Simplyhealth uncovers an instant health generation
New research by healthcare provider Simplyhealth has found that people are more willing to share personal health information online, showing the trust that people now place in online resources.
This highlights potential opportunities for healthcare providers, including the NHS, to engage with their customers.
The power of the internet in healthcare is uncovered in Simplyhealth's report: Are we an instant health generation? The research shows that 58% agree that they would rather turn to the internet than immediately see a healthcare professional. 55% say they would be willing to give information about their symptoms and half say they would give basic information such as their age and gender. 23% would give details about their medical history online.
Raman Sankaran, spokesperson for healthcare provider Simplyhealth, comments: "In a world where time is a precious commodity, our survey demonstrates a growing trend to use the internet to not only seek health information and advice but to engage in online conversations about health.
"It is interesting to see that social media and instant messaging features strongly in our results, with 56% of those willing to disclose information online saying they would be happy to take part in a web chat with a healthcare professional via instant messenger. All of this suggests that there is a shift in the way people want to access health advice and interact with healthcare professionals now, and this is only going to continue in the future."
Recent media coverage has suggested that the NHS is looking to utilise online resources by using services such as Skype to perform consultations. This could mean that online health resources continue to become a way of life in healthcare.
Simplyhealth has been helping people access affordable healthcare for almost 140 years, through a variety of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, and mobility and living aids. For more information or to read the report log onto simplyhealth.co.uk.