The UK Digital Health Report by PushDoctor.co.uk reveals that the majority of people in the UK now use gadgets and technology to manage their health and wellbeing.
Researchers found that checking medical symptoms, monitoring exercise levels, establishing individual BMI scores, monitoring heart rates and checking blood pressure are the top five most common ways being used to record regular health information.
Tracking calorie intake, measuring sleep quality, testing our vision, monitoring stress levels and moods also followed in the top 10.
Emerging technology, such as the use of GP video consultations through a laptop, tablet or smart phone are also pushing the boundaries of how we are choosing to interact with technology to manage our health.
Eren Ozagir, CEO and founder at PushDoctor.co.uk, said: “The digital health revolution provides a unique opportunity for insurers to gain detailed insights into the health and lifestyles of policy holders, as well as creating new opportunities to manage claims.
“For example, video consultations can be used to reduce the costs of GP assessments as well as reaching out to claimants wherever they are in the world – all they need is access to wifi and a smart phone.
“We are already seeing rapid adoption of such tools in the US where issues of health insurance costs are most acute, but clearly the UK is catching up fast.”
The report also reveals how willing people are to employ technology and gadgets to manage their health. 71% of British adults feel positive about using technology to better understand their bodies, their habits and how they can directly affect state of health; believing technology is helping them to be more aware of and more in control of their health - rather than too aware.
This is a trend that crosses all age groups. The data shows that at least 1 in 2 of people of all ages (except for the over 65s) have used a gadget to monitor their health, with 18 - 24 year olds leading the way (with 91% having done so).
Even amongst the slowest adopters, people over 65, more than 1 in 3 people (37%) monitor their wellbeing using technology.
Eren Ozagir, comments: “Insurers wishing to increase their use of digital technology will be pushing at an open door with many of their customers. Rather than see technology as intrusive or onerous, it’s clear that people welcome the extra insight and convenience that it offers.
“If can also be used to speed up claims or properly set premium levels – especially if it rewards healthy behavior with lower insurance costs – it will be welcomed with open arms.”
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