Technology, Millennials Upending Healthcare & Healthcare Providers

In a sign of changing times in healthcare delivery, 85% of healthcare providers agree that most patients will not require an in-person physician evaluation, according to the Mortenson Leadership Series Healthcare Study. Instead, by 2021:

• 88% say virtual doctor visits with patients will be common
• 87% say smartphones and wearable technology will be used routinely to record vital signs and other health information
• 82% agree or strongly agree that unmanned kiosks that enable patients to self-serve some health needs will be common

Mortenson surveyed more than 900 healthcare executives and facilities leaders and architects in late 2018 on market trends and how healthcare providers are responding to them. “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 Mike Pedersen, healthcare market director at Mortenson. “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.”

Other key insights:

Millennials make waves

Millennials are driving new healthcare options, too. As growing consumers of healthcare services, millennials are the largest U.S. generation and thus make up a massive patient population now and into the future. Millennials are demanding faster service, greater integration and use of technology in care and more convenient care, including more virtual medicine, according to healthcare architects surveyed.

ACA delivers mixed results

Another change instigator, the healthcare act, has delivered mixed results so far: It’s been good for patients but tough on healthcare providers, the survey found. Eight out of 10 providers say the ACA will improve healthcare outcomes and shift reimbursements, but 97% also say it’s challenged their organization’s near-term financial condition.

More findings

• 83% of healthcare providers believe patients have substantially increased their willingness to shop around for low-cost care options
• By 2021, 85% of healthcare providers say providers will screen patients prior to a visit to guide them to the most appropriate facility/treatment
• 97% of facilities leaders agree there is significant opportunity to reduce waste and become more energy efficient

Mortenson conducted the survey at the 2018 ASHE Planning, Design, and Construction Summit. More than 900 professionals provided feedback, including healthcare administrators and facilities leaders and architects. The study can be downloaded here.