Virtual Delivery Channels Could Expand Treatment to Approximately 53 Million Americans Suffering from Behavioral Health Issue...
July 23 2020 - 08:29AM
Business Wire
Role of technology in response to COVID-19 is a
tipping point for virtual behavioral health services
The use of virtual delivery channels could expand treatment to
53 million Americans suffering from behavioral health issues,
according to a new report from Accenture (NYSE: ACN).
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Accenture 2020 Behavior Health Consumer
Survey (Graphic: Business Wire)
The report, “Breakthrough Behavioral Health Access: Think
Virtual,” is based on a survey of more than 3,400 people in the
U.S. diagnosed with or having symptoms related to specific
behavioral health conditions such as anxiety, depression,
post-traumatic stress syndrome, attention deficit disorder or
reported themselves as having addiction or substance abuse
issues.
Current data indicates that nearly 58 million adults and 8
million youth between the ages of six and 17 in the U.S. have
mental health and/or substance use disorders, yet only 43% of
affected adults are receiving treatment for them. Four in five
respondents (81%) of the Accenture survey said they would either
definitely or probably engage in a virtual channel to manage their
behavioral health condition. Applying this finding to the 66
million adults and youths impacted by these disorders suggests that
virtual channels could expand care to approximately 53 million
people. Furthermore, the number of people with such conditions is
likely to rise due to the current environment of COVID-19, record
unemployment, and widespread social unrest.
“The behavioral health crisis in the U.S. isn’t new, but the
pandemic is clearly exacerbating it,” said Rich Birhanzel, a senior
managing director at Accenture who leads the company’s Health
practice globally. “The rapid expansion of virtual care models
during lockdown in the current pandemic created new expectations
for effective and reliable healthcare at a distance. While our
research found that only 38% of respondents hadn’t been widely
using a virtual channel for such treatment in the prior three
years, they’re now overwhelmingly willing to do so.”
Among the channels respondents said they’d be willing to use
include on-demand videos (cited by 55%), webchat (63%), individual
therapy via voice (59%) and individual therapy via voice plus video
(56%).
The research shows younger patients are much more likely than
older ones to engage in virtual behavioral health services. The
report notes that this is critical insight for employers as they
develop their workforce and talent strategies, particularly since
millennials comprise the largest percentage of the U.S. labor
force, followed by Gen Zers.
In addition to improving people’s lives, better access to care
and treatment is a potential breakthrough in terms of overall
outcomes and medical spending as behavioral health patients
typically have co-occurring medical conditions and as a result, can
have two to three times the amount of associated health
expenditures. Related Accenture analysis shows that even a 1%
increase in treatment for behavioral health disorders in the U.S.
could yield as much as $2.4 billion in medical cost savings
annually, due largely to the fact that individuals with behavioral
health conditions often have other medical conditions.
The report notes three fundamental factors that healthcare
providers should consider to remain relevant and responsive to
consumers’ needs:
- Control the personal cost. Four in 10 respondents (44%)
said they would only use such channels if the services are provided
at low or no cost to them. Public and private organizations
sponsoring these solutions will need to think through how to lower
costs to consumers—particularly those in need.
- Orbit around experience. Beyond cost, consumers want
convenience and a positive user experience. While consumers are
hungry for behavioral health services through virtual channels, the
design of the programs and consumers’ experiences will make or
break adoption no matter the demand.
- Make all the connections. Coordination and integration
of care with a whole-person approach is critical. Services should
be offered in context of individuals’ physical health, and
data-sharing and interoperability among different healthcare
stakeholders are critical to providing the most effective
care.
“COVID-19 has increased the demand for virtual health services
nearly overnight,” Birhanzel said. “By adopting virtual services
into behavioral health, we can improve outcomes and make treatment
more accessible — reducing overall costs for payers, providers and
the entire healthcare system.”
About the Accenture 2020 Behavioral
Health Consumer Survey
For the Accenture 2020 Behavioral Health Consumer Survey,
Accenture surveyed 3,448 US consumers ages 13 and over to better
understand attitudes and behaviors related to virtual health
options for treating mental health conditions and substance abuse
issues. All survey respondents were either diagnosed with and/or
had symptoms related to specific mental health conditions such as
anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, or reported themselves as
having addiction issues. Survey respondents received anonymity and
represented a cross-section of the population based on age,
location, ethnicity, insurance coverage, gender and income. The
survey was conducted by Dynata in May and June 2020.
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company,
providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting,
interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities
across all of these services. We combine unmatched experience and
specialized capabilities across more than 40 industries — powered
by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and
Intelligent Operations centers. With 513,000 people serving clients
in more than 120 countries, Accenture brings continuous innovation
to help clients improve their performance and create lasting value
across their enterprises. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
Disclaimer: This document is intended for general informational
purposes only and does not take into account the reader’s specific
circumstances and may not reflect the most current developments.
Accenture disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable
law, any and all liability for the accuracy and completeness of the
information in this presentation and for any acts or omissions made
based on such information. Accenture does not provide legal,
regulatory, audit, or tax advice. Readers are responsible for
obtaining such advice from their own legal counsel or other
licensed professionals.
Copyright © 2020 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture and
its logo are trademarks of Accenture.
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Cam Granstra Accenture +1 312 693 5992
cameria.l.granstra@accenture.com
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