The fast growth of the digital health industry in India due to COVID-19 has led to the reshaping of customer health experiences. Innovations like mobile healthcare apps, telehealth services, e-pharma services are witnessing higher adoption rates and transforming the digital health customer experience.

Lack of awareness regarding the use of mhealth apps, uncertainty about apps’ working efficiency, security issues, etc. were the root cause of its wavering development, prior to the pandemic. During lockdowns, nearly 67% of Indians felt comfortable receiving medical advice over calls and video sessions, according to a Royal Philips survey.

The healthcare industry has shifted towards a patient-centric model to deliver convenient and meaningful experiences from the patient’s home. Below are the top five trends that are shaping digital health customer experiences:

Customers are relying on mHealth apps

Mobile health apps in India have witnessed an increase in downloads due to changes in lifestyle, increased interest in fitness & wellness programs and to track & monitor a variety of health data — sleep patterns, calorie intake, physical activity, etc. Followed by the telehealth segment, the mHealth segment is expected to dominate the Indian market by reaching approximately USD 1.87 Bn by 2024.

Mobile health apps in India such as Practo, PharmEasy, 1mg, Medlife, cure.fit etc. allow customers to order healthy food, buy medicines with discounts, receive health tips and attend virtual doctor consultations by staying at home. Even though mHealth apps are general wellness related, the number of condition management apps are likely to increase with customer engagement. Moreover, the growth of the mHealth segment will ensure cost effective healthcare services that will prompt the consumers to use health apps. With the rise of mobile health apps, more benefits are likely to be incorporated such as in the case of health emergencies where an app can send the location of the needy to the hospital, thus saving ambulance drivers’ time in following directions.

Increase in Demand for Personalized Care

Customers have begun to feel empowered and valued through wearable devices and other digital health tools as it is enabling them to take control of their health. With electronic health records in hand, healthcare organizations are leveraging patients’ health records that are helping in optimizing the digital health customer experience. Predicting problems and providing solutions before they bother the patients has become the new model. This has paved the way for hyper personalization. By analyzing an individual’s DNA, it allows HCPs to monitor patients’ medication, provide health tips and helps them to diagnose diseases early. For instance, DNAfit offers genome-personalized health advice, workout plans, etc. that help customers in framing a daily routine. Apple Healthkit also functions in a similar fashion to personalize healthcare services as patient data is collected, compared and mined to result in a customized health experience.

Younger generation has more trust in tech companies

Around 32% of gen X and 43% of millennial are open to receive virtual healthcare, according to an Accenture survey. As the younger generation provides active feedback to the healthcare organizations, examining their behaviour can provide significant insights that might help mending the existing gaps between HCOs and customers. According to a recent Deloitte survey, empathy and reliability are the two factors that customers expect from healthcare providers. This shows that when customers are given the option to own their personal data related to health, healthcare organizations are more likely to attract customers. Considering how consumers are sensitive about their data, data interoperability is likely to help organizations in meeting consumer needs. In addition to this, increase in digital touchpoints are likely to multiply to meet diverse consumer needs.

Increased Demand for Value-added services

According to an Accenture survey, around 57% of customers are open to remote virtual care. This shows the increasing appreciation of real-time assistance and contactless healthcare. Healthcare providers are likely to produce more value-added services by enhancing patient engagement, data collection, digital health channels. Traditional ways of treatment will change when HCOs leverage patient data from technologies and smart devices. Expert advice of HCPs in developing value-added services will further assist in producing accurate solutions for patients. Consumer demand for value-added services shows the increasing expectations from the digital health industry that will transform the customer experiences, as the leading health organizations are likely to produce more digitally enabled health solutions. Post COVID-19 when people begin to socialize, the contactless health services will be useful in cases of health emergencies, or for old people who find it hard to travel.

Consumers are open to omnichannel virtual care

Be it buying of medicines, or keeping a regular check on health, the digital health tools such as mHealth apps, fitness trackers, etc have been adopted by consumers to satiate their healthcare needs. Openness to various digital health channels shows the strengthening of consumer trust. Recently Apple launched Apple Watch series 6 that allows users to take on-demand readings of blood oxygen level anytime. Its potential to give readings anytime and anywhere reflects customers’ increase in usage of digital health tools. Apart from tracking steps, fitness trackers also have advanced health features like, heart-rate monitors, SpO2 monitors, sleep tracking, etc. Web apps and chatbots are being used by healthcare organizations to assist people with health-related problems. Digital healthtech company Your.MD uses chatbot and web app to help customers get personalized health information. The future of the digital health industry is likely to witness an enhancement and increase in the number of access points. Increased acceptance of omnichannel will lead to optimization of customer engagement as HCOs will have more resources from where they can leverage patient data.

