Teva UK study reveals generational ‘digital divide’ as UK baby boomers
fail to embrace benefits of ‘digital healthcare’

Survey of 1000 UK residents shows over 55s take personal responsibility for health, but less likely to use
digital technologies to manage health

Survey comes on heels of UK government report highlighting risk of new healthcare technologies failing
to reach those with highest need

Teva UK – the ‘Digital Zone’ sponsor at NHS England’s Health & Care Innovation Expo 2016 –calls for
NHS-patient-industry collaboration in tackling healthcare generational “digital divide”
Castleford, 7 September, 2016 – Teva UK Ltd. today released results of a UK survey showing that people
over the age of 55 feel in high control of their health1 and that over 55s are more likely than other age groups
in the UK to feel it’s their responsibility to influence their own health.2 The research, involving 1000
participants in the UK, also indicated UK baby boomers believe it’s important to take care of one’s own
health to avoid major health-related expenses in the future.2
But the study also revealed a generational “digital divide” in attitudes toward managing one’s health.
Research found that people over 55 in the UK are least likely of any age group to seek advice on how to take
better control of their health.3 They’re also least likely to search for health information online, with only a third
saying they find health information online dependable.4 The UK survey also found that less than half of over
55s surveyed said they actively seek new information about their health2 – despite over 80% saying it’s their
responsibility to influence their own health.2
Teva UK has published these findings to coincide with the start of NHS England’s Health & Care Innovation
Expo 2016, which opens today in Manchester. Teva is serving as NHS England’s Digital Zone partner at this
year’s Expo, with the aim of sharing experiences, examining best practices, and understanding drivers and
barriers to adopting digital technology in healthcare.
The Teva UK study also showed that over 55s are the least likely of any UK age group to agree that
technology makes their life easier.5 Research indicated UK baby boomers would be least likely to make use
of health tests that – thanks partly to advances in digital technology – could predict or prevent certain health
conditions: only 11% said they would seek out tests to predict or prevent conditions they might be prone to
develop due to their genes or lifestyle.4 Over 55s were also sceptical of the potential health impact of
PR Contacts: Ian Weatherhead Philippa Ward Job code: UK/NHSS/16/0019 United Kingdom United Kingdom +44 (0) 7768 790012 +44 (0) 7921 495697 wearable technologies and similar innovations, with only 1 in 5 (22%) believing these technologies could
revolutionise healthcare.6 Baby boomers were also least likely to either own (4%) or consider owning (8%) a
wearable tech device or health sensor.7
Teva believes a key to better health outcomes is patient-empowerment, backed by digital technologies that
support a sustainable, whole-system approach to healthcare. In commenting on the study, Kate Smith,
Director of NHS Strategy at Teva UK, said: “We’ve been working to address baby boomers’ lower rates of
engagement with digital technologies. It’s fantastic to see in this new research how empowered baby
boomers feel when it comes to their health. However, the survey shows we need to do more to educate an
older generation of the potential benefit of new tests, technologies and information now becoming available
thanks to advances in digital health.”
News of this generational digital divide in healthcare comes just eight weeks after the UK government
released its foresight report looking at the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society. In it, expert
advisers warn “there is a risk that the potential of technologies to support health will not translate to those
with highest need”8 and underline that “technology can help to provide the solutions to challenges faced by
the ageing population, and help to realise the benefits of longer lives.”9
Reflecting on the government report, Ms. Smith added: “Our study also revealed some of the challenges
highlighted in the UK government report. That’s why we’re excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with
NHS England in taking a closer look at the role of digital in healthcare at this year’s NHS Expo.”
On day 2 of the conference, Teva UK along with NHS England, will co-host a panel discussion to explore
how to digitally empower patients and clinicians to drive improved health outcomes. We asked Juliet Bauer,
the newly appointed Director of Digital Experience at NHS England, who will participate in the panel
discussion, how she feels digital technology can help deliver better health and care: “Simplicity for the patient
is critical. The health and care system is complicated and confusing to navigate, and whilst we have some of
the best healthcare in the world, the consumer journey of getting to care is often difficult. The adoption of
digital technology presents us with a very real opportunity to guide people to the right place, support them to
make the right decisions and transform that consumer experience. In everyday life we rely on high quality
digital journeys to access services and information we need. In health and care we have some serious
catching up to do. I know the task is significant but the commitment is clear. The investment in paperless
2020, the strong partnerships across health and care organisations, the department of health and industry,
all combined with technology that is evolving…. these are exciting times.”
PR Contacts: Ian Weatherhead Philippa Ward Job code: UK/NHSS/16/0019 United Kingdom United Kingdom +44 (0) 7768 790012 +44 (0) 7921 495697 Teva’s partnership with NHS England in the Digital Health Zone at the Health & Care Innovation Expo 2016
forms part of Teva’s strategy of collaborating in digital health with industry, healthcare providers and patients.
The partnership also builds on Teva’s ongoing work in the UK to connect patients with their healthcare
providers through Teva’s Patient Support Programmes, which help patients manage their treatments more
effectively by connecting them to nursing support via an online platform.
# ENDS #
Notes to Editors:
For media enquiries, contact the Teva UK Limited Communications team on 01977 628500, or email
[email protected]
References:
1. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, “Locking in Audiences” Survey, July 2016, Q 29
2. Ibid S 6
3. Ibid Q 20
4. Ibid Q 7
5. Ibid Q 8
6. Ibid Q 18
7. Ibid Q 5
8. Government Office for Science, Future of an Aging Population, 7 July 2016, page 86,
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/535187/gs-16-10future-of-an-ageing-population.pdf [accessed 15/08/16]
9. Ibid P 98
About Teva UK Limited
Teva UK Limited is one of the UK’s top ten pharmaceutical manufacturers, with a presence in the generics,
branded respiratory, CNS and hospitals markets. It has the widest range of any UK generic pharmaceutical
company and markets solid and liquid dose, injectable and respiratory medicines to healthcare
professionals. The company is part of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. For more information, visit
www.tevauk.com.
About Teva:
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is a leading global pharmaceutical company
that delivers high-quality, patient-centric healthcare solutions to millions of patients every day.
Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world’s largest generic medicines producer, leveraging its portfolio of
more than 1,800 molecules to produce a wide range of generic products in nearly every therapeutic area.
In specialty medicines, Teva has a world-leading position in innovative treatments for disorders of the
central nervous system, including pain, as well as a strong portfolio of respiratory products. Teva integrates
its generics and specialty capabilities in its global research and development division to create new ways of
addressing unmet patient needs by combining drug development capabilities with devices, services and
technologies. Teva's net revenues in 2015 amounted to $19.7 billion. For more information, visit
www.tevapharm.com.
PR Contacts: Ian Weatherhead Philippa Ward Job code: UK/NHSS/16/0019 United Kingdom United Kingdom +44 (0) 7768 790012 +44 (0) 7921 495697 PR Contacts: Ian Weatherhead Philippa Ward Job code: UK/NHSS/16/0019 United Kingdom United Kingdom +44 (0) 7768 790012 +44 (0) 7921 495697