4

TOP

Things you can do to better support patients during these challenging times.

twelve months,

Over the last

The Mighty has collected over 70,000 survey responses from our community members around their experiences with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

recent survey,

In our most

we received over 1,000 responses around the impact of the coronavirus on healthcare and how the industry can help our community during these challenging times.

by the coronavirus,

has been impacted

said their healthcare

84% of respondents

up from 57%
last March.

42%

43%

said their condition has worsened.

Of those:

are having to go without, or are having trouble accessing, necessary treatments or medications.

These are the top 4 things you can do to better support patients during these challenging times.

“Mental health information in an accessible format is extremely helpful, more so now than ever before!”

#1

Share mental health information and resources.

"I feel like I don't have as many resources [as] I should have, especially for mental health."

emotional health resources

receive mental or

said they would like to

59% of respondents

from industry and/or providers to help them better manage their health during the pandemic.

66%

said their mental health is worse now than it was before the outbreak, compared to 8% who said it's better.

44% of respondents have sought out or considered scheduling mental health care and/or appointments.

As a result of

the pandemic

resources

top-requested

Here are the

you can provide to better help patients manage their mental health:

Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3

Information on approved treatments and pipeline

How to talk to their HCP about mental health

Tips on coping mechanisms (mindfulness, meditation)

24/7 access to mental health experts, patients, and caregivers

A place to connect and share their story (support groups, online health communities)

#2

Offer a better telehealth experience.

“Telehealth services with my doctors [has had the largest impact]. It is so helpful to be able to get services from home rather than having to go to the doctor's office. ”

38%

71%

said they hoped virtual or digital support groups and events would continue to be offered.

of respondents said access to telehealth is a change to their healthcare that they hope will remain permanent after the pandemic has ended.

experience?

better telehealth

to provide a

What can you do

Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3

Offer at-home tests, treatments, or injections

Allow prescriptions to be renewed less often or over the phone

Deliver medications

Provide patient portal, email, or chat box for answering quick questions

Offer easy-to-use technology

Reduce wait times

#3

“Not being able to see my physician face-to-face when I've needed to show them how my condition is [has been challenging]. I [can’t] show how bad my shoulder is over the phone."

Support patients’ feelings and experiences toward mask-wearing and social distancing.

of respondents,

For 41%

seeing a doctor or specialist in-person is a necessity.

and mask wearing

social distancing

“My daughter with a serious medical condition has not been able to go out due to others’ lack of diligence about social distancing and wearing masks (and wearing them properly).”

55% said they hope

in medical facilities will remain permanent after the pandemic has ended.

support patients

How to best

and reduce barriers to in-person care:

Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3

Be transparent, share what guidelines you are following

Reduce time spent in waiting rooms

Enforce social distancing and mask-wearing

Make sure patients are feeling heard, prioritized

#4

Provide hope and share inspiring stories.

“I feel hopeless, feeling COVID-19 will never go away.”

with 66% choosing it as a top three emotion.

the top emotion,

frustration remains

Optimism

is at an all-time high since we began surveying our members in mid-March 2020, and it has doubled since our last community check-in in mid-November 2020, rising from 11% to 22%. However,

are frustrated with

“I love The Mighty. I read almost all the articles, the comments. Being part of this community and been able to see that we are all in this together helps. It may sound cliché, but it's not. ”

Patients and caregivers

how long the pandemic has lasted and are looking for hope and inspirational stories to get them through.

What

brings hope?

Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3
Artboard 1 copy 3

Access to financial assistance programs

Promise of future social interaction and connection

Comprehensive list of vaccination sites and instructions on how to sign-up

Distractions from the coronavirus

Inspiring patient stories – feeling represented, less alone in their health journey

Answers around “how long” the pandemic will last

In summary, what can you do to better support patients during this time?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Provide hope and inspirational stories

Support patients’ feelings and experiences toward mask-wearing and social distancing

Offer a better telehealth experience

Share mental health resources and information

For more information on this Research and The Mighty, contact:

MONICA@THEMIGHTY.COM
MONICA@THEMIGHTY.COM