More Than Two-Thirds of US Broadband Homes Use Health App or Portal Monthly, Parks Says

More than two-thirds of U.S. broadband households use a health app or portal on a monthly basis, and that jumps to 80 percent for those with a head of household aged 18-24, said Parks Associates research summarized in a Friday news release from the industry researcher. "Connected health devices and apps are starting to open healthcare services to larger populations, but right now, consumers spend less than 1 percent of their time interacting with the healthcare system through hospitals, clinics, doctors, and health coaches," analyst Harry Wang said. Online health services are starting to open new engagement opportunities, and by 2019, millions of households will benefit from a smart home platform that offers technology for safety/independent living, wellness or health, Wang said. Parks is sponsoring the Connected Health Summit Sept. 9-10 in San Diego.