Polina Hanin, Academy Director,StartUp Health shares her insights at the Connected Health Summit: Engaging Consumers. Polina spoke on the "Investment Trends in Consumer Health" panel at the 2014 event.

What is the most important next step for healthcare providers to engage consumers in digital health solutions?
Healthcare providers need to have an innovation agenda. They should beta test a variety of technology solutions to find those that are the best for their patient population. With recommendations from their trusted physicians, consumers will feel more empowered to focus on preventative health measures instead of delaying ownership of their conditions until after a diagnosis.

What will be the biggest impact for consumers as a result of digital health solutions?
Consumers will be empowered to take a more active role in their own care and become part of an integrated care team.

What will be the biggest driver for digital health market?
We really believe that the conditions are set for the re-imagination of healthcare. Health reform is changing business models, chronic disease is accelerating, the need for long-term care is growing—all while the cost of care continues to climb. But all of that combined with the prevalence of digital and mobile technology means that there has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur in the healthcare space.