Shocking amount of Americans unaware of benefits of personal medical devices: poll

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%).However, many were unaware of the scope of medical devices available today and their benefits.While 40% correctly identified medical devices as “any device that can track health information,” 27% believe medical devices are “any product that interacts with their body,” and another 20% believe they’re “devices that are specifically designed and used in hospital settings.”The majority of respondents were aware of certain medical devices — blood pressure monitors (88%), heart rate monitors (86%) and blood-glucose monitors (84%). But they were unaware that some everyday devices like electric toothbrushes (33%), baby monitors (20%) and smartwatches/smart rings (18%) also fall under the definition of a medical device.Those who own medical devices said they were motivated to purchase their devices due to 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 manufa...