Attitudes towards usage of telemedicine in Sweden 2018

The use of “telemedicine”, such as a video call with a doctor in an app, instead of physically visiting a primary care facility and meeting them in person, is increasing in popularity in Sweden. However, the attitudes towards it are mixed. In fact, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos in 2018, 40 percent of respondents stated to not have used digital health visits and would also not try. On the other hand, another survey from the same year also showed that around 20 percent of Swedes have high- or very high trust in digital health visits.

Bringing artificial intelligence into health care

   What about using AI in the field of healthcare? Compared to the use of “digital primary care facilities”, Swede’s attitudes to bringing AI into health care was more positive. In 2018, 36 percent stated to be very or rather positive to the use of AI in healthcare. Physicians were even more positive, among them 55 percent stated to be very or rather positive towards it.

Attitudes towards digitalization of health in neighboring Norway

   In Sweden’s neighboring country Norway, the attitudes to use AI in healthcare seemed quite positive. According to a survey published/conducted in 2018, 55 percent of Norwegians seemed to be most likely to use a device to test blood at home for variety of indicators. Moreover, 51 percent stated to be most likely to use virtual health assistant to help with costs, appointments or coverage.