Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are increasingly recognising the empowering role of digital health technologies, with the majority agreeing that virtual care has boosted patient control over health management. This is according to a recent poll by GlobalData, published in the report Next Frontier of Healthtech Innovation.

The survey revealed that 56% of HCPs agree that telemedicine and remote care trends have enhanced patient autonomy, with a further 13% strongly agreeing. Meanwhile, 26% remained neutral, and only 5% expressed disagreement.

“These results indicate that HCPs recognise the potential of virtual care, such as telemedicine and remote monitoring, in shifting power to patients,” said Shiva Narayana, Associate Project Manager, Pharma at GlobalData. “As patients gain more access to their health data and care services from home, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about their health management.”

The shift towards virtual care is seen as a pivotal evolution in modern healthcare, particularly in enabling patients to access services conveniently and manage their conditions more proactively. Digital platforms allow remote consultations, self-monitoring, and increased access to health insights – especially valuable in underserved or rural areas where traditional access to care is limited.

The survey findings reflect a broader trend of digital health adoption, where patients are no longer passive recipients of care but active participants in their health journeys. This transformation not only supports improved health outcomes but also aligns with rising patient expectations for flexibility and convenience.

As virtual care continues to mature, it is likely to play an increasingly central role in the delivery of personalised, accessible, and patient-centric healthcare, said GlobalData.

Gitte Bach, CEO of New Frontier Group, recently spoke to ITIJ about how international insurers can optimise use of their networks while navigating the US healthcare system.