A majority of U.S. adults, 56 percent, embrace using a connected device at home to monitor health and share data with caregivers, according to the "Connected Health Study," conducted for A&D Medical by The Harris Poll.
The online survey, the results of which were unveiled at the recent International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, involved 2,024 adults ages 18 and older. More than half of those polled, 66 percent, listed weight as their top health concern, while nearly half, 48 percent, said they are worried about blood pressure. Twenty-six percent of respondents said they are most concerned about diabetes.
When it comes to monitoring healthcare issues, the most popular vital sign is blood pressure, with weight landing in second place, noted by 33 percent, and chronic health issues--including diabetes and hypertension--cited by 25 percent of respondents.
Half of those polled said they want home health measurement tools to connect online to improve accuracy of information presented to doctors. Respondents also wanted doctors to have the ability to notice trends and patterns in patient self-care efforts. About one-quarter of respondents said that monitoring would give them peace of mind, health wise.
The Harris Poll results align with an earlier study conducted by the research firm regarding consumer interest in digital mHealth tech. The latter poll, released last November, noted that nearly half of American adults, 48 percent, are extremely interested in using smartphone and tablets for checking blood pressure, Forty-seven percent of respondents to that survey said they are interested in tools that monitor their heartbeats, while 23 percent said they are somewhat interested in using mHealth apps and devices.
Gartner research published in November indicates that the five main wearables grabbing traction include heart rate monitor chest straps and smart garments.
"Consumers concerned about their heart will choose wearables to self-monitor pulse or electrocardiogram," report author and Gartner Research Director Angela McIntyre told FierceMobileHealthcare. "They will want to share the information from their wearables with the doctors
For more information:
- read the A&D Medical survey announcement
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