US Virtual Care Report Sets Example For Community Care

A new US report into virtual care adoption offers fresh insight into how digital health is reshaping patient engagement and outcomes.

First In Depth Report on American Virtual Care Published

A newly announced report from US-based Populus Health Technologies, developed in partnership with DHC Group, PM360 and Researchscape, provides a detailed look at how virtual care is being used and perceived across patients, clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry. 

Although focused on the United States, the themes explored closely mirror challenges and opportunities facing the UK.

The report, titled “Virtual Care in America: The Populus Report”, is based on three separate surveys of patients, healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical marketing leaders. Each group was asked about their experiences of virtual care, including how often it is used, where it works best and what barriers remain.

This multi-stakeholder approach reflects a growing recognition that digital health solutions must work for everyone involved.

In the UK, similar discussions are taking place as integrated care systems attempt to align the needs of providers, patients and technology suppliers.

Expanding Digital Access To Care

The report highlights how virtual care is no longer limited to video consultations but now includes a wide range of digital interactions between patients and healthcare providers. Messaging platforms, remote monitoring tools and digital engagement channels are becoming routine parts of care delivery.

Andrew Schulman, Vice President of Marketing at Populus, claims that these tools are creating more convenient and timely access to care, which is closely linked to improved outcomes. 

However, the expansion of digital pathways also raises practical challenges for care providers. Integration with existing systems, workforce training and ensuring equitable access remain ongoing concerns, particularly within social care where resources are often more limited.

Implications For Home Care And Community Services

For organisations delivering care in the home, the findings reinforce the importance of investing in well-designed digital infrastructure. Virtual care has the potential to support earlier intervention, improve communication and enable more personalised care.

In England, NHS England has repeatedly emphasised the role of digital tools in supporting community-based care, particularly for people with long-term conditions. Remote monitoring and virtual check-ins can help reduce hospital admissions and support people to live independently for longer.

At the same time, there is growing awareness of the digital divide. Older adults and vulnerable populations may face barriers in accessing or using technology, which care providers must address to avoid widening inequalities.

Industry Collaboration And Evolving Care Models

Another key aspect of the Populus report is its focus on collaboration between healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry. The research explores how virtual care is influencing patient engagement, including medication adherence and targeted communication.

Bob Beucler, Associate Publisher of PM360, explained that  the report examines how new digital channels are shaping interactions at critical points in the patient journey. Reflecting a broader shift towards more continuous and data-driven engagement.

Mark Bard, co-founder of DHC Group, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that physicians “cannot lead in a vacuum” and that insights from across the healthcare ecosystem are needed to develop effective virtual care models.

In the UK, similar partnerships are emerging between NHS organisations, technology companies and life sciences firms. These collaborations are increasingly seen as essential to delivering scalable social care innovation and improving outcomes across community health services.

What Does The US Report Mean For The UK

Looking ahead, the themes identified in the report point to a future where virtual care is fully integrated into routine service delivery. For the UK, this means continuing to invest in digital infrastructure while ensuring that solutions are accessible, interoperable and aligned with frontline needs.

Policy initiatives such as the NHS Long Term Plan and ongoing digital transformation programmes already emphasise the importance of community health technology. However, successful implementation will depend on balancing innovation with practical considerations, including workforce capacity and patient experience.

As demand for care continues to rise, virtual care is likely to play an increasingly important role in enabling sustainable service models. Insights from international research, such as the Populus report, can help inform how these systems are designed and delivered.

The launch of Virtual Care in America: The Populus Report highlights the growing importance of digital health across the global healthcare landscape. Its findings underline both the potential and the complexity of virtual care as it becomes a core component of service delivery.