A new survey to establish the level of public awareness of telehealth in the UK has revealed nine out of 10 adults have never even heard of telehealth. The Health Service Service Journal reported that out of the 10% of respondents who said they had heard of telehealth, only 4 percent said they knew what it was. Those who had heard of telehealth misinterpreted it as something related to the amount of TV consumption or a specific TV program.
The research commissioned by the National Telehealth Forum was carried out between June 4th and 6th of this year with a total sample size of 2,066 adults in the UK. The findings conclude that of those aged 55 and older – the key target market for telehealth related products/services – 92% of them had never heard of telehealth.
The findings show that telehealth has a long way to go in helping consumers in the UK understand the value and benefits of telehealth. Last year, the Department of Health launched the national 3millionlives campaign designed to raise public telehealth awareness and extend the reach of telehealth to improve the lives of people struggling with long term conditions and social care needs.
Carl Atkey, head of Appello Telehealth, a provider of equipment and a founding member of the forum, said “while we completely support the 3millionlives campaign’s aims we believe a more granular approach will help make them a reality.”
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