Most are comfortable with treatment during pandemic

A new survey from the Medical Technology Group has found that patients are embracing technology during the coronavirus pandemic, but still value real-life consultations.

The research showed that 59 per cent of the 400 patients surveyed would feel comfortable going to hospital for an operation or treatment despite the coronavirus pandemic, with younger patients more comfortable with the prospect of attending a hospital appointment than their elders.

Nearly two-thirds of patients surveyed had either had a procedure - such as surgery, an investigation, or a treatment - or a GP or outpatient appointment postponed in the previous six months. Instead, 85 per cent had experienced some form of communications technology, such as a telephone or online video consultation since the start of the pandemic.

Additionally, 67 per cent found the experience of using this technology to be positive, describing it as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. Some 58 per cent said that communications technology compared favourably with face-to-face contact with their clinician, citing benefits such as eliminating the risk of infection (79 per cent) and avoiding the need to travel (75 per cent), as well as it being cheaper (42 per cent).

However, half of patients said they did not feel like they received a proper consultation (50 per cent) and a quarter (27 per cent) missed the social interaction.

Barbara Harpham, Chair of the MTG, said, “This research clearly shows that patients value the role that medical technology has played during the Covid-19 pandemic. While virtual consultations are a good substitute for face-to-face appointments for discussing medication, referrals, and minor ailments, when it comes to diagnosis or physical examinations, there is no substitute for face-to-face appointments. More work needs to be done to determine precisely how this technology is used to help in the future.

“Patients’ experience of wider medical technology is extremely positive. It shows the role that medtech can play in getting the NHS back up and running, harnessing its benefits to build a better health service. Used properly, medical technology can get patients back to normal life quicker, make the NHS more efficient, and benefit society as a whole.”