News Feature | November 22, 2013

Two Of Three Patients Say mHealth Would Improve Their Health

Source: Health IT Outcomes
Katie Wike

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

mHealth could be the answer to weight loss, chronic disease management, and wellness; 65 percent of patients think it would make them healthier

Nearly half of Americans (48 percent) report that it is hard to stay motivated to live a healthy life, and only 22 percent are very confident in their ability to keep track of their own health, according to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Wellocracy. “There are dozens of activity and health trackers on the market today, and literally thousands of health apps available for consumers. Yet, instead of getting people moving towards a healthy lifestyle, most feel paralyzed by all these choices and the technology can be dizzying,” said Joseph C. Kvedar, MD, founder and director, Center for Connected Health.

According to the survey:

  • 65 percent say using a health tracking device, website or app would be beneficial
  • 32 percent believe using a health tracking device would help them stay motivated
  • 31 percent believe it would provide accountability
  • 27 percent believe it would help them stay in control of their health

“We know that if we give people — young and old — insights into their health and help them understand how lifestyle choices impact quality of life, they feel more accountable, engaged, and live a healthier, more active life. Integrating ‘self-health’ tools like activity and nutrition trackers and sleep monitors into our daily lives, we can learn from our own behaviors and make positive changes to take charge of our health,” Kvedar added.

Additionally, the survey found:

  • 56 percent  have never used any type of health tracking device, app or website
  • 23-26 percent ages 18-34, were most likely to use diet or fitness apps on their phones
  • 56-59 percent ages 35-44 reported that it is hard to stay motivated to live a healthy life
  • 51 percent wished they could make better use of technology to keep track of their health

“There is a huge void in the market today. Easy to use, accurate, and effective health and wellness trackers are readily available, yet most consumers are not using them. Wellocracy will fill that void and help individuals select the right health technology best suited to their preferences and goals, and figure out the personal motivation that will keep them on track to best manage their health,” says Kvedar.

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