P39: Generational Status as a Factor in Medical Device Information and Data Exchange

Abstract

Background: Medical devices (MD), either implantable, such as mechanical circulatory support systems, or wearable, i.e. motion/physiologic sensors, are increasingly utilized for diagnostic/therapeutic purposes. For maximal use efficacy and efficiency, MDs require individual compliance and adherence to operating instructions and data exchange. In today’s world we have increasingly shifted from paper-based information transfer (data sheets, directions for use, etc.) to periodic downloads, and web- and social media-based wireless communication. With growth of MD use it has become evident that a disconnect exists in the tactics employed by device designers and manufacturers compared with patient end-users. This disconnect relates to the form and means of communication utilized to convey and extract information versus patient facility with computer, smartphone and social media information exchange. As a starting point in examining this problem, we studied this disconnect as it relates to individual “generational” status. We conducted an anonymous survey, to examine “generational ” familiarity, acceptance and use; focusing on wearable technology and web-based information sources. Methods: An anonymous survey was developed and distributed to individuals ranging in age from 19 to 78, equally split as to gender. Generations examined included: Silent (age 74-91); Boomers (age 55-73), Gen X (age 39-54), Millennials (age 23-38), and Gen Z (age 7-22). Participants were queried via 10 multiple-choice questions related to digital health, wearable technologies and telemedicine. Results: Eighty-seven individuals participated in the survey. As to generational breakdown, this included 4 Silent (5% of group), 12 Boomers (14% of group), 9 Gen X (10% of group), 38 Millennials (43% of group) and 24 Gen Z (28% of group). Overall younger individuals tended to utilize and believed in the greater accuracy of wearable technologies compared to older individuals. Up to 90% of individuals under the age of 40 believed in the accuracy of wearable technology. Out of the 87 individuals surveyed, 95% reported they were comfortable with their personal health data (labs, imaging, medications, etc.) being shared electronically, but not a single individual believed that digital health/telemedicine improved their quality of care when compared to in-person medical care. Conclusions: Our results reveal that although all individuals are willing to utilize wearable medical technology and web-based information sources, younger generational cohorts are significantly more comfortable with the technology and more inclined to use it. Our hope is that this data may help guide future device development to incorporate means of addressing these generational disparities. Incorporating means of enhancing familiarity, adoption and facility of digital medical devices technologies and web-based information sources, will continue to improve use and value of these devices driving precision medicine.