Survey: 88% of US physicians wish patients use mHealth solutions

88 percent of American physicians would like their patients to be able to track and monitor their health at home, according to a recent survey conducted by accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

American doctors said they are particularly interested regular updates on weight, blood sugar levels and vital signs. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the physicians surveyed said they are using mobile health solutions that aren't connected to their practice or hospital IT systems.

The survey has also indicated that 30% of US consumers are willing to use their smartphone to track and monitor their personal health. The PwC report, entitled Healthcare Unwired, further showed that 40% are willing to pay for a remote monitoring device.

The survey, which is based on 2,000 consumers and 1,000 physicians, indicates that wireless technology, remote monitoring and mobile devices are changing the nature of healthcare and reduce healthcare costs while keeping patients healthier.

PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute estimates the annual consumer market for remote and mobile monitoring devices and services to be $7.7 billion to $43 billion, based on the range consumers said they would be willing to pay.

"Remote and mobile technology is making it possible to move healthcare delivery outside the traditional settings of physician offices and hospitals to wherever patients are. It's bringing back the concept of doctors making house calls," said Daniel Garrett, leader of the health information technology practice, PwC.

"New consumer-oriented business models and technologies are emerging. Companies that will be well positioned competitively are those than can integrate mobile health into healthcare delivery and create value in the health system by helping doctors and their patients better manage health and wellness through mass personalization."

Caregivers willing to invest more than patients on home health monitoring

The number of US consumers, who care for an ill family member, that are willing to pay for a home health monitoring service, is 100 percent higher than the number o those willing to pay for the same services for themselves, according to a report by research company Parks Associates.

The report indicates that some 20% of US consumers are willing to pay for remote monitoring service, while only some 10% were willing to spend money for themselves.

The survey, titled Uptake of Personal Health Tools & Services, shows that motivations for adopting home health monitoring include:

• Concerns by caregivers that they will be unable to accurately measure and track their loved one’s vital signs.
• Fear that they will be unable to detect warning signs of health decline.
• Acknowledgment that home monitoring is a good solution.

The report showed that over 70%, of those caring or planning to care for a fragile senior, feared most that the person in their care would take an accidental fall. 

“There is a self-pay market for home health monitoring, but interest is stronger among caregivers than patients,” said Harry Wang, director, Parks Associates’ health research team. “Companies in this market segment should target caregivers and emphasize how these technologies can quell their anxieties and help overcome the immense challenges of caring for a loved one who is sick or infirm.”