Young adults, the NHS and remote specialist care

Medefer recently took part in a Purpose Lab session with students from universities and colleges across the UK to explore how young adults view consultant-led, digitally enabled outpatient care as part of the NHS. 

Students attended from a range of education institutions including; GBS, Liverpool John Moores University, Southampton Solent University, University of Salford, University of West London and University of Worcester.

The session focused on whether students would trust and use a remote specialist model, what would make it feel safe and credible, and where they still see face-to-face care as essential. 

What emerged was a nuanced picture. Students were not opposed to online specialist care in principle. In fact, many could see clear advantages, particularly if it meant being seen faster, avoiding unnecessary travel and fitting appointments more easily around work or study. But that openness was rarely unconditional. 

A strong theme throughout the discussion was that digital care needs to feel like proper NHS specialist care, not a lower-quality substitute. Students wanted reassurance that a qualified consultant was involved, that the service was clearly NHS-linked, and that they would still be able to access face-to-face care where clinically needed. 

Students were also clear that not every symptom or situation feels suitable for a digital assessment. They were generally more comfortable with remote care for follow-up appointments, discussing test results, medication reviews and some less urgent concerns. But when symptoms felt severe, unclear or likely to require physical examination, many still saw hospital-based care as the default. 

The session also highlighted the importance of clear communication. Young adults do not just need to be told that online outpatient care is faster. They need to understand how it works, when it is appropriate, who is making decisions, and what happens if further tests or in-person care is required. 

The session also opened up a wider conversation about prevention, with Medefer testing the idea of a subscription-style health model that could help people track symptoms, sleep, wellbeing and wider health patterns over time. Students could see the appeal of earlier prompts, more personalised support and a more proactive approach to health, but they also raised concerns about cost, the effort needed to keep updating information, and whether the people most likely to sign up would already be the most health-conscious.  

Purpose Lab exists to create exactly these conversations, helping organisations test ideas with young people. The session showed that younger patients are open to new models of care, but only where speed is matched by trust, clinical credibility and clear communication.