Technology may be intimidating for some, but the majority of Americans would like their health insurers and doctors to use electronic coaching via e-mail and telephone to help them adopt healthier habits, self-manage conditions and better coordinate care with their providers, according to the Microsoft Health Engagement Survey 2009.

But even though 66% of survey respondents said they are interested in receiving health-related encouragement or reminder e-mails from their health insurer, and 52% said they would be open to receiving e-mails that provide them with feedback on their progress, 49% of survey respondents said they felt the current self-help tools their insurers make available to them via their Web sites are aimed primarily at treating illness rather than keeping well.

Los Angeles-based Kelton Research conducted survey in March 2009 among 1,002 Americans, ages 18 and older. Full survey results and methodology are available for download at Microsoft.