Connected healthcare: How medical devices transformed patient care and created major business opportunities for healthcare organizations

In recent years, the healthcare industry has undergone a dramatic shift, driven by the advent of connected healthcare. At the heart of this shift are connected medical devices that not only enhance patient care but also open up substantial business opportunities for healthcare organizations. From smart inhalers that ensure patients adhere to their treatment plans, to remote monitoring systems that allow chronic conditions to be managed from the comfort of home, these innovations are changing the face of healthcare management.

Today, we’ll examine how these developments are changing healthcare delivery and expanding the value propositions for businesses in the field.

This article explores:

• what’s connected healthcare and how it differs from the digital healthcare forms we got used to
• how connected medical devices are reshaping patient care and creating significant new avenues for growth in the healthcare sector
• the intersection of technology and healthcare, where cutting-edge devices are not only improving outcomes but also driving the industry forward

CONNECTED HEALTH CARE is a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery that integrates various digital technologies (wearable devices, Internet of Things solutions(IoT), telemedicine platforms, EHRs, mobile health apps, and others) to improve patient care and streamline communication among healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders. Connected health technology as well as connected health solutions aim to enhance the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare services while improving patient outcomes.

This approach offers a significant shift from the traditional model. Instead of relying solely on in-person visits, connecting healthcare empowers individuals to take a more active role in their health by providing them with:

• Convenient access to care by skipping the waiting room and having a doctor’s consultation from the comfort of your home.
• Real-time health data with wearable devices and health apps tracking vitals and symptoms, allowing for better self-management and informed decision making.
• Personalized health management tools like mobile apps and online platforms that can offer tailored recommendations for diet, exercise, or stress management.

Connected healthcare vs telehealth: What’s the difference?

While both connected healthcare and telehealth use digital technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits. Connected care health services provide an integrated approach to continuous health monitoring and care coordination, whereas telehealth focuses on delivering clinical services remotely.
Learn more about their difference with the following table:

Is connected healthcare here to replace telehealth and traditional care?

Connected healthcare is meant to complement them. It’s like having a handy toolkit filled with digital tools (like connected health systems) to keep you on top of your well-being and provide healthcare services remotely, while still having the option of face-to-face consultations when needed.

Connected healthcare brought to life a range of innovative technologies and physical devices that seamlessly integrate into our lives, for example:

• Smart watches. Smart watches are no longer just about telling time. Many offer a suite of health-focused features. The Apple Watch, for instance, has an ECG app that can detect irregular heart rhythms, while the Fitbit can track sleep stages and estimate blood oxygen levels. These wearables provide valuable insights into your overall health and can be a great motivator for staying active.

• Smart scales. Stepping on the scale doesn’t have to be a one-dimensional experience. Smart scales like Withings Body+ can measure weight, body composition (muscle mass, fat percentage), and even heart rate. This data paints a more holistic picture of your health and can be used to track progress towards fitness goals.

• Wireless glucometers. Traditionally, managing diabetes involved finger pricks and manual blood sugar readings. Connected glucometers, like the Dexcom G6, are changing the game. These connected medical devices measure blood sugar levels continuously and transmit the data wirelessly to a smartphone app, eliminating the need for constant finger pricks and providing real-time data for better diabetes management.

• Smart inhalers. People with asthma often rely on inhalers for symptom control. However, traditional inhalers don’t provide much data on usage. Connected inhalers, like Propeller Respimat, are optimizing asthma management. They track medication use and can even sync with smartphone apps, allowing patients and doctors to monitor adherence and adjust treatment plans as needed.

• Smart pills. Still in its early stages, “smart pill” technology holds promise for improved medication adherence. These ingestible capsules contain tiny sensors that can track when they’ve reached the stomach and even send a signal to a wearable device, alerting patients if they miss a dose.

These are just a few examples, and the range of connected health devices is constantly evolving. We can look out for even more innovative tools that will empower us to take charge of our health and well-being wherever we are.

