Patients are becoming more confident about remote care technology in the United States as a survey finds that 56 percent of Americans currently monitor their health with at least one digital data collection tool.

The study of 3,000 people conducted by cloud-connected device and health IT software provider ResMed, found that digital tools have improved patient-provider communication and deepened people’s connection with their physicians. More than half of those surveyed agreed that technology has improved their relationship with their primary care provider (PCP).

Respondents of the survey also indicated they would like to communicate with their primary care provider more often. They see an increased opportunity to make this possible, with 68 percent wanting technology to play a larger role in sharing real-time medical information with their doctor.

Nearly half (47 percent) said they want improved options for communicating through online chat, and 41 percent want to communicate through applications.

Carlos Nunez, ResMed’s chief medical officer said that three-fourths of those who were surveyed agreed that technology has given them more peace of mind when it comes to their health and they confirmed that technology has given them more time to focus on health and improve it.

Nunez noted that a major pain point detected in the survey was that Americans want technology to play a larger role in the future of their health care by helping them to find care easier, improve communication with the doctor and aid in diagnosis or treatment.

Also, he explained that there is an opportunity to serve and reach out to more people or patients through better public awareness, screening, diagnosis, and increased access to life-changing in-home devices for treating a wide range of chronic conditions.