Pandemic Called 'Forced Pilot' of Connected Health

Some 64% of U.S. broadband households reported using a telehealth service this year, up from 15% in 2019, said Parks Associates Thursday. The COVID-19 pandemic was a “forced pilot” of digital health, driving many organizations to prioritize digital health programs, said Brian Carter, Validic chief operating officer. In the next phase, organizations are looking to create digital health management programs at scale, he said. The smart home has a role for insurers and providers, with potential to enable better proactive care and more sophisticated risk modeling, said Rob Deal, vice president, Healthcare Solutions, Everise. The executives are due to speak at Parks’ virtual Connected Health Summit Tuesday and Wednesday.