Objective: To determine if different generational groups (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, and Millennials) have different preferences regarding healthcare system and providers, particularly their perspectives on technology and research.

Background: Each generation is known to carry its own characteristic core values, collective approach and perspectives. Identifying generational preferences on health care, particularly perspective on technology and research, may help to improve clinicians’ approach to treatment, care, and communication, thereby improving overall patient experience.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey study. Patients from the movement disorders clinic were recruited to complete a survey assessing demographic information and a series of healthcare preference questionnaires measured on a five-point Likert scale. A series of proportional odds models was used to evaluate generational differences in odds of agreement with survey items.

Results: 230 patients were recruited. The sample consisted of 53% female and 92% white, with an average age of 57.4 (SD 18.2).Patients in all generations, especially the Millennials and the Generation Xers, were willing to learn new technologies to track their health (e.g.using an online video call for a follow up appointment, communicating with providers through an online message, or using smart phone applications). Most patients, especially the Generation Xers and the Millennials, were likely to use the internet to search for further information regarding their clinicians and their illness. Regarding their opinion on participating in research, the Generation Xers and Millennials were more agreeable to participate in the newest cutting-edge research, while the traditionalists were more likely to participate in research or clinical trials only after they found standard of care ineffective.

Conclusions: While the younger generations tended to use technology and internet to track their health, communicate with providers, and search for information, the majority of the older generations were also open and willing to learn to use technology for their health care. The younger generations tended to consider clinical research as one of the treatment options, while the older generations tended to view research or clinical trial as a last resort.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/approaching-health-care-shaped-by-generational-expectations-the-age-study-a-perspective-on-technology-and-research/