Device Agnosticism: Future of Digital Heath

Integrating health data from all personal devices enables effective self-management and a holistic approach to chronic condition care.
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The future of digital health is the ability to be scalable, flexible, and support healthcare empowerment.

You have a smart watch, an iPhone, and a blood glucose meter, but none connect. Sound familiar? The future of digital health is the ability to seamlessly welcome all devices: called device agnosticism.

Device agnosticism refers to the ability of a device, application, or other technology to work with multiple systems without requiring additional adaptations. A device agnostic app or website may be compatible with multiple operating systems, accommodate both mobile and desktop users, and/or can easily and often wirelessly integrate with multiple devices.5

Why is device agnosticism important when managing chronic conditions?

The number of people managing chronic conditions continues to grow. One in four American adults are managing multiple chronic conditions today, and patients are looking for ways to better manage their health.2 On average, someone with diabetes spends 8,760 hours fending for themselves and only 28 minutes a year with their provider.3 This gives healthcare providers only a few minutes per visit to gather information from their patient, analyze the data, and draw conclusions about how to manage their care.

What does this device integration mean for your care team?

The ability to easily collect data from integrated devices and apps enables patients to have a better understanding of how behavior, lifestyle, and daily habits impact their health and how to more effectively self-manage these conditions.4 This also allows patients to provide a more complete picture of their health to their care team.

How does this device integration work with your data?

Device agnosticism allows for the passive transfer of personal health data from the device to the program.4 Patients will spend less time inputting data into their Digital Health app because the app will automatically collect data from the devices and apps they already use. Allowing patients to integrate devices they already have allows patients to more easily integrate the Digital Health app into their daily routine, by cutting down on the amount of time spent inputting data. This is important, as data shows those who passively collect data via connected apps and devices stay engaged nearly four times longer than those who enter data manually.1

How is Welldoc working to make it easier for patients and care teams?

 Welldoc uses a holistic approach to chronic disease care. BlueStar analyzes six critical dimensions – activity, diet, psycho-social, labs, symptoms, and medications – for diabetes management. Welldoc’s device agnosticism allows BlueStar to more easily collect data related to these six dimensions. Now both patient and provider can see a more complete picture of their health.

How are Welldoc’s partnerships supporting this initiative?

Recently, Welldoc has partnered with Validic, the leading provider of data solutions for remote monitoring and virtual engagement. This collaboration will allow BlueStar users to connect their wearables, apps, and in-home health devices directly to the platform, providing easier data entry options for users which enables deeper engagement and better self-management of their health. By integrating Validic’s ecosystem of over 375 wearables, apps, and home health devices, Welldoc allows users to connect their preferred health apps and devices directly into the BlueStar platform. This integration, combined with Welldoc’s reporting feature, enables more precise coaching and guidance to understand daily habits and manage conditions in partnership with the user’s own care team.4

References
  1. Kim, Ju Young, et al. “Self-Monitoring Utilization Patterns Among Individuals in an Incentivized Program for Healthy Behaviors.” Journal of Medical Internet Research, JMIR Publications, 17 Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133453/.
  2. Roulac, Hazeline, et al. “Understanding and Promoting the Value of Chronic Care Management Services.” CMS.com, 21 Feb. 2017, www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/NPC/Downloads/2017-02-21-CCM-Presentation.pdf.
  3. “Time Physicians Spent with Patient U.S. 2018: Survey.” Statista, www.statista.com/statistics/250219/us-physicians-opinion-about-their-compensation/.
  4. “Validic and Welldoc Partner to Enhance Engagement for Individuals Living with Chronic Conditions.” Welldoc Inc, www.welldoc.com/news/validic-and-welldoc-partner-to-enhance-engagement-for-individuals-living-with-chronic-conditions/.
  5. “What Is Device-Agnostic (Device Agnosticism)?” SearchMobileComputing, https://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/device-agnostic-device-agnosticism

The information we provide at welldoc.com is not medical advice, nor is it intended to replace a consultation with a medical professional. Please inform your physician of any changes you make to your diet or lifestyle and discuss these changes with them. If you have questions or concerns about any medical conditions you may have, please contact your physician.

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