More and more online for medical services
In the first half of 2022, 74 percent of Dutch people aged 12 and older searched online for information about health and lifestyle. This applies, for example, to information about diseases, nutrition or exercise. This rate is comparable to the rate from two years ago. Also, 18 percent bought drugs online and 5 percent used paid health apps.
About 46 percent of Dutch people over the age of 12 made an appointment online with their GP or specialist during the same period. Two years ago it was still 31 percent. Medical data is also viewed online more often. This is evident from research by the Netherlands Statistical Institute into the ICT use of households and individuals.
The Survey of ICT Use by Households and Private Individuals is held annually by Statistics Netherlands from April to July. In 2022, more than 6,000 people aged 12 and older will participate. In addition to online dating, more and more people are looking for medical information online. Last year it was 37 percent, a year ago 33 percent and in 2020 18 percent. The use of online services such as online advice or ordering repeat prescriptions via the internet has also increased; From 26 percent in 2020 to 34 percent two years later.
Especially between 2020-2021, internet use for these medical services has increased. While this may be due to the corona pandemic as a result of the more digital delivery of these services in the first half of 2021, the need for face-to-face contact increased again in the first half of 2022.
Smart health devices that are especially popular with young people
Dutch people aged 12 and older are increasingly using smart health devices. Smart health devices are, for example, internet-connected blood pressure monitors, toothbrushes, smartwatches or scales. Their use increased from 5 percent in 2020 to 12 percent two years later.
Smart health devices are especially popular among young people; Last year, 20 percent of 12- to 25-year-olds used these devices, compared to 1 percent of those over 75. In 2022, 12 percent of Dutch people aged 16 to 75 will use smart health devices. Only in Denmark (15 percent) was this done more often. The EU average was 6 percent in 2022. Compared to 2020, the use of smart health devices has increased most in the Netherlands, Austria and the Czech Republic.
Source: Gezondheids Net
David Jackson is a highly respected health journalist and author at The Nation View. He have a background in biology and medicine, he has a deep understanding of the latest medical research and healthcare trends. He writes about a wide range of health topics, including disease prevention, health policy, and the latest medical treatments and technologies.
