Telemedicine has grown significantly since 2020. In a <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/telehealth-a-quarter-trillion-dollar-post-covid-19-reality" style="display:inline;"> report by McKinsey, </a> US utilisation is now 38 times higher than it was before the pandemic. Other countries have witnessed a similar trend. We commissioned a self-funded qualitative study amongst ECPs (eye care professionals) and patients in US, Germany and China to understand the opportunities and challenges for telemedicine solutions. <strong> Here are the key insights.
Pharma must collaborate with customers to build telemedicine services that are user-friendly and patient-centric. Needs will be different by country and disease area.
Pharma should leverage early adopters of telemedicine to promote positive user experience and clearly communicate where/ how telemedicine should be used in the patient journey to bring most benefit, whilst also addressing common concerns and limitations.
With ongoing developments and improvements in remote diagnostics, education and data is needed to build customer confidence in results. Patients require clear instructions and adequate support for self-assessment tools to feel confident using them and trusting the outcome.
Cost models to patients is key; need to balance outcomes/benefits vs. limitations of telemedicine in order to be accepted.
View our telemedicine case study here