New research from Best Buy Health reveals growing enthusiasm among consumers for managing their health with digital tools and sharing data from health apps and devices with their doctors. But many consumers also remain unaware of care-at-home programs that health systems have been launching in recent years.
To understand expectations and requirements for the next era of care at home, Best Buy Health commissioned Sage Growth Partners to survey 1,000 consumers and conduct 12 in-depth interviews with executives from health systems, health plans, and managed care organizations. The research shows executives are pursuing care at home as a new standard and competitive advantage.
“The future of care at home is here, and we have to think about it as a service industry that simplifies healthcare,” says the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at a national health plan, emphasizing a view of care not just as a medical service, but as a comprehensive, patient-centric experience. Technology innovation must flow seamlessly as a patient’s needs change, ensuring safety and connectivity, as noted by the CMO at a health system in the Southeast.
Consumer Engagement with Digital Health Tools
Connectivity serves as an essential infrastructure for care at home. Best Buy Health’s consumer research reveals a strong desire for digital technologies to assist in managing health at home. Notably, 67% of respondents are interested in smart monitors for tracking vital signs, while 66% are keen on telehealth apps. Furthermore, 59% expressed interest in fall detection systems, and 56% in voice-controlled assistive technologies. For caregivers, this interest is even more pronounced: 80% favor fall detection, 77% prefer voice-controlled technologies, and 70% are interested in both telehealth apps and smart monitors.
Despite growing adoption of technology among seniors and some progress to close the connectivity divide made under the Affordable Connectivity Program (which ended in June 2024), those lacking in-home broadband often stand to benefit the most from care-at-home programs. Eliminating in-home internet access as an exclusion criterion for these models is critical for ensuring equitable access.
Optimism for Monitoring Technologies
The data also suggests that consumers are optimistic about how monitoring technologies can improve relationships with healthcare providers. Over half (53%) of respondents believe that sharing health data collected at home would give their physician a better understanding of their daily health. This integration of monitoring technologies is not merely a convenience—it represents a pathway to more personalized care. This shift could fortify the relationship between patients and their doctors, potentially leading to improved health outcomes.
Enhancing Collaboration Between Providers and Payers
The research reveals an unexpected yet promising trend: an intent for increased collaboration between providers and payers in the care-at-home context. Leaders from both sectors acknowledge a growing alignment on the benefits of these models. Collaborative efforts can lead to integrated care solutions that enhance communication and care coordination. As highlighted by the CMO of a large health plan, "Collaboration leads to innovative solutions that ensure patients receive the right care at the right time, while reducing unnecessary burdens on the healthcare system." Strengthening these partnerships may pave the way for a more patient-centric approach to health management, ultimately yielding better health outcomes and efficient resource use.
Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape
As care at home continues to advance, the regulatory landscape must adapt to meet its unique challenges. Healthcare executives have expressed a pressing need for clarity from regulatory bodies to help integrate technology into care-at-home programs while ensuring compliance. Streamlined regulations could accelerate the adoption of digital health tools, improving access to care.
Executives have also indicated that demonstrating the economic impact of care-at-home initiatives is essential for securing ongoing stakeholder support. There is an increasing focus on identifying and quantifying financial benefits linked to decreased hospital readmissions and improved patient satisfaction. A chief executive from a health system stated, "We need to articulate the value we bring, not just in terms of patient outcomes but also in cost savings." By fostering regulatory environments that support these efforts and by rigorously assessing ROI, organizations can thrive in the emerging landscape of care at home.
Conclusion
As healthcare shifts toward personalized and accessible care at home, the research findings from Best Buy Health highlight the vital role of digital tools and connectivity in enhancing patient engagement and health outcomes. With consumers eager to integrate technology into their healthcare routines, it’s imperative for health systems and plans to refine their strategies. To further explore these insights and understand the implications for the future of care at home, download the white paper and consumer research brief.