Most Users Accept Sharing Data From Networked Medical Devices

More than three out of four consumers approve the immediate transmission to their doctors via the Internet of significant changes in medical conditions recorded by networked pacemakers, blood-sugar sensors or other devices, according to a 2017 survey by Unisys.

But more than half of the respondents said they were extremely or very concerned about hackers gaining unauthorized access to a device such as a defibrillator, insulin pump or pacemaker.  Another one-quarter said they were somewhat concerned about such breaches.

The survey results reflect distinctions consumers make among who gets information and how it is used.  Only about one in three approve of allowing insurance companies to tap the flow of information to determine what to charge for coverage.