The rise of connected healthcare wouldn’t be possible without the advancements in connected medical devices themselves. These instruments have acted as the foundation for gathering real-time health data, paving the way for a more proactive and personalized approach to healthcare. Here’s how connected medical devices have fueled the rapid development of connected health:

MINIATURIZATION AND SENSOR INTEGRATION

Advancements in miniaturization have allowed for development of smaller, more user-friendly medical devices. In turn, the integration of advanced sensors into these devices enabled the continuous collection of vital health data such as heart rate, blood pressure (with blood pressure monitors), and even blood glucose levels (with continuous glucose monitors).

WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

The ability to transmit data wirelessly has been a game-changer. Medical devices can now seamlessly connect to smartphones, tablets, and telehealth platforms, allowing for real-time monitoring and remote consultations. This eliminates the need for constant trips to the doctor’s office and facilitates a more convenient and accessible healthcare experience.

IMPROVED BATTERY LIFE

Early wearable medical devices were notorious for needing frequent charging. However, advancements in battery technology helped connected medical devices to operate for longer durations. Consequently, this enabled uninterrupted data collection and a more seamless user experience.

STANDARDIZATION AND INTEROPERABILITY

For connected healthcare to work to the fullest, connected devices and platforms need to “talk” to each other. The introduction of standardized data formats and improved interoperability ensured that data collected from various devices can be integrated and analyzed effectively, providing a more comprehensive picture of a patient’s health.

Why connected healthcare devices signal impactful future transformations

We have already touched upon this a bit, but stepping on a scale that tells you your body fat percentage or using an inhaler that reminds you to take your medication — at some point, these seemed to be futuristic gadgets, but they’re already a reality thanks to connected healthcare devices. These and other seemingly simple tools have changed how we approach our health, and they foreshadow even greater transformations on the horizon. They introduce us to:

PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT. Take smart inhalers for example. Traditionally, inhalers only delivered medication; they offered no insights into usage. Now, with connected technology, inhalers can track medication adherence and even sync with apps. This empowers patients to manage their asthma more proactively, identify potential issues, and work with healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans as needed.

PERSONALIZED WELLNESS. Smart pill dispensers are another example of how medical connected devices are enhancing healthcare. These handy tools not only dispense medication on schedule but can also send reminders and track adherence. This can be a game-changer for individuals managing chronic conditions, promoting better health outcomes and reducing the risk of missed doses.

BEYOND CONVENIENCE. Connected healthcare devices offer more than just convenience. The data they collect allows individuals to gain valuable insights into their health. Imagine a future where a smart scale can not only measure weight but also analyze body composition trends and suggest dietary adjustments. This kind of personalized data helps individuals to take a more active role in their well-being and make informed lifestyle choices.

However, smart inhalers and dispensers are just the tip of the iceberg.

In the future, we can expect a wave of even more sophisticated connected health devices to emerge. Imagine smart contact lenses that monitor blood sugar levels or shirts that track vital signs. These advancements can potentially forever change preventive healthcare, allowing for early detection of potential health issues and enabling individuals to take steps to prevent them altogether.

The development and distribution of connected healthcare offers a range of strategic advantages that foster growth, innovation, and operational excellence for businesses. Here’s a detailed exploration of how businesses derive tangible benefits and profit from adopting connected healthcare devices:

Market expansion and diversification

Explanation: Connected healthcare devices enable businesses to diversify their product portfolios and expand into new market segments.

By offering innovative solutions that address specific healthcare challenges, businesses can capture opportunities beyond traditional markets. For example, manufacturers of smart inhalers or remote monitoring systems can cater to both individual consumers seeking wellness solutions and healthcare providers managing chronic conditions. This diversification not only increases revenue streams but also enhances market resilience against competitive pressures.

Partnerships and ecosystem collaboration

Explanation: Businesses can benefit from strategic partnerships with software developers, healthcare providers, and regulatory experts.

