Many Americans unaware of benefits of personal medical devices

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 for vital health information sharing. More than one in four consumers (28%) reported they have had a personal medical device alert them to a pending health issue. When alerted, 84% found the data “extremely” or “very” valuable, and 76% said they’ve had their health issue successfully diagnosed after consulting with a doctor. Commissioned by Propel Software and conducted by Talker Research, the study found 80% of consumers own at least one medical device, including: blood pressure monitors (45%), electric toothbrushes (39%), fitness trackers and pedometers (24%), smartwatches or smart rings (23%) and blood-glucose monitors (18%).