This month, we explore trends in wearable technology, the power of organic social media posting and we take a look at how Reddit serves as a valuable platform for targeting health communities. While also giving you an update on the latest digital health news.
KEY PLATFORM UPDATES
Meta Ads Manager Update:
Meta updated its Ads Manager to enhance advertising effectiveness and user experience. Key features include dynamic content placement, which optimises ad display using multiple captions and media options. Enhanced targeting allows advertisers to reach specific audience segments based on interests and behaviours, while improved analytics provide real-time insights into ad performance, facilitating data-driven optimisations. New AI tools also support content generation and strategic refinement, reflecting Meta’s commitment to user engagement and data privacy.
Instagram Parental Control Update:
Instagram is introducing new “teen accounts” in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia to enhance privacy and safety for users aged 13-18. These accounts will default to stricter privacy settings, such as requiring approval for new followers and limiting the visibility of content to followers only. Additionally, sensitive content recommendations will be restricted, and notifications muted overnight. Children aged 13-15 will need parental approval to adjust these settings. Being aware of these privacy safeguards ensures your outreach complies with regulations and builds trust with potential young participants and their guardians, who are increasingly concerned about online safety.
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Boosting Clinical Trials with Wearable Technology:
The global wearable devices market is projected to reach $168.29 billion by 2030, highlighting the rapid growth and widespread adoption of wearable technologies in healthcare¹. Wearables provide clinical trial organisations with a valuable tool to enhance patient recruitment and retention through remote monitoring, decreased site visits, and increased engagement. With 80% of consumers willing to use wearables for health tracking, integrating these devices can improve data collection, lower costs, and boost trial efficiency².
Organic Posting Increase Patient Loyalty:
Organic posting refers to the practice of sharing content on social media platforms without paid promotions, such as creating informative blog posts, sharing patient testimonials, or engaging in community discussions. Unlike paid ads, organic content fosters trust; studies show that 86% of consumers prefer brands perceived as authentic³. Additionally, consistent high-quality posts improve search engine optimisation (SEO), enhancing visibility for healthcare organisations and attracting new patients.
Engage Health Communities with Reddit:
With over 57 million daily users in 2024, Reddit has become an essential tool for accessing health-related communities⁴. Forums, like r/AskDocs and r/ChronicIllness, offer a direct line to people already discussing relevant conditions. With 78% of users trusting the information shared on Reddit, it’s a great space for fostering open communication through educational posts, AMAs, or sharing patient experiences⁵. By tapping into Reddit, you can effectively expand your reach and boost patient engagement in clinical trials.
DIGITAL NEWS
NHS Introduce Digital Health Checks:
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will pilot Digital NHS Health Checks to assess cardiovascular disease risks in Norfolk, Medway, and Lambeth. A small number of patients will trial the service in early 2025 before it is expanded nationwide. The checks, primarily focused on hypertension, will be accessible via the NHS App, allowing patients to conduct them at home, with results integrated into their GP’s electronic health records automatically.
Patient Thrives Post-Heart Attack with Clinical Trial
An 18-month clinical trial helped a heart attack patient return to running by promoting daily physical activity to improve cardiac health. The trial, conducted by the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, encouraged participants to walk 10,000 steps a day, with the goal of reducing the risk of heart-related issues. The study highlights the benefits of regular physical activity in cardiac rehabilitation, demonstrating improved health and recovery post-heart attack.
Monitoring Tech Could Save NHS £1.2 Billion Annually
A new report suggests that implementing monitoring technology in social care could free up two million bed days and save the NHS over £1.2 billion annually. The technology, which includes wearable devices and remote monitoring systems, aims to improve patient care and reduce hospital admissions by enabling proactive health management. By integrating these solutions, the report argues that healthcare systems can enhance efficiency, provide timely interventions, and ultimately improve the quality of care for patients. The findings highlight the potential for technology to alleviate pressure on the NHS and optimize resource allocation.
Sources
www.grandviewresearch.com. (2024). Wearable Medical Devices Market to Reach $168.29 Billion by 2030. [online] Available at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-wearable-medical-device-market
2024 Health and Wellness Trends: A Technological Revolution | Max Borges Agency [Internet]. maxborgesagency.com. 2023. Available from: https://maxborgesagency.com/2024-health-and-wellness-trends-a-technological-revolution/
Brand Authenticity Statistics • WorldMetrics [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://worldmetrics.org/brand-authenticity-statistics/
Dean B. Reddit Usage and Growth Statistics: How Many People Use Reddit in 2021? [Internet]. Backlinko. 2021. Available from: https://backlinko.com/reddit-users
Mendes L. Reddit: Why You Should Keep an Eye on This Ever-Growing Platform [Internet]. Rock Content. 2024 [cited 2024 Oct 1]. Available from: https://rockcontent.com/blog/reddit-growth/
