The digital transformation sweeping through healthcare has had a profound impact on the way consumers expect technology to improve their care experience.

Two surveys from Deloitte, conducted in 2020 and focused on U.S. healthcare consumers, show that patients are more comfortable with technology-enabled services such as virtual care and remote monitoring — but they aren’t always satisfied with the process or the information they receive.

Healthcare organizations must understand patient expectations if they hope to deploy digital experiences in meaningful ways. Such services could range from user-friendly telehealth experiences to remote home monitoring devices integrated with electronic health records.

Deloitte’s research documented not only the rise in virtual visits that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also consumers’ desire to continue using telehealth. The study also found that more consumers are willing to share their data while participating in technology-enhanced healthcare.

“The signals are relatively clear, in general, that patients’ expectations have now been set that virtual is a reasonable option to in-person care, and providers will need to continue to offer alternative channels where it makes sense,” says David Betts, a principal at Deloitte.

https://healthtechmagazine.net/article/2021/02/how-do-patients-view-virtual-care