Health Technology Trends - US - May 2021

OVERVIEW
What you need to know 
Key issues covered in this Report
Definition 
COVID-19: market context
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
Top takeaways 
Market overview 
Figure 1: Technology for managing health, by users, February 2021
Impact of COVID-19 on health technology trends
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
Figure 3: Barriers to using technology for managing health, February 2021
Health tech has gained adoption and can now focus on experience
Figure 4: Attitudes toward health technology, February 2021
Position wearables as personalized health management devices
Figure 5: Wearable health technology, February 2021
Health technology: a partner in accountability
Figure 6: Aspects of health to improve with technology, February 2021
Technology for mental health
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY USERS – KEY TAKEAWAYS 
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 
Wearables capture strong share of health tech
Figure 7: Technology product usage, February 2021
Younger adults embrace tech, but elderly more likely to benefit from it
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 
Aging population necessitates preventive health solutions 
Figure 9: Population aged 18 or older, by age, 2016-26
The fitness factor
Figure 10: Fitness segmentation, November 2020
COVID-19 brings new opportunities for health technology
Unemployment spikes and confidence wavers as a result of pandemic
Figure 11: Consumer confidence and unemployment, 2000-January 2021
COMPANIES AND BRANDS – KEY TAKEAWAYS 
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
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 
COVID-19 spurs desire for tech and illness prevention
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  
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
Wearables and retail services have strongest tie to health needs
Figure 13: Technology for managing health, by users, February 2021
Interest in health tech has increased, in line with consumer health priorities
Figure 14: Interest in technology to manage health among non-users, February 2021
Young adults demonstrate strongest interest in wearable health tech
Figure 15: Interest in wearable technology to manage health, by age, February 2021
Wearables to manage health could appeal to lower-income adults
Figure 16: Interest in wearable technology to manage health, by income, February 2021
REASONS FOR USING HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Progress toward improvement drives use of health technology
Figure 17: Reasons for using health technology, February 2021
Women track progress and seek personalized recommendations
Figure 18: Reasons for using health technology, by gender, February 2021
Young adults use health tech for entertainment value
Figure 19: Reasons for using health technology, by age, February 2021
TRACKING SPECIFIC HEALTH AREAS
Specific health needs are managed through different health tech devices
Figure 20: Correspondence analysis – Symmetrical map – Specific health areas, February 2021
Figure 21: Tracking specific health areas, by device, February 2021
Methodology
Consumers are taking a day-by-day approach to health tech tracking
Figure 22: Tracking specific health areas, by any device, February 2021
Health tech for women should connect to emotions
Figure 23: Tracking specific health areas using any device, by gender, February 2021
Under 45s more likely to track wellness areas
Figure 24: Tracking specific health areas using any device, by age, February 2021
ASPECTS OF HEALTH TO IMPROVE WITH TECHNOLOGY
Health tech as an accountability partner
Figure 25: Aspects of health to improve with technology, February 2021
Women want technology to help with motivation and accountability
Figure 26: Aspects of health to improve with technology, by gender, February 2021
Young adults looking for health tech to be fun and social
Figure 27: Aspects of health to improve with technology, by age, February 2021
BARRIERS TO USING TECHNOLOGY FOR MANAGING HEALTH
Lack of interest and preference for traditional methods deter use
Figure 28: Barriers to using technology for managing health, February 2021
Male non-users don’t view health tech as helpful
Figure 29: Barriers to using technology for managing health, by gender, February 2021
SHARING HEALTH DATA
Professional and familiar resources are trusted with consumer health data
Figure 30: Sharing health data, February 2021
Older adults willing to share data with medical professionals
Figure 31: Sharing health data, by age, February 2021
ATTITUDES TOWARD HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Tech can support health management needs, but not solve health concerns
Figure 32: Attitudes toward health technology, February 2021
The elderly remain uncomfortable with health technology
Figure 33: Attitudes toward health technology, by age, February 2021
APPENDIX – DATA SOURCES AND ABBREVIATIONS
COVID-19: US context
Data sources
Consumer survey data
Abbreviations and terms
Abbreviations
Terms