Dear Latest Thing:

Practically every one of us carries around an entire library’s worth of knowledge, clocks from time zones all over the world, weather balloons, advanced calculators, calendars for the next 20 years, and dozens of games in our pockets. Is it any wonder we can fit in a personal fitness coach, a dietitian, a phlebotomist, and other allied health professionals as well?

The data revolution that has transformed the way we study, work, and shop has also changed healthcare forever. The most recognizable example is the step tracker, but that’s only the tiniest tip of the iceberg. Every wearable or handheld device people use to monitor some aspect of their health is part of the internet of things (IoT.) (1)

How is the IoT affecting healthcare businesses?

The IoT is affecting healthcare businesses in almost every way you can imagine. Business models are being redesigned to adapt to the growing influence of data-fueled customers.1 Unique partnerships are being forged between agile start-ups and established brands to capitalize on this new digital-first world.(1) Medical devices companies are transforming themselves from devices/consumables providers to disease/care management organizations.(2) 

Digitization in acute care, chronic care or adherence is greatly aided by IoT-powered medical devices such as subcutaneous drug delivery units, continuous glucose monitors and vitals monitoring equipment. The arrival of digital enterprises such as Google and Apple into the consumer health space is ushering in new possibilities.

Special Meaning for Medical Device Companies

The confluence of all these currents has led medical device companies to innovate from within or via increased collaboration.(2) Following are just a few examples:

• Medication Adherence Systems
• Glucose Meters
• Sleep Apnea Detectors
• Heart Rate Monitors
• Dosage Calculation Systems

In addition, pharmaceutical companies are now forming partnerships with medical devices enterprises to help increase adherence.

The IoT is impacting every type of healthcare delivery company, from hospital systems to medical device manufacturers to pharmaceutical companies. Xavier Creative House has worked with every sort of company, and can help deliver your brand message. Partner with us to harness this this new – but permanent – technology in a powerful way.

References:

1. http://www.philips.com/a-w/innovationmatters/blog/how-the-internet-of-things-is-revolutionizing-healthcare.html. Accessed April 24, 2017.

2. https://www.cognizant.com/whitepapers/how-the-internet-of-things-is-transforming-medical-devices-codex1945.pdf. Accessed April 24, 2017.