Consumers clamoring for apps, wearables but they are concerned about data security

Use of wearables and mobile health apps has been growing but a new survey indicates users do not feel that their data are sufficiently secured by manufacturers.

Twenty-five percent of the respondents of a survey conducted by Healthline indicated they don’t believe their personal health data is secure on a Fitbit or a health tracking app. 

Forty-five percent of wearable and mobile health app users are concerned that hackers may try to steal their personal health data from a wearable, according to the results of the survey conducted by the health IT vendor.

Despite these security concerns, consumers want the health and fitness support that wearable devices provide. Fifteen percent of consumers surveyed own a Fitbit or similar activity tracker. Of those, 80 percent feel that the device keeps them motivated and on-track with their exercise routine. Almost half (48 percent) say it helps them better understand how active they are, and one-quarter (25 percent) say it helps them increase their level of activity.

Although mobile health apps are popular, sustained use varies. More than half (52 percent) of respondents use at least one mobile health app, with most (49 percent) using up to four apps and the average being two apps. One-third (33 percent) of consumers said they have been using their preferred mobile app for three to eight months, with another third using it for less than three months. MyFitnessPal is the most commonly used app among consumers who use health apps (33 percent).

Alternative care delivery options are growing in popularity and availability. The majority (70 percent) said when faced with a routine illness over the past year, they obtained medical treatment at their primary doctor’s office. However, about 20 percent sought care at an urgent care clinic, and 13 percent used a retail health clinic.

Nearly one in 10 respondents reported having used a telehealth service for a minor illness at some point since these services became commercially available. Ninety percent of those who have used telehealth feel their experience was the same or better than that at a doctor’s office consultation. Surprisingly, 45 percent of telehealth users report that they were unaware of these types of services just two to three years ago.

Physicians are recognizing the value of mobile apps and other new technologies--four percent of consumers said their doctor has recommended a mobile app to them, and an additional two percent reported that an app was formally prescribed by their doctor. Of the apps recommended or prescribed by physicians, food logs and calorie counters rank highest at 34 percent, followed by pedometers or fitness trackers (24 percent), heart rate monitors (22 percent), blood sugar monitors (20 percent) and medication reminders (17 percent).