Columbus, OH. Ok, I admit it. I haven’t put any data into my Apple Health app. Haven’t filled out my Medical ID. Haven’t even filled out my profile. In fact, I put it in my utilities folder, unsure of where to classify it. And, for many, this is the case – Apple Health is sitting empty, unused.
There are many theories of why this is the case, one of which is that Apple released Heath in quiet anticipation of its partner, the Apple Watch, to begin contributing data. Indeed, that’s a huge part of the equation. The Apple Health app will become much more meaningful and valuable when it is actively receiving data (not just from the Watch, but from various sources). Then, the app will be closer to the vision of a personal repository of health data.
When it comes to collecting data, there is no shortage of innovations. Recently, there were 2 ideas in the tech/health care space that piqued our interest on indiegogo.
Scanadu Scout: A small hand-held disc that you hold to your temple that immediately measures heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen levels.
Vitastiq: A pen that measures your body’s vitamin and mineral levels using acupressure points
These also bring to mind Cue, a home health tracker we wrote about last yearthat uses a test stick to determine testosterone levels, fertility, and can even tell you if you have the flu.
For certain segments, these inputs are life-changing (ie. fertility measuring is highly useful to women having issues conceiving a baby; checking vitals is of daily importance for someone with heart disease; knowledge of mineral levels could help Osteoporosis patients.)
However, as we see more and more integration of these inputs into the Health app, we’ll start to see a more complete picture of our health. As doctors grow to trust these inputs, it will provide a cross-section of what goes on outside of the appointment. This will be the true turning point in the quantified self-movement.
About the Author:
As Managing Director of Innovation and Insights for Syneos Health Communications, Leigh is responsible for building and scaling a global team of healthcare experts who together help life science leaders better understand the complex lives, influences and expectations of their customers. Specifically, they uncover actionable insights that fuel empathy and creativity; lead co-creation events that let marketers learn from peers, trends, and new possibilities; and help clients identify the most valuable and useful new customer experiences to create.
Leigh has worked with Fortune 1000 companies to craft their digital, mobile, social and CRM strategies for nearly 20 years.She’s worked for category-leading agencies in retail, public affairs, B2B technology, and higher education. Prior to moving to Syneos Health Communications, she held several leadership roles at our largest agency, GSW. There, she founded an innovation practice fueled by the zeitgeist and spearheaded digital and innovation thinking across the business.
Leigh has taken a special interest in complex healthcare products that can change lives in meaningful ways. She was recently a strategic lead on the 3rd largest launch in pharmaceutical history: Tecfidera. Before that she had keys roles with Eli Lilly Oncology, Abbott Nutrition, Amgen Cardiovascular, and Eli Lilly Diabetes.
A critical part of Leigh’s work is trends and new ideas. Every year, she convenes a group of trend watchers from across our global network to identify the shifts most critical to healthcare marketers. This year, she led over 250 experts to experts to focus on the most important changes in the commercial, consumer, marketing, digital and healthcare landscapes. (See reports at trends.health)
Leigh is a sought-after writer and speaker. Recognized as one of the most inspiring people in the pharmaceutical industry by PharmaVoice and Top 10 Innovation Catalysts of 2017 by MM&M, Leigh also was recognized as a Rising Star by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) for her overt passion, industry thought leadership and significant contributions in new business, strategy and mentoring.
