Driving Consumer Adoption of Digital Health Solutions

Study offers ways to increase consumer health technology adoption, improve outcomes in U.S. health care

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today released expansive research that examines the state of the U.S. consumer health technology ecosystem and offers recommendations for health companies and providers to increase adoption of digital health solutions.

Based on research with U.S. consumers, health care practitioners (HCPs) and health tech company leaders, CTA's Driving Consumer Adoption of Digital Health Solutions report found that while technology is helping bridge access and equity gaps in the U.S. health system, significant barriers remain to widespread adoption.

"Economic, social and geographic divides make the adoption of health technology at scale challenging. This research leverages diverse insights to highlight opportunities to expand adoption and boost engagement with digital health solutions," said René Quashie, Vice President of Health at CTA. "Digital health technologies need to be adaptable, portable and meet the needs of consumers. Health care providers can drive adoption by building and sharing awareness of the tools available, while lowering barriers to entry."

The study finds 58% of HCPs agree that digital health solutions like blood pressure and continuous glucose monitors, hearing aids and their associated mobile applications, lessen the burden on the health system. Despite that optimism, just 44% agree that these solutions are living up to their full potential.  

Three main recommendations were identified by HCPs and health tech leaders:

1. Health care tech companies should focus on building consumer awareness and improving perceptions around digital health solutions.
2. HCPs should be informed of the digital health tools available to their patients. 
3. Health technology companies, with CTA's help, should drive policies that increase access.

Insights about consumer adoption of digital health solutions:

• Consumers cite taking control of their health and the features of digital health solutions as the top reason for adoption, followed by accessibility, reliability and health insurance coverage.
• 60% of consumers surveyed currently or previously used telehealth as part of their health care experience, with 26% having used it within three months of taking the survey.
• Cost is the top barrier to adoption and reason participants stopped using digital health technologies.
• Health care providers believe additional clinical evidence (63%) and increased patient reimbursement (57%) will encourage further adoption of health technology.

View the research summary.

Prepared in conjunction with IPSOS, the Driving Consumer Adoption of Digital Health Solutions study surveyed 1000 adult consumers and 300 health care providers in August and September of 2022. 12 U.S. health company leaders participated via qualitative in-depth interviews.

About CTA Digital Health
CTA's Digital Health team and Health Division strives to advance the use of technology enabled value-based health care to reduce health care costs and drive better health outcomes. The association's research and thought leadership, technology & standards and advocacy teams work with members and industry stakeholders to improve health care for all Americans. Recent work includes:

• Advocating for policies that support technologies like telehealth that increase access to care when and where it is needed.
• Developing industry standards around the use of artificial intelligence in health care, over-the-counter hearing aids and health data reporting.
• Research and thought leadership addressing:
• Pandemic preparedness and equitable digital health access
• The intersection of technology and value-based health care
• The future of telehealth and remote patient monitoring
• Mental wellness technology landscape

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About Consumer Technology Association
As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA^® is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES^® – the most influential tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.

SOURCE Consumer Technology Association