Adoption of virtual and hybrid technologies could 'transform' health service 

The EY Ireland Consumer Health Survey 2023 found that there is a strong willingness among Irish people to share their health data to receive a more personalised healthcare experience and to improve outcomes.

The adoption of virtual and hybrid technology in the healthcare system has the potential to increase access to care, facilitate early detection of diseases and disorders, and help patients to avoid having to be admitted to hospital, according to a new study.

The EY Ireland Consumer Health Survey 2023 found that there is a strong willingness among Irish people to engage with new technologies and to share their health data to receive a more personalised healthcare experience and to improve outcomes.

For the research, EY surveyed 1,016 Irish consumers, asking them for their views on the potential role of technology in the health service.

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents said they would be in favour of automatic electronic sharing of their personal medical information within the health system.

Almost the same proportion (71%) said they would be prepared to take genetic testing to assess their predisposition to certain diseases or disorders, and 64% said they would be willing to take medicines that would be personalised for their particular genetic profile.

Some 70% of those surveyed said they would be open to smart health wearables and other devices.

A majority of those surveyed also said they would share biometric (78%) and lifestyle (75%) data with their healthcare professionals in order to improve their overall health outcomes.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of those who took part agreed with the sentiment that digital technologies will be used to monitor patients in their homes in the next decade.

'Digital-first models of care'

EY said the findings provide "a real opportunity for policymakers to build future-focused, digital-first models of care, reimagining how healthcare is delivered in Ireland".

Ronan Glynn: 'We can improve our population’s health by placing a sustained focus on prevention and early intervention.' File Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Former deputy chief medical officer and partner and health sector lead at EY Ireland, Ronan Glynn, said that digital health technologies could "transform healthcare" and help to deliver "more accessible, better integrated, more cost-effective and sustainable, person-centred care".

He also said the survey outlined that people wanted a health service that is "focused on proactive engagement, rather than just reactive care".

People want to be provided with tools to keep themselves well and avoid requiring expensive care."

Dr Glynn added that the report, and its recommendations, outlined a way in which the health service could "co-create a healthier Ireland with the public".

"We can improve our population’s health by placing a sustained focus on prevention and early intervention, by viewing the public’s health as a national asset and as fundamental to a healthy economy," he said.