Don’t underestimate the older population’s ability to use remote monitoring technology

Authored by: Jim Swift

93% of physicians felt digital health tools are an advantage for patient care in 2022(1). But what’s the point in having these tools if people can’t, or won’t use them?

Is remote patient monitoring digitally inclusive?

An ageing population doesn’t mean technology can’t be adopted

While digital health technology is always evolving, considering inclusivity and connectivity is key. Understandably, there are concerns around whether older people can use the technology. However, research shows that technology adoption for more senior age groups is growing year on year.

According to PEW Research Center, the number of over 65s in the US who have a smartphone has grown from 13% in 2012 to 61% in 2021(2). For those aged 55-64 in the UK, smartphone users grew 81% from 2012 to 2021(3). It is predicted that in 2027, 7.7 billion people will have a smartphone subscription worldwide(4). Remote patient monitoring technology is already being used globally to help patients of all ages. For example, the oldest user to have used our remote health monitoring technology, Clinitouch, is 105.

Healthcare at home schemes should enable care for the many, not the few

While implementing remote patient monitoring into developed countries can be simple, it is key to consider countries with less access to tech. For instance, as of January 2023, the percentage of northern European internet users was 97.4%, whereas internet adoption was only 23.1% in eastern Africa(5).

In these scenarios, adaptations need to be made. For example, doing health readings manually due to the cost and complexities of Bluetooth devices. It is also likely that offline mode may be needed, since access to a consistent and reliable internet connection can be a challenge in developing countries.

There is an appetite for remote patient monitoring software

However, there is a desire for this technology. A survey conducted by Spirit Health (UK) showed 53% would prefer to have their health monitored from home rather than hospital. 75% of people aged 55+ would also choose healthcare at home if it meant leaving hospital sooner. 56% of people would also encourage a family member or loved one to use the tech to avoid an unnecessary stay in hospital(6).

While the idea of using remote monitoring tech can be daunting, it was found that 90% of patients said Clinitouch helped them to self-manage their condition for COPD and heart failure(7).

Want to read more? Download the full data summary (no email needed). It delves into how remote monitoring technology can improve clinical outcomes and save money for the healthcare system. Plus a real case study of how this technology was used to manage long term conditions in the UK.

Related articles:

(1) AMA, 2022. AMA digital health care 2022 study findings.

(2) Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade. Pew Research Centre, 2021.

(3) Share of smartphone users in the United Kingdom (UK) 2012-2021, by age. Statista, 2021.

(4) Statista. 2022. Number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide from 2016 to 2021, with forecasts from 2022 to 2027.

(5) Datareportal, 2023. Digital 2023: Global Overview Report.

(6) Spirit Health, 2022. Survey: How do patients really feel about a virtual ward?

(7) Service evaluation for COPD and Heart Failure patients using Clinitouch in Leicestershire, April – November 2020