ActionPPE Reignites Power of Collective in Healthcare
U.S. Consumers Are Willing to Pay More for Office Visits to Ensure Their Doctors Have Access to Protective Gear
- PLEASANT, S.C.–January 21, 2021--An overwhelming majority of Americans – 80% – believe healthcare professionals should continue to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) even after the pandemic is over, with 51% willing to pay more for office visits to ensure their doctor has access to the necessary protective gear. This is one of several intriguing findings revealed by a new survey from ActionPPE, Charleston County Medical Society’s (CCMS) nationwide collective buying initiative created by doctors for doctors.
ActionPPE polled 1,000 U.S. adult consumers about their beliefs on the importance of PPE during the pandemic. The survey results indicate that PPE is here to stay, particularly masks, to protect doctors and patients during the pandemic and beyond. At a high level, Americans understand the importance of PPE in helping to stop the spread of COVID – despite what is often portrayed by news outlets and social media.
However, Americans do have concerns that PPE shortages will continue, at least in the near term.
“It’s clear that PPE, particularly masks, are the preferred way to keep doctors and patients safe during the pandemic and after as well,” said Dr. Marcelo Hochman, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Founder of ActionPPE and President, CCMS. “At ActionPPE, we are most proud of doctors helping doctors during the PPE crisis, as they take matters into their own hands to protect themselves, their patients and their communities by purchasing PPE directly from suppliers.”
Importance of PPE to Ensure Safety of Physicians and Patients
Americans want their healthcare providers to wear masks during office visits. A clear majority (58%) view masks as the most important PPE for healthcare providers to protect themselves while at work. This is followed by face shields (22%), gloves (12%) and gowns (4%).
While a majority (57%) believe it is more important for the healthcare worker to wear a mask than the patient, by a large margin Americans understand they play a key role in the effort to prevent the spread of COVID and keep their providers safe, with 75% confirming masks are important for patients to wear during office visits. Face shields (13%), gloves (5%) and gowns (3%) are not viewed as nearly as important.
While the news media may paint a different picture of attitudes about mask-wearing, only 5% of Americans don’t think it’s important to wear protective gear, including masks.
In fact, a majority (55%) are willing to pay more for their office visit to ensure their healthcare providers have access to PPE:
- 51% are willing to pay an additional $5
- 30% are willing to pay an additional $5 – $10
- 13% are willing to pay an additional $10 – $15
- 6% are willing to pay more than $15
PPE Shortages Will Continue
Americans believe that PPE shortages will continue and support healthcare professionals taking action to ensure they have a sufficient supply of protective gear.
- 83% agree that it is appropriate for doctors to take action to source their own supply of PPE when faced with a shortage
- 54% believe it is smart for doctors to purchase PPE directly from manufacturers in an emergency to protect themselves, while 39% say it is smart to purchase PPE directly at any time
- Nearly 60% expect PPE shortages to continue for the foreseeable future
Which Practices Need PPE the Most?
Americans don’t think that all healthcare professionals require the same access to PPE.
Not surprisingly, Urgent/Emergency Surgery is viewed by a large majority (65%) as deserving the greatest access, followed by Dental/Orthodontist (53%), Blood Work/Labs (52%), and General Practice/Internist (51%).
Americans put Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon (27%); Dermatology (31%); and Psychologist/Psychiatrist/Mental health (33%) at the bottom of the list for getting access to protective gear.