world operates. Respiratory disease has impacted testing and healthcare deliveries and changed how patients approach well-being. By actively accessing and taking ownership of their medical data, people seek healthcare that offers convenience, speed, and a personalized experience.
