“The future is now,” is a statement that has been widely used by tech companies in various conferences and numerous product launches. It is a result of rapid advancements in technology that has paved the way for the progress of different industries, particularly in healthcare. Hospitals have become advanced with managing and treating complex diseases. The rise of the Internet of Things has helped usher in the future of healthcare by innovating and disrupting how treatments and medications are delivered.
Understanding IoT
Internet of things or IoT is all that is connected to the Internet. IoT comprises devices such as smartphones, wearables, medical devices, appliances and basic sensors that are connected to each other. These connected devices combined with automated systems acquire and process information and can develop treatment recommendations as well as actions to complete a specific task or gain knowledge.
In simple terms, IoT is all about devices, networks, and the data gathered. It enables devices to create more connected systems around the world.
IoT: Revolutionizing Healthcare
Healthcare companies are increasingly adopting digital health solutions to increase efficiency resulting in widespread redesigning of business and treatment models. IoT is revolutionizing health care by allowing individuals to participate in digital health solutions through the network of devices they are connected to. Using digital health technologies, people are being empowered to take control of their health in an individualized way. Recently Apple has enabled consumers access and control of their medical information from their mobile devices. Control of their medical record gives them the ability to share the information with any healthcare provider they wish easily.
Of Wearables, Smartphone, and Heart health
According to the latest guidelines, forty-six percent of people in the United States now have hypertension. Hypertension continues to be a significant concern as rates are expected to increase worldwide by over 60% over the next ten years. It remains one of the deadliest diseases due to heart attacks and strokes.
Digital health technologies, such as IoT blood pressure devices connected via cellular networks make tracking and managing blood pressure as easy as pressing a button.
Patients are increasingly taking more control of their health and transforming the patient-doctor relationship. Research by HealthPartners Institute for Education and Research published in JAMA showed that remote data and home monitoring equipment significantly improve blood pressure control. Researchers of the study compared the usual methods of medication and digital healthcare. Data collected helped the pharmacists and doctors to customized medication, therapy and blood pressure goals. Other studies resulted in decreases in blood pressure by as much as 17 points.
The New Drug Stores: Digital Therapeutics
App Stores may soon become drug stores. Digital therapeutics are new types of mobile applications that help in treating diseases by reshaping patient behavior while utilizing remote monitoring and communication platforms to improve health. Digital therapeutics target specific conditions and includes personalized health programs such as diet, exercise, and medication. Unlike wellness apps, digital therapeutics are catered to treat or manage chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and addiction.
One of the primary investment drivers in digital therapeutics is the data. Precise data collected from patients are valuable for doctors because it helps develop unique insights into a patient’s behavior and offers insights into improving care and outcomes. Treatment options allowing patients to be part of managing their chronic diseases could result in significant cost savings throughout the healthcare system. Pharmaceutical companies are primarily interested because it will enable them to continue to track the effectiveness of their medications, long after the clinical trials are completed. Digital therapeutics designed to be a companion to the medicine can help track long-term results and increase treatment adherence.
Health and insurance companies are some of the most prominent investors in digital therapeutic companies today. Clinical results of the newest digital therapeutics show they can either supplement or complement traditional therapies with equal or better results. For health insurance firms, mobile health apps are relatively inexpensive and can prevent the progression and often fatal consequences of chronic disease at the population level. Digital therapeutics will allow the healthcare system to evolve from two to three 20-minute clinic visits a year to 24/7, 365 days of continuous care and management.
Cardiowell: Empowering Health
Not all smart health devices and solutions are equally effective. Cardiowell is uniquely empowering health. Cardiowell is a digital therapeutic designed to reduce the risks associated with hypertension. It can be download for free and connects with various wearables and blood pressure monitoring devices. Cardiowell gives individuals a holistic view of their heart health— from heart rate variability, pulse, weight and blood pressure to overall wellness. Cardiowell is more than just a platform or application; it helps in developing awareness of the things that cause stress on the body. A lot of people tend to ignore the fact that stress is one of the major contributors to a person’s blood pressure and health. Cardiowell is dedicated to help create purpose, empower patients, redefine health and help people to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
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