Survey Underscores Digital Health Divide Between Patient Expectations and Current State
The last few years have seen a movement towards offering patients a more consumer-friendly experience, with significant investments made in digital health. This new experience can assist with patient engagement, treatment compliance and patient retention.
Looking to understand the digital health expectations of a particular patient population, Xealth and Sid Lee conducted a recent survey among nearly 1,000 U.S. women who are new or expectant mothers. According to the survey, a majority (53%) who are familiar with digital health see online information as a key factor in choosing one hospital over another.
Digital tools rated most important to patients:
- online access to medical records (61%)
- online payment tools (57%)
- online scheduling (52%)
- electronic refill of prescriptions (51%)
Digital tools most offered by hospitals:
- online payment tools (45%)
- online access to medical records (39%)
- online education and information (31%)
- online scheduling (29%)
The widest gaps exist related to:
- electronic refill of prescriptions (51% find this important vs. 23% actually can)
- online scheduling (52% vs. 29%)
- price transparency (30% vs. 8%)
Comments about what hospitals can do to improve the digital health experience involved:
- providing greater convenience
- creating patient communities
- improving education and increasing transparency
