1/5 of People From London Have Used a Self-Test Kit After Researching Their Symptoms & Avoiding Visiting Their GP

2San, a global supplier of high-quality innovative healthcare products and solutions, has recently conducted consumer research delving into people’s attitudes towards their own healthcare. The survey of 2,000 UK adults has found people in the UK are not listening to their bodies or attending to medical symptoms. In one in six cases over the last 12 months, this is leading to symptoms worsening. In an age where we know we should be prioritising early diagnosis and preventative care, this is a worrying trend.

Overall, in three quarters of cases, people are looking for alternative sources of information instead of seeking advice from their GP. 55% of people’s first port of call are online sources to research their symptoms – including Google and WebMD. When you look at Generation Z – a quarter of 18-24 year olds use social media to help self-diagnose. Noticeably bucking the trend, in Wales over a third of people are turning instead to their community pharmacist for support and advice. Those over the age of 65 are still most likely to turn to their primary care physician.

Another valuable source of information which is becoming increasingly popular in the post-pandemic era is rapid self-diagnostic tests. A source of testing which became commonplace during the pandemic, as we move into a new age of healthcare those in and working alongside the NHS and healthcare industries are searching for new uses for these tests in other areas of diagnosis. In the last 12 months, half of people surveyed have used a rapid self-diagnostic test. Here, we see Generation Z leading the way with the figure jumping to 75% of 18–24-year-olds.

Rapid self-diagnostic tests offer significant benefits by providing quick and convenient results, enabling individuals to assess their health from the comfort of their own homes. Tests empower people to take proactive measures, such as seeking appropriate medical attention leading to early treatment, or making lifestyle changes. Consumers are increasingly aware of these benefits – with one fifth of people citing they would use a rapid self-diagnostic test as they are more convenient and can be done on their own time.

So what are people using self-diagnostic tests for? More than one in ten people between 18-44 have purchased a rapid self-diagnostic test to better understand symptoms at home. Londoners are the most open to rapid self-diagnostic tests, with one in six purchasing tests to take at home. The most popular use for tests is still Covid19 (45% of people likely to use an at-home test to identify), however there is a rise in people using tests for other diagnoses, including for urine infections (29%), vitamin and mineral deficiencies (23%) and bowel health (20%). In all cases, early detection and diagnosis can have huge benefits to both the patient and health service, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes and improved chances of recovery.

2San wants to empower people to have better insight into their own health, with rapid self-tests being an effective first step. Over 50% of respondents agreed that accuracy, ease of use and cost are the most important factors when choosing a rapid self-diagnostic test. Those aged 35–44 were the only age group where cost was the most important factor, and for those over the age of 65, they would be concerned about tests having a medical endorsement. In the current economic climate, only 12% of people cited sustainability as an important factor.

Neil Ashworth, Non-Executive Chair at 2San, comments: “The healthcare industry knows early diagnosis is always beneficial. This is why it’s so worrying to see a trend over the last year of people ignoring their symptoms and not seeking help from medical professionals. What is also of concern is people – especially young people – turning to social media as a tool to diagnose medical conditions, a space which we know is unregulated and often a source of misinformation.

“What we are seeing is that people are aware of the pressures facing the NHS, which in turn is leading them to not make appointments, whether that be because of wait times, or because they feel they will be regarded as time wasters. Whatever the reason, we want people to be confident in their ability to approach a healthcare professional – be it their local pharmacist for first steps or their GP – and begin the process of treatment.

“The question we need to be asking as an industry is, how can we empower people and arm them with the necessary information? At 2San we truly believe in the power of self tests, which is why we have taken our business in the direction of sourcing and bringing high quality, accurate tests to the UK and putting them into the hands of consumers. Whether tests give people the reassurance to approach a medical professional for onward care, or give peace of mind, they are a low-cost way to support patients and healthcare workers to provide care informed by data.”

2San has this summer announced its partnership with the UK’s largest independent pharmacy business and third largest pharmacy chain Well Pharmacy, alongside partnering with the nation’s largest online pharmacy, Pharmacy2U. Tests will begin at RRP £7.99.