Majority of Seniors Want Digital Tools to Manage Their Health

As the aging population booms, tech-savvy seniors are turning to technology for long-term solutions for managing their health and independence.

As the aging population booms, tech-savvy seniors are turning to technology for long-term solutions for managing their health and independence.

According to a new survey by Accenture, 57% of seniors are seeking tools to manage their health care remotely, however, only one-third of health care providers offer such capability. These results bolster support for real-time, web-based health care management and monitoring systems such as eCaring and other apps.

“As the digitally engaged senior patient population continues to grow, healthcare systems need to consider the role the Internet can play in making healthcare more convenient for patients of all ages at every touch point,” said Jill Dailey, managing director of payer strategy, Accenture Health.

Other findings, summarized by HITConsultant.com, include:

• 67 percent surveyed say that access to their health information is important, but only 28 percent currently have full access to their electronic health records
• 70 percent say it is somewhat or very important to be able to request prescription refills electronically, however, fewer than half (46 percent) can do so today
• 67 percent believe it is somewhat or very important to be able to book appointments online
• 58 percent say it is important or very important to email their providers
• 42 percent say the ability to see a doctor virtually without a co-pay is most important
• 15 percent say a mobile app or online tool to schedule appointments electronically is most important

What do you think? What can be done to ensure health care providers make mHealth and digital health tools available to their patients?