(Image by Matthew T. Rader on Unsplash)
Healthcare providers expect fewer in-person doctor visits for common medical concerns with the rise of virtual visits, self-service kiosks and personal tech for tracking vital signs, according to a new survey by healthcare facility builder and developer Mortenson.
The company polled surveyed more than 900 healthcare executives and facilities leaders and architects in late 2018 on current market trends and how healthcare providers are responding to them. Eighty-five percent agreed that most patients will not require an in-person physician evaluation. Instead, by 2021:
- 88% say virtual doctor visits with patients will be common.
- 87% say smartphones and wearable tech will be used routinely to record vital signs and other health information.
- 82% agree or strongly agree that unstaffed kiosks that enable people to self-serve some health needs will be common.
Healthcare architects surveyed said the rise of wearable devices and other health technology coupled with the preferences of Millennials are driving these trends, according to Minneapolis-based Mortenson. Millennials want faster service, greater integration and use of technology in care, and more convenient care, including more virtual medicine, the survey’s respondents said. Mortenson, which has built more than $4 billion worth and 17 million square feet of healthcare facilities in the past 10 years, said it offers virtual reality operating room design simulations, technology and wireless connectivity for improved patient experiences.
“As healthcare becomes more consumer-driven, our survey finds that virtual technology will aid in clinical decision making, especially in urgent care and primary care settings,” said Mortenson healthcare marketing director Mike Pedersen in a prepared statement. “In the next two years, two-thirds of providers plan to invest more in facilities with high-tech components as competition increases among systems and consumers make more convenient and educated buying decisions.
The full survey results may be downloaded here.
