It’s fair to say that more people have heard of the “internet of things” than have experienced it. There is breathless press coverage of the phenomenon—always patiently re-explained by tech pundits as the trend by which all of our most mundane possessions will become internet-connected—each time novel, if obscure, inventions make a name off successful Kickstarter campaigns. These are invariably coupled with estimates that the internet of things will be a multi-trillion dollar business.
Let’s Open the Door to Point-of-Patient Health Sensing Technologies
There’s a significant shift going on in how health care is delivered today, due to several key developments:
- Payment models that reward providers for patient outcomes rather than traditional, per-procedure methods or number of visits;
- The imposition of penalties for hospital readmissions; and
- The rapid adoption of smartphone and sensor technologies.
Health sensing technologies, data analytics and visualization tools enable continuous monitoring and assessment of patients anywhere at any time. These technologies have the power to decentralize health care by challenging traditional delivery systems currently centered around hospitals, clinics and physician offices. Such technology engages patients and caregivers by providing them with the most timely, actionable and relevant data at point-of-patient – the home, office or wherever the patient is located.
Healthcare, Consumerized
‘Consumerization’ is happening in the healthcare market – an ongoing trend of turning patients into consumers. Patients are increasingly using their smartphones and tablets to access and manage healthcare information from anywhere at any time. These devices enable them to take a more active role in their care experience and empower them to choose their own care alternatives.