The new diagnosis and treatment experience has been recognized, and future development is highly anticipated
SHANGHAI, July 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study by Accenture (NYSE: ACN) found that in China, patients with cancer, heart, and immune diseases quickly received Internet diagnosis and online communication due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and believed that the quality of treatment and treatment experience were satisfactory. Three-quarters (75%) of Chinese respondents said they hope to make greater use of technology to maintain communication with medical service providers and better manage their own diagnosis and treatment processes in the future.
The study examined 2,700 patients with three types of diseases worldwide, including 450 Chinese patients, and patients with three types of diseases: oncology, heart, and immunity. 70% of patients surveyed globally have postponed or cancelled certain treatment programs due to concerns about getting COVID-19 during routine medical treatment. All countries visited have adopted restrictions of varying degrees to stop the spread of the epidemic. Many hospitals or clinics have cancelled appointments as a result, causing difficulties and inconvenience for patients seeking medical treatment.
The survey found that 80% of Chinese patients surveyed received medical treatment at home through new online tools such as video links, online chat, and apps. For example, 60% of patients surveyed in China said they used the video link method for the first time, and most of the respondents felt that the results of this method were satisfactory. In terms of doctor-patient communication and treatment, healthcare providers can use technology to maintain and improve the patient experience.
New methods of diagnosis and treatment: Good user experience Source: Accenture
Chen Kedian, president of Accenture's Greater China Product Manufacturing Division, said, “In China, people are beginning to use online channels to receive medical treatment and communicate with medical staff, and service satisfaction has also improved. Many patients believe that treatment is becoming more convenient, timely, and personalized. Today, people can sit at home and receive treatment when they feel most comfortable and convenient. They don't have to go to a clinic or treatment facility, or experience the psychological pressure of waiting for treatment. Furthermore, the quality of medical information delivered online has also improved.”
According to the study, Chinese respondents believe that treatment responses they receive are more complete and personalized (48%), that feedback is faster (42%), and that new communication channels are more convenient (42%). At the same time, the study found that people's overall trust in the health service system has increased.
Internet diagnosis and treatment helps clinical trials
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many clinical trials had to be interrupted. In ongoing clinical trials, Internet diagnosis and treatment methods have played a critical role in consultation, communication, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.
Chen Kedian pointed out, “Online communication and diagnosis and treatment methods are increasing, which is beneficial to advancing clinical trials. Even before the pandemic, there were many inconvenient appointments or visits to hospitals and clinics. Patients hope to make more use of video links and other methods to reduce the frequency of outpatient visits and make clinical trials more convenient.”
Participating in the design of clinical trials: High patient willingness Source: Accenture
Research points out that integrating digital technology into the entire clinical trial process can not only improve the anti-interference ability of the trial, but also help improve the patient experience. At the same time, in the design of clinical trials, patients expect treatment institutions to consult their opinions more comprehensively. During the pandemic, when medical institutions decided to adjust clinical trial plans, only 14% of Chinese patients were asked what changes would be helpful.
Chen Kedian added, “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed patients' attitudes and expectations, and they are actively using new digital tools and channels. Internet diagnosis and treatment methods will be further developed, and medical service institutions should take advantage of this trend to increase investment, expand tools and platforms, and enhance doctor-patient communication and diagnosis and treatment. However, simply relying on technology is far from enough; all parties involved need to participate more deeply in the diagnosis and treatment process in order to meet the various expectations of patients.”
Please visit here to read the full report in English.
About this study
In May 2020, Accenture conducted a survey of 2,700 patients in six countries: China, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States to understand the changes in patient participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the feelings and preferences of the patients surveyed in this regard, and the practices they hope will continue in the future. The interviewees all had cardiovascular, immunological/rheumatologic, or oncological diseases and needed to go to a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment or self-medication at home.