To know about how healthcare industry is bringing hospitals to a customer’s doorstep, watch our webinar on Digital Health Beyond COVID-19.

Know about our work in Digital Health and how we have helped clients such as Suraksha Diagnostics, Abbvie, Religare Health Insurance, and SBI Health Insurance build mobile and web applications improving their operational efficiency and customer experience.

Innovations Driving the Pet Tech Revolution

Here’s how technology is reshaping the industry:

AI-Powered Insights
AI doesn’t just automate, it learns. Devices now recognize pet behavioral patterns of the pets to make personalized recommendations, whether it’s switching a pet’s diet or alerting owners to early signs of illness.
Wearable Tech
These aren’t just GPS trackers; they’re fitness and health monitors for pets. From tracking activity levels to monitoring heart rates, wearable technology for pets is becoming an essential tool for modern pet parents. For instance, a dog recovering from surgery can wear a tracker to alert you if they’re too active, preventing injury.
Smart Devices
Automating routine tasks like feeding, watering, and waste management frees up time while ensuring your pet’s basic needs are met. Think smart pet feeders that portion meals based on your pet’s diet plan or self-cleaning litter boxes that operate automatically after every use.
Telemedicine Platforms
Virtual vet consultations are game-changers, especially in urban areas where time and traffic are challenges. Imagine spotting unusual behavior in your cat and connecting with a veterinarian online instantly through video for advice.
Interactive Gadgets
Smart pet toys and cameras aren’t just fun—they address pet anxiety, loneliness, and boredom. Treat-dispensing cameras let you check in on your dog and reward them with a snack while you’re away.

Startups: The Powerhouses of Pet Tech Innovation

Pet tech’s meteoric rise is fueled by ingenious startups redefining what’s possible:

Pet Wireless: Tailio, their health monitoring platform, combines non-wearable sensing devices, cloud-based analytics, and a mobile app. It empowers pet owners with insights and helps vets deliver superior care.
Dinbeat: This startup specializes in wearable tech for pets, offering devices that remotely monitor vital signs. Alerts via a mobile app ensure timely intervention.
Obe: By harnessing real-time consumption data, Obe’s digital wellness platform allows pet owners to make informed health and nutrition decisions. Early diagnosis capabilities are a game-changer.
Scollar: Their full-stack platform integrates a modular smart collar, mobile app, and cloud data service. Scollar offers comprehensive solutions for managing pet and livestock health.
Mella Pet Care: Known for its AI-assisted, non-rectal thermometer, Mella provides fast and non-invasive temperature readings. Its seamless integration with apps and patient management systems enhances diagnostics.

A Booming Market: Trends and Insights

Globally, the pet tech industry is riding a wave of growth, driven by innovation and shifting consumer behaviors: Market reports predict continued expansion, highlighting the rise in demand for smart pet care solutions and personalized offerings.

Conclusion: A Revolution in the Making

Pet care technology is transforming, blending tradition with technology to create a seamless and smarter experience. As brick-and-mortar pet stores evolve with online conveniences like home delivery and smart pet toys become everyday essentials, the possibilities of pet tech are redefining what it means to care for our furry companions. Advanced analytics now tailor diets, grooming, and preventive care, ensuring our pets get the attention they deserve.

Yet, amidst all the innovation, the essence of pet care remains rooted in love, connection, and trust. While gadgets can simplify tasks, they can never replace the joy of a wagging tail, the warmth of a purr, or the bond that comes from shared moments. As we embrace this technological revolution in pet care, we must also prioritize ethical innovation—where privacy, security, and empathy lead the way.

At Mantra Labs, we are committed to building solutions that empower pet parents without compromising the human-animal bond.

The pet tech revolution isn’t just about innovation—it’s about elevating how we care for our pets, ensuring they live happier, healthier, and more connected lives. Whether you’re a pet parent, an industry leader, or simply curious about the future, one thing is clear: our pets aren’t just part of our lives; they’re part of our hearts. And with technology, we can give them the care they truly deserve.

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