Sep 09, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the health care system upside down and challenged consumers' sense of well-being. In many ways, consumers are taking charge of their health more than ever. They are learning about their health risks, communicating with their doctors in new and different ways, and changing their attitudes about data privacy. Each of these factors has a significant influence on how consumers are feeling and interacting with the health system, according to a study by Deloitte.
A Greater Willingness to Share Personal Health Data
About half of those who used a fitness device or health monitoring device shared the data with their doctor. Those most likely to share their information with their doctor were in excellent health (62%) or faced a difficult chronic disease (75%). Since COVID-19, consumers are more willing to share their data with a variety of stakeholders:
- 71% are more willing to share data with their health insurance provider versus 65% before COVID-19
- 73% are more willing to share data with their local health care provider versus 71% before COVID-19
- 53% are more willing to share data with a leading national health care provider versus 47% before COVID-19
- 18% are more willing to share data with tech companies versus 15% before COVID-19
- 15% are more willing to share data with top retailers versus 14% before COVID-19
Increased Use of Virtual Visits
Consumers’ use of virtual visits rose from 15% to 19% from 2019 to early 2020; this jumped to 28% in April 2020. On average, 80% are likely to have another virtual visit, even post COVID-19. However, consumers still see the value of an in-person visit. Sixty-six percent of respondents say that a doctor or nurse needs to physically examine them to understand their health needs. Fifty-six percent don't believe they get the same quality of care and value from a virtual visit as they do from an in-person visit.
In another Deloitte survey, 85% of physicians say that training to improve virtual visits, such as conveying empathy, is essential, but absent in their practice.
