June 15, 2018 | Remote Care Options Increasingly Popular with Older Patients
Everyone knows millennials are a tech-savvy generation accustomed to services on-demand even when it comes to medical care management. But what about the 65+ crowd? Would services like remote care options work for them? Surprisingly, studies say yes.
AP-NORC released a report showing about 9 in 10 Americans over 40 would be comfortable using remote visits for their care.
Here are the highlights and key takeaways from over 1,500 interviews, relevant to medical providers:
People are on-board with receiving healthcare via phone and video
Asked about receiving medical care via videos such as Skype or Facetime – about half of all adults felt comfortable with it. Care via phone was even more popular. (Both are referred to as “remote care”).
Respondents said they’d feel comfortable using remote visits to discuss medications, for the ongoing care of a chronic illness, or even for an urgent health concern.
Patients & Caregivers are both on-board with remote care
The appeal of remote care options isn’t just with patients themselves. 87% of caregivers are interested in using remote care to meet the needs of a loved one.
When it comes to the comfort level with remote visits– there’s little difference between younger & older generations
Baby boomers are actually just as comfortable with the service as Millennials are. The report states that “those aged 40 and older are just as likely as those aged 18 to 39 to be comfortable using remote care services. They are also generally just as comfortable with each mode of communication.”
Quality-of-care and security remain a concern
Despite a willingness to participate, 50% are still concerned remote care will lead to receiving a lower standard of care. With this as a concern, it becomes even more important to have the right team providing the service.
While most physicians are not able to fully provide services in-house, due to cost and available resources, there are many options for practices that wish to partner with a remote care services provider.
To produce higher-quality interactions and outcomes, the practice should find a partner equipped with experienced RNs. The partner should abide by the same HIPAA standards and work within the same EMR.
Older Americans underestimate the likelihood they will need long-term care
It’s true that 7 in 10 Americans will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime, yet most respondents under-estimated this fact. Most patients have not planned for their needs as they age. This includes making living arrangements, setting aside money, or modifying their home for safety purposes.
Patients & caregivers don’t feel prepared for long-term care (therefore: the Medical industry needs to be equipped)
70% of patients who receive long-term care get it from their family members, but 83% of potential future caregivers reported feeling only somewhat prepared or not prepared at all.
Getting patients the care they need
Programs such as Medicare’s Chronic Care Management (CCM) and leading remote care companies aim to meet the needs of our aging population.
These programs seek to replicate the clinical in-person experience and knowledge outside the four walls of the doctor’s office. Patients contending with stroke, cardiac problems and other serious illnesses often cannot wait for bi-monthly visits. They need better options to overcome mobility challenges and stay informed on their care plans and medication routines.
As more research becomes available, it becomes even clearer: To be successful the next generation of remote care options will need to be more personal, patient-centric, and integrated with the primary care physicians’ systems and staff.
