From data to health

How prevention with wearables, apps and GenAI really works

Increasing health awareness, reducing costs, making prevention effective: these are the goals that are driving more and more health insurance companies to actively support their policyholders. To achieve this, they are relying on reward systems in the form of subsidies for gyms or wearables such as fitness trackers and smart rings, as well as health devices for private use such as connected blood pressure monitors, sleep trackers or scales for recording personal health data. At the same time, they offer digital health apps – from prescription DiGAs (for documenting endometriosis pain, for example) to their own prevention platforms covering nutrition, exercise and stress management.

However, prevention is based on the regular collection and review of this health data. One-off challenges such as ‘10,000 steps a day’ – a figure that originally arose for marketing purposes – may provide short-term motivation, but studies show that this is not enough for long-term use.

Collecting data over the long term requires more than gamification or one-off incentives. Devices, apps and services must be integrable into everyday life, understandable and motivating – this is where GenAI comes in.

The right device – more than just a question of fashion

The motivation to continuously collect health data via wearables or health gadgets depends first and foremost on whether the device fits into everyday life. The market is full of options:

• activity rings remind you to exercise,
• smart rings evaluate performance,
• sleep analysers provide feedback on deep sleep phases,
• and connected scales report every weight fluctuation.

But which device do I actually use regularly? Do I wear an Apple Watch because I'm an Apple fan? Do I opt for a Withings Watch because it looks more elegant? Would I rather wear a ring at night – or use a device that automatically records data without me having to think about it?

If the gadget doesn't fit into my everyday life, it quickly ends up in a drawer.

Understanding what the data means

The next challenge is interpreting the data obtained. Every manufacturer processes results differently – and not always intuitively. Studies show that personal health data can even trigger reactions if it is misunderstood. The result: users stop tracking.

Researchers have found that both the design of the associated apps and the information provided about the health data are crucial for proper understanding.

• How do I know that weight fluctuations during my cycle are normal?
• What is actually a ‘healthy’ resting heart rate?

This is where generative AI can set new standards: it can translate complex data from wearables into understandable, personalised explanations. Instead of cryptic curves, GenAI provides everyday tips that remove uncertainty and motivate users to continue.

Education instead of standard values

Health insurance companies have a key role to play here: they can provide information to increase understanding of privately collected health data and facilitate long-term recording. Standard solutions such as BMI calculators are long outdated.

Weight data in particular shows how valuable regular monitoring can be – for example, in the case of cardiovascular diseases or autoimmune diseases. Both device manufacturers and health insurance companies have a responsibility here: to put people first, make usage easier and avoid triggers. GenAI opens up new possibilities – from intelligent data processing to a virtual health coach that provides individualised information and motivation.

Three takeaways:

• The right health gadget: A device must fit into everyday life, otherwise it will remain unused. Wearables should be so naturally integrated into the daily routine that users don't even feel like they have to do anything extra.
• Explaining health data: The raw numbers alone are not enough. Interpretation is key. GenAI can serve as a translator here, turning raw data into everyday explanations, reducing uncertainty and providing personalised recommendations.
• User-centred presentation with GenAI: Health data should motivate, not trigger. GenAI enables adaptive communication that responds to individual lifestyles: sometimes factual, sometimes motivating, sometimes reassuring – whatever the situation requires.

How we can support you

At adesso, we help health insurance companies to make their prevention services future-proof. We think of prevention not only in technological terms, but also in terms of usage and data.

Generative AI opens up new possibilities:

• Personalised advice: A virtual coach that explains data and motivates, rather than just displaying statistics.
• Intelligent data processing: Complex measurements are automatically translated into understandable language tailored to the target audience, along with recommendations for action.
• Adaptive user communication: Different target groups – from tech-savvy ‘quantified self’ fans to health-conscious occasional users – receive communication that is truly tailored to them.
• Greater trust: GenAI can help health insurance companies make information transparent and understandable – thereby increasing long-term acceptance of sharing health data.

Our goal: to design prevention in such a way that it is not only possible but also sustainably effective – while consistently exploiting the opportunities offered by GenAI.

Why health insurers should act now

The expectations of insured persons are changing: they want digital prevention services that not only collect data but also offer real added value – understandable, motivating and personally relevant. This is precisely where the opportunity lies for health insurers: with modern technologies such as GenAI, they can rethink prevention and strengthen their role as health companions.

We bring together technological know-how, industry expertise and an understanding of user needs. Together, we develop solutions that take your prevention services to a new level – from selecting suitable wearables and integrating smart apps to GenAI-based services that give policyholders security and guidance.