These collaborations facilitate the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, into connected medical device functionalities. Moreover, partnerships with telecommunication companies and technology integrators can enhance connectivity solutions, expanding the reach and usability of connected devices across diverse healthcare settings.

Operational efficiency and cost savings

Explanation: Connected healthcare devices streamline healthcare delivery processes by integrating technology to automate processes, improve data accessibility, and enhance collaboration among healthcare providers. These efficiencies lead to cost savings through reduced healthcare costs, optimized resource utilization, and improved patient outcomes.

Automated patient data capture and real-time monitoring capabilities reduce administrative burdens and optimize resource allocation. For instance:

• remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance capabilities minimize equipment downtime and maintenance costs, enhancing overall operational effectiveness
• cloud-based data storage and analytics empower businesses to use actionable insights for proactive decision-making and resource optimization

Regulatory compliance and market leadership

By designing connected healthcare devices that meet regulatory requirements from inception, businesses mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and build trust among healthcare professionals and consumers. Achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance not only enhances market acceptance but also positions businesses as leaders in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology sector.

How to build a connected healthcare device: An overview from Yalantis’ developers currently working on connected healthcare projects

Developing a connected healthcare device, such as a smart dispenser or inhaler, is a complex process that integrates hardware design, software development, testing, and regulatory compliance. Here, we outline the key stages in building such devices and highlight the critical role of partnering with a reliable outsource software development provider to ensure success.

Development Stages

Building a connected healthcare device requires a systematic approach, starting from the initial concept and feasibility study to design, development, testing, and regulatory compliance. Each stage plays a crucial role in ensuring the connected medical device is safe, effective, and compliant with industry standards.

Below, we delve into each stage to provide a comprehensive overview of the process.

Identifying the problem and solution. The initial step in developing a connected healthcare device $involves clearly identifying the specific healthcare challenge that the device aims to address. This stage is crucial for ensuring that the device will meet a real need in the market and provide tangible benefits to patients and healthcare providers.

Feasibility analysis. After defining the problem and potential solution, the next step is to conduct a feasibility analysis. This involves evaluating the technical, market, and regulatory aspects of the project to ensure that the proposed device can be successfully developed and brought to market.

Hardware design. The next step involves creating the initial hardware designs and selecting the appropriate sensors and components. This stage is critical for ensuring that the device will function correctly and meet the necessary performance standards.

Software architecture. Parallel to hardware design, the software architecture must be meticulously planned to ensure it can handle patient data collection, processing, and communication securely and efficiently. This involves designing the system to collect data from sensors, process this data to provide meaningful insights, and communicate with other devices or cloud services.

Prototyping. At this stage, the initial designs and software come together to form a working model of the device. This stage is essential for testing basic functionality and identifying potential issues early on.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS YOUR COMPANY MUST CONSIDER AT THIS STAGE

Challenge #1: Balancing functionality and user experience

A device can be packed with features, but if it’s cumbersome or difficult to use, it won’t be effective. Striking a balance between functionality and user-friendliness is essential.

Solution: User testing and iterative design can help refine usability.

Challenge #2: Data security and privacy

Connected health devices collect sensitive health data. Implementing robust security measures to protect this data is critical.

Solution: Adherence to data privacy regulations like HIPAA is mandatory, which includes utilizing encryption and secure data storage protocols.

Challenge #3: Battery life

Many connected medical devices rely on batteries. Ensuring long battery life without compromising functionality is a challenge.

Solution: Low-power electronics design and efficient data transmission protocols can help extend battery life.

Firmware development. Writing the firmware that runs on your connected healthcare device is a foundational step in ensuring that the device can effectively interface with its hardware components and perform its intended functions. This involves developing low-level code that controls the hardware components, such as sensors and connectivity modules. In turn, this code must be optimized for performance and power efficiency, as it directly impacts the device’s reliability and battery life. The development team can ensure this through thorough testing and debugging.

