Devices & Diagnostics, Health IT, Hospitals, Pharma, Policy, Startups

Report: Provider attitudes on digital health, big data more closely aligning with consumers

While  big data has been a big buzzword in tech circles for some time, healthcare […]

While  big data has been a big buzzword in tech circles for some time, healthcare providers have been slower to embrace the promise. But the attitude is changing quickly among clinicians and is now more closely aligned with that of the consumer, according to a new report from PwC.

“Digitally-enabled care is no longer nice-to-have, it’s fundamental for delivering high quality care,” said Daniel Garrett, health information technology practice leader for PwC US, in announcing the report. “Just as the banking and retail sectors today use data and technology to improve efficiency, raise quality, and expand services, healthcare must either do the same or lose patients to their competitors who do so.”

The report, which surveyed more than 1,000 industry execs, physicians and other providers, found the following:

– About 42 percent of physicians are comfortable relying on at-home test results to prescribe medication.
– Half of physicians said e-visits, or telemedicine, could replace more than 10 percent of in-office patient visits, and nearly as many consumers indicated they would communicate with caregivers online.
– Twenty-eight percent of consumers said they have a healthcare, wellness, or medical app on their mobile device, up from 16 percent last year. Roughly two-thirds of physicians said they would prescribe an app to help patients manage chronic diseases such as diabetes.
– Nearly half of consumers and 79 percent of physicians believe using mobile devices can help clinicians better coordinate care.

Through its survey and interviews with 25 healthcare executives, the report found that leaders across health plans, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry all anticipate major shifts in how care is delivered. However, data-sharing, consumer consent, privacy and security, fragmented workflows and digital investment constitute barriers.

The report said  analytics, improving work-flow and targeting digital interventions will be key for providers going forward.

Shares0
Shares0