A shocking number of Americans unaware of the benefits of personal medical devices: survey

Is what’s on your wrist more valuable to your health than what’s in your medicine cabinet?

A new survey of 2,000 Americans revealed consumer sentiments about purchasing, using and relying on medical devices to share vital health information.

More than one in four consumers (28%) reported having a personal medical device that alerts them to a pending health problem.

When alerted, 84% found the data “extremely” or “very” valuable, and 76% said their health problem was successfully diagnosed after consulting a doctor.

Commissioned by Propel Software and conducted by Talker Research, the study found that 80% of consumers own at least one medical device, including: blood pressure monitors (45%), electric toothbrushes (39%), heart rate trackers fitness trackers and pedometers (24%), smart watches or smart rings (23%) and blood glucose monitors (18%).

However, many were unaware of the range of medical devices available today and their benefits.

While 40% correctly identified medical devices as “any device that can track health information”, 27% believe that medical devices are “any product that interacts with their body” and another 20% believe that they are “devices that are specially designed and used in hospital settings.”

Most respondents were aware of some medical devices – blood pressure monitors (88%), heart rate monitors (86%) and blood glucose monitors (84%).

But they were unaware that some everyday devices such as electric toothbrushes (33%), baby monitors (20%) and smart watches/smart rings (18%) also fall under the definition of a medical device.

Those who own medical devices said they were motivated to buy their devices because of recommendations from their doctor (47%), friends and family (34%) and product reviews (21%).

“The knowledge and speed at which these devices—from blood pressure and glucose monitors to baby monitors—provide consumer feedback continues to accelerate, and it’s fascinating to witness how medical device manufacturers are quickly adapting to feedback and preferences of the market and consumers. At the same time, consumer products companies are increasingly entering the medical device market,” said Chuck Serrin, Vice President of Industry Marketing, Medical Devices and Life Sciences at Propel Software. “Tech-savvy consumers embracing the convenience and real-time health alerts of these devices will forever change the way we all think about our personal healthcare.”

The study also found that many purchase decisions were influenced by recommendations and insurance coverage (39%), physician testimonials (38%) and FDA approval (36%).

Additionally, 63% of consumers reported that they would likely pay a nominal subscription fee if required to regularly access analytics, online resources, recall information and software-based product upgrades.

Two in three (68%) also said it was essential for their medical devices to have a consumer-friendly look – appear invisible and designed for everyday wear and use.

When it comes to sharing data information, two in three respondents said they would be happy with their devices or sharing information online directly with their GP (62%) or a specialist they have met before (66%).

Both women (61%) and men (63%) reported feeling comfortable sharing health feedback from their online device with doctors.

“Surprisingly, brand loyalty was not top of mind with medical device consumers – 47% claim they don’t have a ‘brand’ preference as long as the device is capable and reliable,” added Serrin. “However, consumers reported that product reviews and recommendations heavily influence purchase decisions.

“With 71% reporting devices were more reliable when accompanied directly by physician office reviews, it is critical that device manufacturers get their products right so that favorable reviews are posted quickly to influence sales. “

What equipment do Americans own?

• A blood pressure monitor – 45%

• An electric toothbrush – 39%

• Fitness tracker/pedometer – 24%

• A smart watch/ring – 23%

• A blood glucose monitoring device – 18%

• A heart rate monitor – 14%

• A blood oxygen monitoring device – 13%

• A sleep tracking device – 11%

• A CPAP machine – 11%

• Hearing aids – 8%

• Smart baby monitoring devices – 5%

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans of the general population; the survey was commissioned by Propel Software and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between October. 4 and October. 7, 2024.

We source from a non-probability framework and the two main sources we use are:

• Traditional online access panels – where respondents choose to participate in online market research for an incentive
• Programmatic – where respondents are online and given the opportunity to take a survey to receive a virtual incentive that is typically related to the online activity they are engaging in

Those who did not fit the specified sample were dropped from the survey. While the survey is in the field, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve specified quotas as part of the sampling plan.

Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small monetary value equivalent to money.

Cells are reported for analysis only if they have at least 80 respondents and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. The data are not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are set to achieve the desired sample.

Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they fail quality control measures. This includes:

• Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is faster than one-third of the average interview duration are disqualified as speeders
• Open-ended: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions and others, please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant text
• Bots: Captcha is enabled in surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify bots

• Duplication: The survey software has deduping based on digital fingerprints, which ensures that no one is allowed to take the survey more than once

It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.