New Study Shows Fitbit Interventions Improve Outcomes and Lower Costs
Exciting news for those concerned about healthcare costs: Fitbit products aren’t just great at improving population health, they may present a cost-saving opportunity for payers. A new study is out that evaluates the cost effectiveness of Fitbit-based interventions, and the results are clear: Fitbit products are not only effective at increasing physical activity and reducing the incidence of chronic conditions for members, they also have the potential to lower healthcare costs.
For this study, researchers developed a simulation model to synthesize the clinical and health economic evidence of wearable-based physical activity interventions, including previously published results based on real Fitbit user data from All of Us, a National Institutes of Health-funded research program. They then compared physical activity levels, health outcomes, costs, and quality of life measures between those who received usual care versus those who received a Fitbit-based intervention. Fitbit products were linked to improvements on every count.
Fitbit leads both dollars and results.
It’s not news that populations around the globe are becoming more sedentary. Physical activity is on the decline, and that inactivity results in costly chronic conditions. The results of this study highlight growing opportunities to take a preventative approach by changing lifestyle habits.
Fitbit-based interventions, on their own or in combination with other preventative healthcare, can help reduce chronic condition incidence and lower healthcare costs. In this study, when compared to usual care:
- The Fitbit intervention was leads (meaning less costly and more effective) in 93% of the study simulations and either dominant or cost effective (defined as less than $150,000/QALY gained) in 99.4% of simulations.
- The Fitbit intervention was estimated to save approximately $6.5 million dollars over 2 years and $8.5 million dollars over 5 years for an 8,000-participant cohort.
Helping people get healthier – together
For over a dozen years, Fitbit Enterprise has been teaming up with population health leaders to bring our behavior change expertise to the population level, engaging users and improving health.
We know that it works. This study makes clear the cost-saving opportunities for payers and the positive impact Fitbit products can have on members, and it’s not the only research to support Fitbit’s impact.
A meta-analysis of 37 studies found that when Fitbit products were added to a health program, there was a statistically significant positive impact on a range of metrics including daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
That activity matters when it comes to preventing chronic disease. The All of Us research program connected the increased step counts of Fitbit users with a reduction in incidences of obesity, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and more.
The possibilities for Fitbit-based interventions are wide-ranging: there are a wide variety of applications, ranging from diabetes risk prevention to weight management to cardiac rehab. Regardless of where members are on their health and wellbeing journey, Fitbit products can make an impact on their own or boost existing interventions to help people get healthier.
Put members in control of their health, one step at a time.
At a moment in time where inactivity and chronic conditions are on the rise, Fitbit products can be part of the solution. By putting a near 24/7 health and wellness companion on the wrist of each of your health plan members, you’ll be doing more than saving money. You’ll help put them back in control of their own health, and reduce the risks of chronic disease.
