Table of Contents
Executive Summary
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- Top takeaways
- Market overview
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- Figure 1: Technology for managing health, by users, February 2021
- Impact of COVID-19 on health technology trends
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- Figure 2: Short, medium and long term impact of COVID-19 on health technology, May 2021
- Category is stunted by adults who are disinterested in health tech
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- Figure 3: Barriers to using technology for managing health, February 2021
- Health tech has gained adoption and can now focus on experience
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- Figure 4: Attitudes toward health technology, February 2021
- Position wearables as personalized health management devices
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- Figure 5: Wearable health technology, February 2021
- Health technology: a partner in accountability
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- Figure 6: Aspects of health to improve with technology, February 2021
- Technology for mental health
Health Technology Users – Key Takeaways
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- Technology adoption widespread and varied
- Health tech has opportunity to change perceptions with aging adults
- Pandemic fuels tech adoption
- COVID-19 and health data privacy
Health Technology Users by the Numbers
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- Wearables capture strong share of health tech
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- Figure 7: Technology product usage, February 2021
- Younger adults embrace tech, but elderly more likely to benefit from it
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- Figure 8: Technology product usage, by age, February 2021
- Technology reliance has increased in light of COVID-19 pandemic
- Impact of COVID-19 on health technology
Market Factors
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- Aging population necessitates preventive health solutions
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- Figure 9: Population aged 18 or older, by age, 2016-26
- The fitness factor
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- Figure 10: Fitness segmentation, November 2020
- COVID-19 brings new opportunities for health technology
- Unemployment spikes and confidence wavers as a result of pandemic
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- Figure 11: Consumer confidence and unemployment, 2000-January 2021
Companies and Brands – Key Takeaways
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- Brands are adopting an integrated approach
- Insurance partnerships can further legitimize the industry
- Innovation in remote patient technology
- Illness prevention becomes a new category for health tech
- Expanding health tech to address mental wellbeing
Competitive Strategies
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- The “connected app” becomes an industry staple
- Health insurance plays a role in access to digital health solutions
- Virtual care options enabled by wearable devices
Market Opportunities
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- COVID-19 spurs desire for tech and illness prevention
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- Figure 12: Technology-enabled illness management methods for future illness seasons, February 2021
- Brands look to support mental wellbeing by enhancing routines
The Consumer – Key Takeaways
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- Adoption of health tech is tied to health management aspects
- Consumers’ need to track progress bodes well for health tech
- Health tech use is widespread
- Technology can provide the motivation adults can’t find elsewhere
- Lack of interest inhibits trial from non-users
- Sharing health data with familiar sources is okay
- Technology can be a great tool, but doesn’t make the process easier
Uses for Managing Health
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- Wearables and retail services have strongest tie to health needs
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- Figure 13: Technology for managing health, by users, February 2021
- Interest in health tech has increased, in line with consumer health priorities
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- Figure 14: Interest in technology to manage health among non-users, February 2021
- Young adults demonstrate strongest interest in wearable health tech
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- Figure 15: Interest in wearable technology to manage health, by age, February 2021
- Wearables to manage health could appeal to lower-income adults
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- Figure 16: Interest in wearable technology to manage health, by income, February 2021
Reasons for Using Health Technology
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- Progress toward improvement drives use of health technology
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- Figure 17: Reasons for using health technology, February 2021
- Women track progress and seek personalized recommendations
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- Figure 18: Reasons for using health technology, by gender, February 2021
- Young adults use health tech for entertainment value
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- Figure 19: Reasons for using health technology, by age, February 2021
Tracking Specific Health Areas
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- Specific health needs are managed through different health tech devices
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- Figure 20: Correspondence analysis – Symmetrical map – Specific health areas, February 2021
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- Figure 21: Tracking specific health areas, by device, February 2021
- Methodology
- Consumers are taking a day-by-day approach to health tech tracking
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- Figure 22: Tracking specific health areas, by any device, February 2021
- Health tech for women should connect to emotions
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- Figure 23: Tracking specific health areas using any device, by gender, February 2021
- Under 45s more likely to track wellness areas
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- Figure 24: Tracking specific health areas using any device, by age, February 2021
Aspects of Health to Improve with Technology
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- Health tech as an accountability partner
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- Figure 25: Aspects of health to improve with technology, February 2021
- Women want technology to help with motivation and accountability
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- Figure 26: Aspects of health to improve with technology, by gender, February 2021
- Young adults looking for health tech to be fun and social
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- Figure 27: Aspects of health to improve with technology, by age, February 2021
Barriers to Using Technology for Managing Health
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- Lack of interest and preference for traditional methods deter use
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- Figure 28: Barriers to using technology for managing health, February 2021
- Male non-users don’t view health tech as helpful
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- Figure 29: Barriers to using technology for managing health, by gender, February 2021
Sharing Health Data
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- Professional and familiar resources are trusted with consumer health data
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- Figure 30: Sharing health data, February 2021
- Older adults willing to share data with medical professionals
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- Figure 31: Sharing health data, by age, February 2021
Attitudes toward Health Technology
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- Tech can support health management needs, but not solve health concerns
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- Figure 32: Attitudes toward health technology, February 2021
- The elderly remain uncomfortable with health technology
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- Figure 33: Attitudes toward health technology, by age, February 2021
Appendix – Data Sources and Abbreviations
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- COVID-19: US context
- Data sources
- Consumer survey data
- Abbreviations and terms
- Abbreviations
- Terms
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