Trust in wearables for medical use has surged in the past few years, paralleled by an increased demand for its integration by healthcare providers, according to Software Advice research.

The wearables market is growing exponentially, with new innovations coming out every year. Brands such as FitBit and Apple have helped drive this surge, offering consumers affordable devices that can track health data. Software Advice’s 2023 Consumer Wearables Survey of more than 850 patients found that these devices are facilitating a remarkable increase in patient engagement and healthcare collaboration.

For healthcare providers, this shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Almost all (87%) patients are more inclined to choose a doctor who incorporates wearable data into their healthcare regimen. Additionally, 91% of respondents reported an interest in sharing their wearable health data with their doctors, a marked rise from 56% who were “very interested” in 2021.

Consumers are ready to use wearables. Respondents cite wanting to share data to improve health outcomes, meet fitness goals, and manage chronic illnesses. An overwhelming 78% of patients are also eager to receive doctor-prescribed activities tailored for their wearable. When it comes to implementation and practice, a majority (76%) of patients feel the most comfortable sharing their wearable data with doctors during in-person exams.

“As the wearables market continues to diversify, we’re seeing new and improved technologies like biosensors, patches, and rings that can prevent, monitor, and help treat chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” says Lisa Morris, associate principal medical analyst for Software Advice. “Nevertheless, with such advancements comes the imperative need to prioritize data security.”

Despite the benefits of wearables, privacy is still a major concern. Even though only 9% of patients in the survey said they weren't interested in sharing wearable data with doctors, their reasons for feeling this way must be addressed. Of that group, 41% say they have concerns about losing their data in a potential security breach and 37% are worried that the data won’t be accurate and lead to negative health outcomes.

“Practices that embrace wearable technology early and provide privacy safeguards for patients could result in improved health outcomes for patients and increase their bottom line,” Morris says.

Read the full report and analysis on Software Advice. Medical providers can also explore EHR/EMR software that work with wearables to help improve patient outcomes at their practice.

About Software Advice

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