In 2020, as coronavirus cases exploded and created severe backlogs of elective medical procedures, 27 percent of global patients reported they had postponed a procedure citing safety concerns; in 2021, that figure rose to 32 percent for the same reason. This indicates that consumers are still apprehensive about in-person healthcare appointments amid continued surges in COVID-19 cases. Of this subset of patients, more than one-fourth still had not had the necessary procedure, or at best, had had it rescheduled at the time this survey was deployed. As the pandemic enters its third year, it remains to be seen when patient comfort levels will return to pre- pandemic levels—and when healthcare delivery systems will return to equilibrium. Unable to schedule a timely in-person appointment with their HCP Inability or a delay in scheduling a medical procedure Shortage of a prescribed medication THE PATIENT- Delay in receiving medical equipment or medical supplies Inability to reach their HCP for health-related HEALTHCARE questions/concerns Figure 15. Healthcare Circumstances Did not receive a call-back from their HCP Experienced by Patients in the PROVIDER Last 12 Months. Patients indicate whether they have experienced any of the Did not receive the results of a diagnostic test/ specified healthcare RELATIONSHIP OR the results were delayed occurrences. 24 25