Growing use of health apps and virtual medical appointments

New technologies integration in the field of personal health is growing, due to the rise of the so-called “wearables”, and the major use of apps specifically designed to control various biological parameters.

Patients and doctors, closer thanks to technology

The latest report conducted by consultancy firm Accenture among US users reveals data which confirms that the volume of consumers using wearable devices as smartbands or smartwatches and mobile applications has been doubled over the last two years, rising from 16% in 2014 to 33% today. This increase in users applying new technologies to control their own personal health is closely connected to the sales growth which wearables have experienced over the same period of time, growing from 9% to 21%. Data shows this change, as well as the willingness of users in this respect and the need by providers to “include digital capabilities in their business model, in order to integrate all they do”.

Digital tools are enabling patients to take control over their own health”

Health apps drive virtual medical appointments 

But perhaps the most striking data of this report is the fact that users themselves are beginning to become aware of the important role which technology can play in their personal health control. Thus, 76% of respondents accepted the recommendation made by your doctor to use wearable devices capable of measuring and recording various parameters such as their physical condition (59%), diet and food (52%), symptoms (36%) and access to their patient website (28%). The result of this experience was extremely positive: 77% of these patients and 85% of medical experts confirm that this technology has helped patients to participate in their own health control.

At the same time, the percentage of consumers who prefer virtual to physical medical appointments has also risen from 23% in 2014 to 29 % today. Among telemedicine’s main advantages, patients and doctors agree to determine costs reduction, convenience and punctuality as the most important reasons.