Engaging younger generations in preventive healthcare

A recent study highlights how Generation Z struggles to make preventive healthcare a habit, with a significant percentage skipping annual visits and lacking a clear understanding of what preventive care entails. To address this, we examine how preventive care is perceived across different generations, explore their attitudes towards it, and identify a few strategies to help Gen Z -ers to take control of their health with confidence.

Premises:

Challenges faced by healthcare organizations to engage Gen Z-ers:

Demographic overview: Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is less engaged in preventive care compared to older generations.
Low utilization of preventive care:
- 40% of Gen Z patients skipped an annual wellness visit in the past year.
- Over a third did not receive any preventive care during the same period.
Awareness and knowledge gaps:
- Research indicates that Gen Z-ers have a more limited understanding of what “preventive care” entails.
- Only 54% of Gen Z feel confident in their understanding of preventive care, compared to 84% among Non-Gen Z individuals.
- Gen Z-ers also express uncertainty about whether their insurance covers preventive care services.
Insufficient reminders:
- Gen Z receives fewer reminders for check-ups and screenings compared to other generations.

"When patients don’t know
about the types of care available
to them, they’re less likely to seek it."

How to close the gap:

Provide information often: Regular reminders to Gen Z patients about upcoming or overdue appointments are vital to reduce no-shows and boost preventive care engagement.
Make it easy to navigate: Simplify the connection with health plans by providing clear, step-by-step guidance on how to request an appointment.
Offer comprehensive preventive checkups: Ensure access to a wide range of screenings and services, including:
- Immunizations
- Cholesterol monitoring
- Blood pressure checks
- Colorectal cancer screenings
- Well-baby and well-child visits
- Hepatitis B and C screenings
- HIV testing
- Depression evaluations
- Diabetes management
- Lung cancer screenings
- Lifestyle counseling
- Osteoporosis assessments
Provide essential information on preventive care: Focus on addressing common questions and concerns, such as:
- How much it is covered by insurance
- How do I schedule preventive care?
- When do I need preventive care?
- How preventive care/screenings are performed?
- What preventive care is relevant to me
- Why preventive care is important for my health?

Sources:
1. Accenture: Today’s Consumers Reveal Future Healthcare
2. Phreesia: Gen Z and Pharma Marketing Infographic

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Engaging younger generations in preventive healthcare

"When patients don’t know about the types of care available to them, they’re less likely to seek it."

Toll Free Numbers

"When patients don’t know
about the types of care available
to them, they’re less likely to seek it."