Wearables

43% of Americans have used a wearable device to monitor their health, compared to 52% who have not and 5% who are unsure. Among these Americans, the top three devices are smartwatches/wristbands (77%), smart glasses (15%), and smart clothing (14%). 

That’s according to a new health technology survey of 1,039 U.S. adults conducted by HealthCare.com on November 21st. 

Most users of wearable devices monitored their heart rate (65%), followed by fitness goals and sleep, tied at 43%. Older generations are more likely to monitor their heart rate, while younger generations are more likely to monitor their menstrual cycle.

The survey shows widespread acclaim for wearables’ health benefits. 85% of respondents who use wearable technologies think they helped improve their health somewhat or a lot, with Millennials and Gen Zers the most bullish.

Trust in wearable devices is high. 84% of users trust providers of wearables either somewhat or a lot to keep their health data private and secure, and 78% would share personal health data from a wearable device with their doctor.

Meanwhile, 30% of wearable owners received a reward or incentive from their health insurer to purchase a wearable device. Despite the rewards and incentives, 36% of those who didn’t use wearables say they didn’t use them because they’re too expensive.

Telehealth

Compared to wearable devices, telehealth usage among Americans is higher. 53% report having used telehealth, and the percentage is consistently close to 50% across generations. 

Looking at telehealth more closely, our survey finds that 75% of respondents used telehealth for physical issues, 39% for mental health issues, and 13% for both. In general, older generations are more likely to use telehealth for physical issues, while younger Americans are more likely to use it for mental health.

Support for telehealth is as high as it is for wearables. 82% of Americans call their experience with telehealth somewhat or very positive.

Compared to in-person doctor visits, 47% of respondents who use telehealth say its level of care is somewhat or much better, versus 24% who say it’s somewhat or much worse than in-person visits.

Looking at outcomes, 46% of this group say telehealth’s medical outcomes are somewhat or much better, compared to 18% who say telehealth’s outcomes are somewhat or much worse. Blacks are more likely than whites to say telehealth’s level of care and outcomes are better than in-person doctor visits.

60% of Americans who use telehealth say they are likely to continue using it, a number that rises to over 90% for Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennials.

Some barriers remain, however. 17% of Americans say their internet connection is not good enough for a telehealth video visit, including more than 1 in 5 Gen Zers, Gen Xers, and Millennials. Overall, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Blacks, and Hispanics/Latinos are more likely to lack good internet connections.