Healthcare CEOs and practice leaders agree. Healthcare at home is the future. But before you invest in snazzy apps and software, find out how your patients feel about it.

New Technologies Offer Efficiency and Cost Reduction

Spending on healthcare at home is expected to reach $349.8 billion globally by 2020 and continue to increase significantly each year. At the end of ten years, remote delivery of medical treatment via technology will be part of the normal healthcare business model. Driven by rapidly increasing automation, the need for improved efficiency and cost control, leading healthcare organizations are doing their part to stay ahead of the game.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already transformed healthcare with its ability to process large amounts of data and perform time-saving tasks, such as online scheduling and transactions. It's brought us internet-connected consulting, apps and wearable sensors to track and monitor patient conditions. AI in unison with blockchain technology, a powerful encrypted ledger system, is strengthening the cybersecurity protocols so vital to healthcare.

These innovative technologies together offer emerging use-cases to give healthcare organizations a good understanding of how technologies can be best used by patients, doctors and payers.

See Virtual Care Through the Eyes of Your Patients

Given the tremendous opportunity for value and optimization, the question is, where do you begin? Start by better understanding and educating your ideal patient.

Recent surveys reveal that while patients embrace the idea of convenience and decreased costs, the vast majority haven't yet tried telemedicine. Most still perceive in-person care as superior.

  • 72% don't know if their medical insurance covers telemedicine
  • 83% have never used video consultation services
  • 77% say they would prefer medical providers that offer virtual care
  • 51% of those who have used teleconferencing appreciate the convenience

Clearly, there's a need for providers to empower patients and promote the benefits of telehealth. Our aging and budget-sensitive population, including millennials, are open to the idea, but they need your reassurance.

As new digital interventions become more common, it will become easier for consumers to take charge of their own health. But it will be up to providers to ensure patients are smartly using these technologies - especially the ones that lack proven results or reliability. Smart marketing can assure patients that their safety and privacy is protected.

Shape Consumer Perceptions Starting Now

Before you can shape the message that will change consumer perceptions, you need to understand what they're thinking. Cox Healthcare Marketing can help you take the lead in educating consumers. Contact us today.