The rise of digital healthcare in response to Covid-19
Digital is a win-win
The Centre for Mental Health’s Covid-19 and the nation's mental health (October 2020) report, suggests 10 million people will need either new or additional mental health support as a direct consequence of this crisis. Challenges to meet this demand include a backlog of cases, maintaining social distancing and staffing. Digital health services address these challenges and enable people to seek support and treatment from the safety and convenience of their own homes whilst easing the pressure on the NHS – a win-win situation.
Reflecting this demand, the UK has seen an increase in the usage of digital health services such as virtual GP services, mental health apps and online counselling. Insights from health and wellbeing service provider, Health Assured, has seen a 461% increase in video counselling and a 38% increase in virtual GP appointments. In addition, mental wellbeing app, Thrive, has seen a 17% increase in sign-ups since the start of the pandemic, reinforcing the need for mental health support.
The nationwide rise of poor mental health and increased usage across digital health and wellbeing services highlights the ongoing need for support of this kind.
Health Shield’s CEO, Courtney Marsh, commented: “The pandemic is taking its toll on body and mind and, unfortunately, worse is probably yet to come as furloughing ends and redundancies increase. Not only that, but mass working from home is creating its own issues for many – especially for women and the younger generation – in terms of loneliness and the negative impacts of that on wellbeing and productivity.”
Offering access to digital healthcare
Although virtual services are available to support businesses, the reality is that many employers simply don’t have the budget to invest in employee wellbeing due to the financial impact of Coronavirus. The good news is there are lots of options with different levels of support, including employee-paid plans. Voluntary health cash plans are also becoming an increasingly popular option, as they allow businesses to offer health and wellbeing packages to their employees without the financial pressure.
Providing access to healthcare and health insurance benefits, whether paid for by the employer or employee, digital or otherwise, will be fundamental in supporting the workforce as we emerge from the pandemic – their value should not be underestimated.
This article is provided by Health Shield.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Health Shield
At Health Shield we're passionate about improving people's everyday health.
