Interoperability in health care, or the seamless exchange of patient data between different systems and providers, is being implemented at a slow pace because of a combination of technical, financial, and organizational challenges. One major hurdle is the lack of uniform data standards across the various health care organizations. There are also privacy and security concerns as well as cost concerns. July 24, 2025, #538 Figure 2 Three-quarters agreed that smart health technology has made it easier to access care, but two-thirds wished their data could be shared with Health Tech Is Popular, but People their doctor. Want More Interoperability How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements regarding smart health technology? Strongly agree Somewhat agree The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)/Greenwald Research Consumer Engagement in Health Care Smart health technology has made it easier to access the Survey found that among private health plan enrollees, health tech is popular, but enrollees want data sharing with 25% 48% 73% care I need health providers and often question the accuracy. I wish my data could be shared more effectively with my 22% 44% 67% doctor Smart technology was defined as any application for the phone, wearable device, or other technology that includes I am comfortable with smart health technology using artificial 20% 40% 60% the ability to sense or track activity for the purposes of managing health. Three in five (62 percent) enrollees intelligence (AI) reported using smart health technology at some point, and three in five were comfortable with its use of artificial I trust that the data collected by my smart health technology 20% 47% 67% intelligence (AI). Just over four is se i cu n re 10 were currently using smart health technology, and high-deductible health plan (HDHP) enrollees were more likely to use it than traditional plan enrollees. Just over one-third of enrollees I rely on my smart health technology to help me make 19% 44% 63% healthier lifestyle choices had never used smart health technology. I wish my data could be shared more effectively with my 17% 40% 57% health insurance company Figure 1 I question the accuracy of the data I get from my smart Roughly four in 10 reported currently using smart health technology; 16% 41% 57% health technology HDHP enrollees were more likely to use it. Smart health technology is not worth the cost 12% 33% 45% Do you currently or have you ever used smart health technology? 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% Smart health technology is defined as any application for the phone, wearable device, or other technology that includes the ability to sense or track activity for the purposes of managing your health. This can include everything from blood glucose Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, 2024 Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey. monitoring tools, to mindfulness and meditation apps, to step tracker tools like Apple watch and FitBit, to smart scales and water bottles, and more. 60% Natl Traditional HDHP More information about the EBRI/Greenwald Research Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey can be 50% found online 50% . 43% 40% 40% 37% 37% The 2024 Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey is an online survey of 2,011 Americans ages 21 –64 36% with private health insurance coverage. It was fielded between October and November 2024. The survey is 30% made possible with funding support from the following organizations: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, CareFirst, The Cigna Group, HealthEquity, Inspira Financial, Johnson & Johnson, Segal, TIAA, and Wex. 21% 19% 20% 13% The Employee Benefit Research Institute is a private, nonpartisan, and nonprofit research institute based in 10% Washington, D.C., that focuses on health, savings, retirement, and economic security issues. EBRI does not lobby and does not take policy positions. The work of EBRI is made possible by funding from its members and 0% sponsors, which include a broad range of public and private organizations. For more information, visit I currently use one I have used one in the past but am not I have never used one www.ebri.org. currently Greenwald Research is a leading independent custom research firm and consulting partner to the health and Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, 2024 Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey. wealth industries that applies creative quantitative and qualitative methods to help companies stay competitive and navigate industry change. Leveraging deep subject matter expertise and a consultative approach, Greenwald Three-quarters agreed that smart health technology has made it easier to access care, but two-thirds wished their offers comprehensive services to answer strategic business questions. For more information, go to data could be shared with their doctor and nearly six in 10 (57 percent) with their health insurance company. www.greenwaldresearch.com ### © 2025, Employee Benefit Research Institute, 901 D St. SW, Suite 802, Washington, DC 20024, 202/659-0670 | ebri.org 2