Primary Care

Survey: Most Patients Prefer Communicating With Healthcare Providers Face-To-Face

Most patients prefer to engage with their healthcare provider face-to-face or over the telephone rather than through other technological options, according to a new survey.

The 2015 State of the Connected Patient survey gathered information from 1700 insured adults in order how Americans are managing their health and engaging with healthcare providers.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RELATED CONTENT
Computer Program Helps Patients Discuss Depression
Study: Many Hep C Patients Do Not Complete Treatment
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The survey revealed that, overwhelmingly, patients still prefer analog methods of communication over more technology-based options, with less than 10% using the internet, email, or text message to set up appointments, and 40% still preferring to review their health data in person.

Other findings of the report include:

  • 62% of patients rely on physicians to track their healthcare data
  • Only 29% of patients receive test results online or through email
  • Only 13% pay their healthcare bills online
  • Almost 50% rely on phone call reminders for appointments

Despite this, the survey indicated that 73% millennials, those between 25 and 35 years old, are interested in using mobile technology in their healthcare experience, including apps that track well-being, wearable devices that track health data, video chat and other telehealth options, and the ability to book appointments and pay bills online.

The full report is available through the Salesforce website.

Reference:

1. Salesforce. 2015 state of the connected patient. Healthcare insights from more than 17,00 adults. https://secure.sfdcstatic.com/assets/pdf/industries/2015-State-of-the-Connected-Patient.pdf. Published February 12, 2015. Accessed February 24, 2015.