As previous studies have shown, a new survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, which puts on the big Consumer Electronics Show (CES) each year, has found that 36 percent of consumers are interested in using wireless health technologies to better communicate with their physicians.
The CEA told MobiHealthNews in an email that the study included responses from 1,679 US adults who participated in an online poll. The qualitative portion of the survey included responses from 60 in-depth interviews conducted by the CEA research team.
The CEA included a few other sample metrics in its press release that it gleaned from the study, called The New Role of Technology in Consumer Health and Wellness, more charts and graphs from the report's executive summary to follow:
- 33 percent are interested in managing their health records online
- 32 percent would be willing to consult with a doctor via online video
- 44 percent of consumers are interested in connected weight scales
- 40 percent are interested in vital sign monitors
- 37 percent are interested in devices that track fitness metrics
- 51 percent have downloaded a nutrition tracker mobile app
- 36 percent have downloaded a fitness-related workout app
- 32 percent have downloaded customized music apps for exercise
Next, which type of consumer was most likely to use a health monitoring device?
This question tracked responses from three different types of consumers: those with the highest concern for their own health, those with a moderate concern, and those with the lowest concern. As expected, those with the highest concern for their health also had the highest adoption for health monitoring devices.
Next, which kinds of devices are consumers most interested in?
While it's no surprise that the highest percentage of consumers were interested in connected weight scales, vital sign monitors beating out fitness-related devices is a bit of a head scratcher.
Next, where do consumers use their health devices most?
This question includes a smaller sample size because, apparently, only about 441 of the more than 1,600 polled used health devices in the past 12 months. No surprise that home was the most common place. Trying a device at a friend's house also makes sense given how new and shiny so many of these devices are.
Next, what about health apps? Which types are of most interest?
Of the 616 smartphone users in the group, these were the types of apps they were most interested in downloading. Food and fitness topped the list, while personal medical record access came in third. Emergency notification apps were a close fourth, while healthcare provider information (13 percent) and health games (9 percent) accounted for the least popular options.
Next, what types of health apps are actually seeing adoption?
While food and fitness topped the charts again, it's worth noting that personal health records apps fall to sixth place. Health themed games hold steady at 9 percent (perhaps that means supply is meeting demand?), while six percent of those surveyed have downloaded a glucose monitoring app.
Next, what types of health data are consumers willing to share?
This was an interesting question -- which kinds of health data would you be willing to allow someone other than yourself to view and analyze? Blood pressure takes the top spot followed by a few expected ones. Sleep patterns seem to be of interest though. That may be because most consumers don't believe they have the tools to analyze the data with tools available to them?
Next, who would consumers be willing to share such data with?
No real surprises here, but an interesting survey from the CEA all around. Check out the full press release and information on where to buy the full report ($999 for non-CEA members, free to members) here:
PRESS RELEASE: ARLINGTON, Va., Oct 24, 2011 -- A new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)(R) reveals that consumers are interested in communicating with their doctors via wireless devices. The study, The New Role of Technology in Consumer Health and Wellness, examines consumer perceptions and attitudes in using technology products to maintain their health and wellness.
According to the study, 36 percent of consumers say they would be interested in sending health data to their doctor via a wireless device; 33 percent are interested in managing their health records online; and 32 percent would be willing to consult with their doctor via online video.
"New technologies change the way we communicate with our doctors, and consumers are seeking mobile apps that cut down on the need for appointments, reduce costs and increase efficiency," said Ben Arnold, senior research analyst at CEA. "Doctors play a major role in educating consumers about technology, as more than half of consumers said they consult their healthcare provider for information on health technology devices."
Among specific devices, consumers indicated the highest interest in body weight scales (44 percent), vital sign meters and gauges (40 percent) and devices that record progress through a fitness plan (37 percent). Among those who have downloaded mobile health and fitness applications, the most popular choices are nutrition trackers (51 percent), fitness apps that measure workout regimens (36 percent) and customized music apps for exercise (32 percent). The popularity of health and fitness technology is also reflected in the 2012 International CES Digital Health and Fitness TechZone, which will feature innovative new technology products and services that address this burgeoning marketplace.
"As wireless services and device capabilities continue to improve, mobile health and fitness app ownership will continue to increase," Arnold said. "Consumers value the ability of such apps to analyze data and provide recommendations that can motivate behavioral changes."
The New Role of Technology in Consumer Health and Wellness (October 2011) study was fielded in September 2011. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, which offers the most comprehensive source for sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. Please cite any information to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)(R). The complete study is available free to CEA member companies at members.CE.org. Non-members may purchase the study for $999 at the CEA Store.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES -- The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA's industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org , www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: https://www.facebook.com/ #!/CEAfeed, http://twitter.com/ceafeed , http://blog.ce.org/
