Clinical IT

HIMSS 2016 Connected Health Survey suggests positive future for connected health technologies in U.S. hospitals

March 4, 2016

The 2016 HIMSS Connected Health Survey unveiled at the HIMSS Annual Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas paints an optimistic picture surrounding the emerging trend of connectivity within the healthcare ecosystem. With more than 50 percent of respondents indicating their hospital currently uses three or more connected health technologies, the high adoption rates (and other supportive statistics in the report) underscore the growing importance these technologies play in the hospital setting.

Respondents found that the technologies implemented within hospital settings positively impacted capabilities to communicate with patients along with the ability to deliver a higher standard of care. In addition, 69 percent of respondents whose hospitals are utilizing mobile optimized patient portals indicated that the attention to a mobile environment expands the capability to send and receive data securely. Given these positive impacts, it’s understandable why healthcare organizations are looking to increase their investment in these tools for the future. See the full results in the infographic here.

The survey was conducted in partnership with the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHA). Insights are reflective of 227 IT, informatics and clinical professionals in U.S. hospitals and health systems with regard to their organization’s current and future use of connected health technologies. Currently, 52 percent of hospitals indicated the use of three or more of these technologies, including:

58 percent mobile optimized patient portals
48 percent apps for patient education/engagement
37 percent Remote patient monitoring
34 percent Telehealth – audio visual fee for service
33 percent SMS texting
32 percent patient generated health data
26 percent Telehealth – concierge service

Nearly half (47 percent) of respondents indicated their hospitals are looking to expand the array of connected health technologies they use. Another five percent of respondents expect their hospitals to become first-time users of at least one of the connected health technologies outlined in this report. The commonly cited technologies they plan on adding, involve: