The 2025 Healthcare Consumer

Digital Channels Help Healthcare and Pharma Brands Acquire Patients

Digital media channels are becoming a primary source of medical information and guidance for patient decision-making. Although consumers often don’t have autonomy over their medications, treatments, and medical care, they are using the internet and social media to research healthcare products and services, compare prices and reviews, and make purchases. Understanding the factors that spur patient action and buying habits increases the effectiveness of healthcare and pharma brands’ marketing efforts.

Key Question: How can brands and marketers use consumers’ health-related online activity to convert them to customers?

Key Stat: Consumers who purchase medications, treatments, or medical services online are most influenced by price.

Here’s what’s in the full report

3files

Exportable files for easy reading, analysis and sharing.

7charts

Reliable data in simple displays for presentations and quick decision making.

2expert perspectives

Insights from industry and company leaders.

    Table of Contents

    1. Executive Summary
    2. More consumers are going online for medical information
    3. Discovery of healthcare brands, products, and services is shifting to digital channels—especially for younger generations
    1. Consumers compare and evaluate healthcare products and services online—when they can
    2. Online health information can turn consumers into patients—and customers
    3. Key takeaways for brands and marketers
    1. EMARKETER Interviews
    2. Sources
    3. Media Gallery

    Interviewed for This Report

    Joe Post
    CMI Media Group
    SVP, Client Director
    Interviewed March 3, 2025
    Sandy Weag
    CMI Media Group
    EVP, Engagement Strategy and Communications Planning
    Interviewed March 3, 2025

    Access All Charts and Data

    Gain access to reliable data presented in clear and intelligible displays for quick understanding and decision making on the most important topics related to your industry, included at no extra cost.

    First Published on Mar 28, 2025

    authors

    Rajiv Leventhal

    Contributors

    Vladimir de Leon
    Chart Editor
    Nikolai Dineros
    Donte Gibson
    Senior Charts Editor
    Madan Kumar
    Copy Editor
    Na Li
    Director, Primary Research
    Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf
    Jennifer Pearson
    VP, Research
    Heather Sprung
    Senior Editor
    Paul Verna
    VP, Content