Consumer Health Technologies Empower Patients and Transform Care Delivery
New York, Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Emerging health-tech platforms enable patients to manage their health actively, boosting engagement and creating financial opportunities for healthcare organizations embracing consumer-driven models.
The Rise of Consumer-Driven Health Platforms
In recent years, consumer health technologies have become instrumental in reshaping the healthcare landscape, placing patients at the center of their own health management. According to the Life Sciences and Health Care Industry Insights Report 2026 by Deloitte, platforms that allow patients to take charge of their health are not only enhancing patient engagement but also creating significant financial opportunities for healthcare providers that adopt these consumer-centric models [1].
Virtual Health and Financial Implications
As virtual health options become increasingly prevalent, healthcare systems that fail to integrate such technologies risk substantial financial losses. The Deloitte report warns that health systems could potentially lose up to $54.5 billion over the next decade if they do not offer virtual health options, underscoring the importance of embracing digital solutions to meet consumer expectations [1]. Additionally, biopharma companies that depend solely on third-party channels for product distribution could face losses of up to $114.1 billion, highlighting the need for diversified delivery models [1].
Generative AI and Consumer Trust
Generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) is playing a pivotal role in the evolving healthcare landscape, particularly in patient engagement. Nearly 50% of consumers surveyed in 2024 reported using gen AI, with health management being the primary application [1]. Despite the potential of AI, trust remains a critical factor, with only 13% of consumers considering biopharma companies as reliable sources of information for safe and effective treatments [1]. Organizations with high trust levels reportedly have 2.5 times higher customer loyalty, emphasizing the importance of building consumer trust in digital health solutions [1].
The Role of Education in Patient Empowerment
Platforms such as UpToDate® are designed to empower patients through reliable health education, ensuring that consumers can make informed decisions about their care. By automating patient outreach and providing evidence-based information, these platforms aim to improve patient outcomes while reducing the workload on healthcare professionals [2]. As patients increasingly utilize apps and telemedicine, the demand for trustworthy, evidence-based content is more crucial than ever [2].