A new study from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® shows technology will play a critical role in improving health care for women, but the U.S. health system cannot readily meet those needs. The most common barrier to receiving care noted by American women surveyed (38%) is the high cost of health care services. However, 66% of respondents use more than one digital health technology solution, with health apps being the most popular (54%).
 

Executive Summary: The Future of Women’s Digital Health Solutions

“Addressing the critical gaps in women’s care requires an understanding of the circumstances and needs of different populations,” said Jessica Boothe, Director of Market Research at the Consumer Technology Association. “Our goal is to show how digital health solutions can help cut costs on non-urgent, in-person care and provide flexibility in women’s schedules. Modern health solutions require meeting women where they are, and technology opens a new window to address these challenges:
 

Key Findings:

• Two in three women (66%) use more than one digital health solution, with health apps being the most popular.

• Most women who have used digital health solutions have had a positive experience (72% satisfied on average) and report feeling more empowered managing their health.

• 64% of women believe digital health solutions can help lower costs and more than half believe digital health solutions can help reduce health care disparities (58%).

• As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced, most women believe that increased AI will improve access to care; diagnosis and treatment; precision medicine and genetics; and affordability of care. 

• Most women (73%) have a broader view that women’s health includes physical, mental, social, emotional, sexual, and spiritual aspects of their well-being.

• Most women (78%) turn to their primary care doctor to get health information. Over a third (35%) of women report they became aware of digital health solutions because of their primary care doctor.

“Every woman deserves access to affordable and innovative healthcare solutions,” said Kinsey Fabrizio Sr. Vice President of Membership and Sales at CTA. “To realize this potential, we need suitable regulatory pathways for introducing innovations to the market, equitable insurance coverage, reimbursement policies, and other crucial elements.”
 

Methodology

A total of 1001 U.S. resident, age 18-plus, assigned female at birth and identify as female, and does not work in the health technology industry completed the survey. This study aimed to explore the future of women’s consumer digital health solutions, understand what drives women to adopt and use them for health management, and inform new features and products.

About Consumer Technology Association:
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.