My Healthcare, My Future 2024: ‘Next Gen Health’, Research Report Reveals Increasing Pessimism for the Future of Healthcare

New research from MSD Ireland has revealed insights into public perceptions of healthcare in Ireland now and into the future, with a renewed perspective and focus on younger adults and those labelled ‘GenZ’. The research is a continuation of the MSD Ireland ‘My Healthcare, My Future’ series, which began in 2016 and explores populational insights under the lens of four core pillars of investigation, including My Personal Health, My Health Service, My Access, and My Digital Health.

The research revealed surprising insights into the dynamic between the wider population and those who fit within the GenZ age category between 18 and 25, potentially challenging common perceptions that younger people in 2024 are more health-savvy than previous generations. According to the new research, there is agreement across all age groups surveyed that GenZ is the demographic that the Irish healthcare system is least equipped to manage.

When it comes to digital health, 61% of the general population said that they would research their symptoms or the symptoms of family members online first before they visit their pharmacist or GP, with 57% believing that the appropriate use of technology can improve existing healthcare services.

Nearly one-third (29%) of Irish adults have used YouTube in the past 12 months for health information, while over one-third (37%) of younger adults have used TikTok in the same period for health information. Unfortunately, over one-third (33%) have been somewhat impacted negatively by information they’ve seen on social media, rising to 39% among young adults.

There has also been a rise in the use of wearable devices, with 37% saying that the use of wearable devices to track key healthcare data, such as a fitness watch, has helped them to make key decisions about health.

David Jones, Director of Oncology at MSD Ireland: “At MSD, we believe our most important contribution is making a difference. We take a patient-centric approach, continuously innovating to benefit patients, healthcare providers, and the wider healthcare landscape in Ireland. This year’s ‘My Healthcare, My Future: Next Gen Health’ report highlights the urgent need for tailored strategies to address GenZ’s unique health challenges. Listening to and incorporating young people’s opinions into healthcare decision-making is crucial.

Reflecting on our past findings, it’s evident that technology and credible online health information will continue to play a vital role in healthcare. It is important to acknowledge the extraordinary work undertaken by all individuals involved with delivering healthcare services and while the report highlights some growing levels of pessimism, there are also several opportunities across all populations where stakeholders, including MSD, can engage on to create a system which reflects what people expect from a healthcare system in Ireland.”