Patients want faster technological advancement in the way they access healthcare services

Doctor Google is one step closer to reality, with 62 per cent of people in the UK preferring to access healthcare provisions through the internet and technology.

In fact, 62 per cent of us are using technology to order repeat prescriptions, make appointments with the GP and take part in online video consultations, completely bipassing the need to deal with the Difficult Surgery Receptionist.

The most common way patients are using technology for healthcare services are to order a repeat prescription, take part in a live chat with a GP, attend a video appointment with a GP, access medical records and buy non-prescription medication.

The study by PushDoctor.co.uk, researched the experiences of 1,014 adults using technology in this way.

People between 18-24 and 35-44 years of age are big users of online healthcare, with convenience most often being the reason why.

Chief medical officer at PushDoctor.co.uk, Dr Adam Simon said: “Clearly there is significant demand amongst patients for new pathways to healthcare which work better for them, and are more in keeping with the ways they manage other areas of their lives. Such technologies are being gradually introduced into the healthcare industry the UK, but – looking at this data – there is a need to speed up this process.

“In introducing this greater level of convenience and choice, UK health providers will be better equipped to reach and help a greater number of patients, whilst bringing access to healthcare more in line with the ways other industries and services have modernised over the past five to 10 years.”