Tracking for Health(Potential Application for IOT)

Dr. Mazlan AbbasMIMOS Berhad

Dr. Mazlan Abbas@mazlan_abbasmazlan.abbas@mimos.my

Health Indicator

• Seven in ten (69%) U.S. adults track a health indicator for themselves or a loved one and many say this activity has changed their overall approach to health, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. In all:– 60% of U.S. adults say they track their weight, diet, or

exercise routine.– 33% of U.S. adults track health indicators or symptoms, like

blood pressure, blood sugar, headaches, or sleep patterns.– 12% of U.S. adults track health indicators or symptoms for

a loved one.

Informal Tracking

• However, their tracking is often informal:– 49% of trackers say they keep track of progress “in their

heads.”– 34% say they track the data on paper, like in a notebook or

journal.– 21% say they use some form of technology to track their

health data, such as a spreadsheet, website, app, or device.• This question allowed multiple responses, but in sum:

50% of trackers record their notes in some organized way, such as on paper or using technology, and 44% of trackers do so only in their heads.

A Tool

• This is the first national survey measuring health data tracking, which has been shown in clinical studies to be a tool for improving outcomes, particularly among people trying to lose weight or manage a chronic condition. The Pew Internet survey finds that:– 46% of trackers say that this activity has changed their overall

approach to maintaining their health or the health of someone for whom they provide care.

– 40% of trackers say it has led them to ask a doctor new questions or to get a second opinion from another doctor.

– 34% of trackers say it has affected a decision about how to treat an illness or condition.

References

• “Tracking for Health”, PewInternet, January 28, 2013

Thank You

Contact

Dr. Mazlan Abbas

@mazlan_abbas

mazlan.abbas@mimos.my