Most people will share health data if it leads to better care, UniSA study finds - Inside Ageing
Despite growing concerns around data privacy, new research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) reveals that the majority of people are happy to share personal health data if it leads to better, more personalised care.
In a global study, UniSA researchers found that 94% of wearable device users – including those with Fitbits, Garmins, Apple or Samsung Watches – are willing to share their health data with trusted healthcare providers. Of these, nearly half had already discussed or shared data with a professional.
Lead researcher Dr Ty Ferguson says the findings are a promising sign that people see the value of using real-time health insights to support better health outcomes.
“Despite the headlines around data breaches, our research shows that people overwhelmingly trust their healthcare providers enough to share data from their wearables,” Dr Ferguson said.
“This is particularly true for those managing chronic conditions. Sharing data like heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns allows for smarter, more responsive care.”
Dr Ty Ferguson
As personalised healthcare becomes a global priority, the potential for wearable devices to contribute is rapidly expanding. The wearable activity tracker market is currently worth USD 63 billion and is projected to soar to USD 352 billion by 2033.
With physical inactivity, poor sleep, and diet contributing to rising chronic disease rates, co-researcher Kimberley Szeto said better use of personal data could help address these preventable health challenges.
“Wearables offer an affordable way for people to track their lifestyle behaviours,” Szeto said. “If we can combine that with clinical advice, we can truly personalise health care.”
However, the researchers acknowledge the challenges ahead, including the need for robust data security, better system integration, and provider training.
As the demand for tailored care grows, UniSA’s research suggests that the willingness to share is already there, and the future of personalised healthcare is closer than we think.
