Philips' Digital Health Suite Tackles Chronic Disease Prevention
Philips introduced a suite of medical-grade monitoring devices and a digital health app that will help change the way patients manage their health and prevent the development of chronic disease. Four new products — a watch, blood pressure monitor, inner-ear thermometer, and “smart” scale — are designed to connect to Philips’ cloud-based digital platform, HealthSuite, through a specially designed app.
Tech giants both inside and outside the medical industry are competing to develop the most cutting-edge wearable health solutions, and the FDA is expected to play a critical role in determining which devices receive a clinical edge in a $41 billion market, according to a Reuters report in December. According to PCWorld, having these products listed by the FDA is precisely what sets Philips new suite of products apart from competitive consumer products.
“Philips is not in the world of fitness,” said Eline de Graaf, director for Philips Personal Health Solutions, to PCWorld. “That’s not our mission, and as a healthcare company we don’t think that’s where we can add value. We’re in the connected health space, and target consumers who are at risk of chronic diseases.”
In order to develop its suite of digital devices, Philips consulted with leading medical experts, doctors, and psychologists, reported a press release. The health watch tracks multiple biometrics, including heart rate, activity levels, and sleep patterns. Both an upper arm and wrist blood pressure monitor measure both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. The connected scale tracks weight and calculates BMI. Finally, the ear thermometer can take and record accurate readings in less than two seconds.
According to Philips, these devices are designed to help measure, analyze, and track health data for patients at risk for chronic lifestyle-related conditions, who can use the information to make more informed healthcare decisions. Analysis is provided by Philips’ HIPPA-compliant, cloud-based platform, HealthSuite, a joint collaboration between Philips and Salesforce, in development since 2014.
“We combine deep clinical know-how and rich data, consumer insights and advanced technology to craft solutions which help individuals along the whole of their health journey,” said Jorgen Behrens, business leader of Personal Health Solutions for Philips. “They will allow individuals to accurately measure vital signs to understand how lifestyle choices affect their body, set goals and monitor their progress, and stay motivated.”
Withings — a digital health tech based out of France and acquired by Nokia in May — recently rolled out a smart thermometer and connected scale. Rajeev Suri, CEO of Nokia, remarked that the products mark Nokia’s entrance into the “very large addressable market” of wearable digital healthcare.
Fitbit — maker of digital health trackers — recently told Bloomberg that its move into medical-grade technology was the “next logical step,” and the company is investing over $150 million in R&D and new engineering hires. Consultations with the FDA and strategic M&A in the medical device industry are expected to smooth Fitbit’s transition into clinical technology, said Fitbit CEO James Park.
Philips’ HealthSuite Health App is available for free for both iOS and Android, and the devices can be ordered through Philips’ website or from Amazon.