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���۴�ý Survey Finds Majority of U.S. Adults Use Online Research as Substitute for Primary Healthcare

PHOENIX, Oct. 11, 2017��– A recent ���۴�ý®��College of Health Professions survey found that nearly two-thirds (59 percent) of registered voters are turning to online health resources, such as WebMD, as a substitute for primary healthcare.^1��Although WebMD and other resources like it seem to be preferred by patients, the survey shows other healthcare technologies are not being embraced at a higher rate. Only a quarter of Americans who have access to health technology use resources like e-prescription filing services (26 percent), online health records (25 percent) and online appointment booking services (15 percent).

Additionally, nearly half of respondents (48 percent) said the rising cost of insurance would be the biggest challenge facing the healthcare industry in the next five years, with three-quarters of respondents indicating that prescription drug coverage (77 percent) and monthly premium costs (77 percent) were very important when selecting healthcare coverage.

“The healthcare industry is shifting to a patient-centered model that harnesses technology to both open communication channels and create a platform for patient engagement,1” said Doris Savron, executive dean for the College of Health Professions at ���۴�ý. “Given this shift, it is crucial that patients not only have access to these technologies, but also view them as important resources for improving their health and overall care experience.”

When Americans do use traditional care settings, they have strong feelings about the qualities that healthcare professionals should have. According to this survey, the vast majority of Americans find it “very important” for their treatment teams to have interpersonal skills, including listening (84 percent), verbal communication (83 percent) and bedside care (71 percent).

“The data shows that technology is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to patient care,” said Savron. “Although new technologies are resources that we should lean on to help improve communication, interpersonal skills are the foundation for ensuring patient trust and better care. Communication and empathy are vital skills for health professionals seeking to improve adherence and drive positive outcomes for patients.”

To learn more about programs offered through the College of Health Professions, visit��phoenix.edu/chp.

Survey Methodology

A national sample of 2,201 registered U.S. voters completed the online survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of ���۴�ý College of Health Professions from August 10-14, 2017. The methodology comprised of online interviews, with data weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. For complete survey methodology, please contact��Amanda Barchilon.

About ���۴�ý®��College of Health Professions
���۴�ý®��College of Health Professions offers leading-edge graduate, undergraduate, certificate, and non-degree programs aimed at preparing students to improve the quality of healthcare in their communities and the industry. The College of Health Professions is helping to ensure that today’s graduates can effectively tackle tomorrow’s healthcare challenges. For more information, visit��phoenix.edu/chp.

About ���۴�ý®
���۴�ý is innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. ���۴�ý serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit��.

¹��A national sample of 2,201 registered U.S. voters completed the online survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of ���۴�ý from August 10-14, 2017. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- two percentage points. For complete survey methodology, please contact Amanda Barchilon at��Amanda.Barchilon@phoenix.edu.

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