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What should the health apps of tomorrow measure?


July 06, 2016
 

With the unstoppable rise of apps in use for all kinds of daily activities, it was inevitable that readily available digital technology would make an impact on health-related industries.

Allianz Worldwide Partners and Monolith Partners conducted the first worldwide study on connected health and personal data protection, and reveal the top three connected health applications sought by consumers.

Since 2013 the health and fitness app market has grown exponentially. A study by Flurry Analytics reported a 62% increase in the usage of health apps over a six month period, while the overall mobile app industry had only seen a 33% increase.

Dr. Claire Power of the Allianz Worldwide Care Medical Services team said: “Many factors contribute to enabling a person to live a healthy life. Having easy access to healthy living information enables us to engage with this information and improve our control where we can be of our wellbeing. Today, IT developments including apps and digital technology have brought healthy living information to our finger tips. This enables people to engage with healthy living and to be empowered and incentivised to live a healthy life everyday."

Demand for health and fitness apps to help monitor and improve their health and lifestyles is high. But which health app features are most beneficial?

Dr. Claire Power said: “Apps and digital technology can be used as an easy accessible valuable aid to healthy living. Apps and digital technology incentivise healthy living by providing reminders, advice, the ability to track progress easily and programmes for exercise, nutrition and relaxation, among others. We are all human and require information, guidance, reminders and incentives to enable us to continue a routine and today apps and digital technology make a great contribution towards supporting healthy living today.”

The Allianz Worldwide Parners and Monolith Partners study, surveyed 1,102 Apple Watch owners, and discovered that blood pressure, blood sugar and sleep were top priorities for app users.

Top 3 of connected health applications sought by consumers

  • The study found that blood pressure measurement was the top service desired from a connected health app, with 26% of those questioned responding that this would help them feel in better health.
  • Diabetes and blood sugar control took second place as the most useful health application, with 12% of those surveyed citing it. This is perhaps unsurprising given the dramatic increase in Type 2 diabetes in recent years.
  • Sleep quality measurement ranked third most beneficial with 11% of votes – numerous apps are available that track the duration and quality of sleep by ‘listening’ to the sound of the users breathing patterns.

“Health applications might be in their early stages of adoption, but consumers are already showing a strong interest in them. These apps allow consumers to monitor their food intake, their physical activity or even their blood sugar levels: the possibilities for tomorrow’s apps are endless. Health apps will empower anyone to manage their health right from their fingertips.” said Dan Assouline, ‎Regional CEO France & South Europe, Chief Digital and Market Officer, Board member at Allianz Worldwide Partners.

Check out the Allianz MyHealth App.