How are hospitals adapting to self-guided healthcare?

Seven in eight Asian adults research treatments before seeing a doctor.

More patients in Asia are researching symptoms, tracking their health, and making care decisions before seeing a doctor, forcing hospitals to rethink how they deliver service.

About seven in eight adults in Asia say they research symptoms or treatments before consulting a doctor, whilst 41% rely on the internet to guide their health decisions, according to a report by AIA Group Ltd. released in February.

The findings point to a growing culture of self-guided healthcare, where digital tools and online resources influence patient behaviour long before a clinic visit.

Yet access to reliable information remains a challenge. A 2025 report by Ipsos Group S.A., which surveyed 30 countries, found that 46% of respondents struggled to access trustworthy health information. More than half, or 52%, said they had postponed or altered care due to insufficient guidance.

In Asia, uncertainty appears particularly pronounced. About 44% of respondents said they delayed seeing a doctor because they were unsure of the next steps.

Preventive care habits also vary. The AIA survey found that 35% of respondents undergo regular health check-ups, whilst 42% seek medical attention only when symptoms become serious.

This suggests that despite greater access to information, many patients still don’t consistently engage in preventive care.

Mental health remains another concern. About 37% of respondents reported low levels of mental well-being, and 29% said they face barriers when seeking mental health support. Digital platforms may offer new avenues for engagement, but concerns about stigma, cost, and accessibility persist.

Digital tools are now central to the self-guided model. Almost half, or 48%, use mobile apps or online platforms to track health metrics such as exercise, diet, or sleep. Three in 10 use online tools to identify lifestyle adjustments or treatments.

This shift presents both opportunities and operational challenges for healthcare providers. One challenge is ensuring that patients access accurate, evidence-based information. The internet offers a wide range of content, but not all of it is reliable. Misinformation can lead to delayed treatment, unnecessary anxiety, or inappropriate self-diagnosis.

Another challenge is integrating patient-generated data into clinical workflows. As more patients arrive with app-based records or online research in hand, clinicians must decide how to incorporate that information efficiently without extending consultation times or disrupting care delivery.

Patients appear open to digital healthcare solutions if they are credible and accessible. The Ipsos survey found that 53% would be willing to use telemedicine or online consultations if available and reliable.

Meanwhile, 47% said they would value digital symptom checkers offered directly by their doctors.

Engagement levels vary across markets. In the AIA report, Hong Kong and Singapore showed the highest rates of self-guided health research, at 74% and 69%. Malaysia and Thailand had 61% and 58%. These differences may reflect variations in digital access, healthcare systems, and public trust.

Hospitals adapting to these trends are increasingly investing in digital platforms. Patient portals, mobile apps, and remote monitoring systems can provide curated, evidence-based content whilst letting clinicians review patient data ahead of appointments.

Trust remains a key factor. The Ipsos survey found that 42% of patients would be influenced in their choice of healthcare provider if they got curated health information from a clinician. This suggests that whilst patients value independence, they still rely on professional validation.

The rise of self-guided healthcare does not diminish the role of hospitals. Instead, it changes expectations. Patients are arriving more informed and more engaged. Healthcare providers must respond by combining digital access with clinical oversight, ensuring that independent research supports rather than replaces professional care.

Questions to ponder: