A new survey by Wolters Kluwer finds that trust in non-traditional primary care settings continues to grow, with more and more patients opting for retail pharmacies and clinics over traditional doctor’s offices. The survey found that 58% of respondents are now choosing retail options for their ambulatory care, driven by a desire for more convenient and affordable care. The survey also found that generational trends are driving how consumers shop for their care, with Gen Z and Millennials more likely than Gen X and Baby Boomers to have visited a local pharmacy to receive care in the past year.
A new survey by Wolters Kluwer finds that trust in non-traditional primary care settings continues to grow, with more and more patients opting for retail pharmacies and clinics over traditional doctor’s offices. The survey, which polled more than 1,000 U.S. adults, found that 58% of respondents are now choosing retail options for their ambulatory care, driven by a desire for more convenient and affordable care.
The survey also found that generational trends are driving how consumers shop for their care, with Gen Z and Millennials more likely than Gen X and Baby Boomers to have visited a local pharmacy to receive care in the past year. Dr. Peter Bonis, chief medical officer of Wolters Kluwer Health, said in a statement that the “one doctor-one patient, single point of primary care coordination is vanishing”—especially for younger generations.
The survey found that 81% of those surveyed say they “trust a pharmacist, nurse, or nurse practitioner to diagnose minor illnesses and prescribe medications to treat them.” Meanwhile, 79% of those surveyed placed higher stock in retail pharmacies than in department stores for care. The study also found that the preference for vaccinations varied across more general age groups.
While more than half of Americans would go to a traditional physician’s office only for vaccinations for children, more than three in five (62%) would go to a local pharmacy for adult flu shots and other vaccines. For prescription medications, 67% said they prefer mail-order or subscription services, like Amazon Pharmacy, for lower-cost medications. However, more than half were concerned about the potential tampering of mail-order drugs (54%) and unexpected drug interactions with other medications they were taking (52%). The survey was conducted online between March 15 and 21.
The Overall Concept
The findings of the Wolters Kluwer survey are in line with a larger trend of decentralization in primary care. As drug costs continue to rise, patients are looking for more affordable and convenient options for their care. This is driving a shift away from traditional doctor’s offices and towards retail pharmacies and clinics.
This trend is quickening because of technological advancement. Patients can now obtain care from anywhere thanks to telemedicine, and mobile health apps give them more control over their health. Patients now have more options than ever for receiving care outside of the typical doctor’s office because of these changes.
Big Picture of Medical Healthcare
The shift towards decentralization in primary care is having a major impact on the healthcare industry. Traditional doctor’s offices are facing increasing competition from retail pharmacies and clinics, and they are being forced to adapt to the changing needs of patients.
The future of primary care is still uncertain, but the traditional doctor’s office will no longer be the only option for patients. Retail pharmacies and clinics are becoming increasingly popular, and they are likely to continue to grow in the years to come.
Patients’ Repercussions
The shift towards decentralization in primary care has several implications for patients.
First, it means that patients have more options for their care. They can now choose to receive care from a retail pharmacy, clinic, or traditional doctor’s office. This increased choice gives patients more control over their health.
Second, the shift towards decentralization is making healthcare more affordable. Retail pharmacies and clinics are often able to offer lower prices on medications and services than traditional doctor’s offices. This is a major benefit for patients, especially those who are struggling to afford their healthcare costs.
Third, the shift towards decentralization is making care more convenient. Retail pharmacies and clinics are often located in more convenient locations than traditional doctor’s offices. This makes it easier for patients to get the care they need when they need it.
Overall, the shift towards decentralization in primary care is a positive development for patients. It gives them more options, makes care more affordable, and makes care more convenient.
