Millennials most likely to use tech for health, wellness

Millennials take the lead when it comes to using technology to track fitness and personal wellness goals and to compare provider quality, according to a report by Deloitte.

The survey of 3,616 U.S. adults found that consumer engagement has increased in several technology-related areas, including the use of online resources for health purposes and relying on technology for health monitoring.

More than half (52 percent) of respondents said they searched online for health- or care-related information.

Use of social media, patient portals and performance scorecards has increased: 25 percent of all respondents said they viewed a scorecard to compare performance of doctors, hospitals or health plans, up from 19 percent in 2013. Forty-nine percent of millenials said they did so in 2015, compared with 31 percent in 2013.

The report also found that 28 percent of respondents said they used technology for fitness and health purposes in 2015, up from 17 percent in 2013. Among millennials, nearly half said they used technology for health and fitness this year.

Technology-based monitoring increased from 22 percent in 2013 to 39 percent in 2015 among individuals with "major chronic conditions."

Among those using health-related technology, more than 60 percent said doing so has significantly affected their behavior.

Engagement was higher among patients who had higher incomes, had major health issues and were younger. 

According to the report, the healthcare industry needs to reach both engaged and unengaged patients, particularly as patients spend more out-of-pocket under high-deductible plans.

The report said that consumers need better tools that combine information about price, quality and service.