Application development. Mobile and web applications act as the primary touchpoint between the user and the device, that’s why their development should have a great emphasis on providing a user-friendly interface and enabling real-time data access, alerts, and analytics. The design of the application should focus on being intuitive and visually appealing to enhance the user experience.

Cloud integration. Implementing cloud services for your connected healthcare device allows for efficient data storage, processing, and remote access, making the system scalable and secure. The cloud infrastructure must be capable of securely storing vast amounts of data collected by the device and processing it to provide meaningful insights. The design of the cloud system should focus on scalability to handle increasing data volumes as the user base grows.

Hardware and software integration testing. This phase involves multiple types of testing to verify the device’s performance, reliability, and user experience:

• Stress testing to push the device to its limits and ensure it can handle extreme conditions without failure.
• Functional testing to check that all features and functions of the device operate as intended, ensuring accurate data collection, processing, and communication.
• Usability testing to assess how intuitive and easy the device is to use. This includes evaluating the user interface, ease of interaction with the device and application, and overall user satisfaction.

By conducting comprehensive integration testing, you can identify and resolve any issues that may arise from the interaction between hardware and software, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation of the connected healthcare device.

Compliance testing. Compliance testing confirms the device’s safety, efficacy, and quality control, in line with standards such as FDA and HIPAA regulations for connected medical devices. This process includes extensive safety testing to ensure the device poses no risk to users under normal and foreseeable conditions.

Before hitting the market, your device needs to meet stringent regulatory requirements. The specific regulations will vary depending on the device’s function and risk classification. Common regulatory bodies include the FDA in the US and the CE marking in Europe. Obtaining regulatory approval can be a lengthy and complex process.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS YOUR COMPANY MUST CONSIDER AT THIS STAGE

Challenge #1: Meeting safety and efficacy standards

Your device needs to be demonstrably safe and effective for its intended use. Clinical trials and data collection might be required.

Solution: Partnering with regulatory consultants and conducting thorough testing can help ensure compliance.

Challenge #2: Keeping up with evolving regulations

The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. Staying informed and adapting your device to meet new requirements is crucial.

Solution: Maintaining a team of regulatory experts or consultants can help you navigate updates.

Manufacturing support. This phase involves collaborating with manufacturers to streamline the production process, ensuring that the device can be produced efficiently and at scale. The team develops detailed production plans to outline the manufacturing steps, including sourcing of materials, assembly procedures, and quality assurance protocols.

Post-market surveillance. Post-market surveillance involves tracking the performance and safety of the device in real-world conditions, collecting data on user experiences, and identifying any potential problems. This data is analyzed to detect trends or issues that may require attention, such as device malfunctions or adverse events. Providing timely updates and support is crucial to address these issues promptly and maintain user confidence.

Continuous Improvement. The development journey doesn’t end with product launch. Regularly collecting and analyzing user feedback provides valuable insights into how the device is used and where improvements can be made. Real-world data from the device’s operation helps identify areas for enhancement in performance, usability, and functionality.

The importance of a reliable outsource software development partner

To navigate the complexities of developing a connected healthcare device, you have to partner with a reliable outsource software development company like Yalantis. Here’s what we can provide you with:

• An experienced software development team that will bring in-depth knowledge of healthcare industry requirements and best practices, ensuring that your device is built to the highest standards
• We can conduct extensive testing of both hardware and software, ensuring seamless integration and reliable performance
• As a proficient development partner, we understand the intricacies of FDA regulations and can guide you through the compliance process, reducing the risk of delays or rejections
• Our skilled development team will ensures that your device and associated software adhere to strict security protocols, safeguarding sensitive information
• During post-deployment, we can offer continuous support and updates, helping you maintain compliance and adapt to evolving market needs

Building a connected healthcare device requires a multi-disciplinary approach and adherence to stringent regulatory standards. Partnering with a reliable outsource software development provider ensures that you have the technical expertise, testing capabilities, and regulatory knowledge needed to bring your innovative healthcare solution to market successfully.