The Impact of Private Health Apps and Wearables on Patient Health Outlook

As the healthcare landscape evolves, private health apps and wearable devices are becoming integral to how we manage our health and wellness. With the HETT Show at Excel approaching, where I will be speaking on a panel about this very topic, it's an opportune time to explore how these digital health tools are reshaping patient engagement and healthcare delivery—and how personal experiences with these tools can highlight their impact.

The Rise of Digital Health Tools

In recent years, I've personally experienced the benefits of health apps and wearables in my daily life. For instance, I use an Apple Watch to track my outdoor trail runs, helping me monitor my progress and set new fitness goals. Additionally, my Oura ring has been an incredible tool for measuring my sleep quality and readiness. It even alerted me when I was likely coming down with COVID-19 by detecting changes in my respiration rate, body temperature, and overall recovery trends. These personal experiences underscore how such tools can provide valuable insights into our health that go beyond the capabilities of traditional methods.

The market growth for these tools is undeniable, with the global digital health market expected to reach $197 billion by 2025. This trend underscores a growing demand for digital health solutions tailored to a wide range of needs, from general wellness apps like MyFitnessPal and Fitbit to more specialised apps like BlueJay Monitor, which assist individuals with chronic conditions by offering medication reminders and symptom tracking.

Clinical Efficacy vs. Consumer Appeal

A critical aspect of digital health tools is distinguishing between marketed wellness products and those prescribed by healthcare providers. My experiences with the Apple Watch and Oura ring highlight how consumer-driven apps, while beneficial for general wellness, often lack the rigorous clinical validation of apps with a medical focus, such as those that offer continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes.

Understanding the clinical efficacy of these tools is key to their impact. For example, apps and wearables that are evidence-based provide measurable benefits, particularly for those managing chronic conditions. However, even consumer-driven apps can play a significant role in promoting overall wellness and preventing health issues, as my own experience with early COVID detection illustrates.

Empowering Patients: Managing Health Outside Acute Settings

One of the most significant benefits of digital health tools is their ability to empower patients to manage their health outside traditional healthcare settings. This shift can relieve pressure on healthcare systems by reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. For example, wearables that monitor heart rate and activity levels can alert users to potential issues before they escalate, allowing for timely interventions.

Take the example of StoriBoard, a wellness app that goes beyond traditional health management. StoriBoard leverages lived experience and personal growth through micro-learning to empower users to take control of their mental wellbeing. The app offers bite-sized audio journeys focused on mental health and wellness, creating a supportive community where users share experiences and provide mutual support. Notably, some users who have faced severe mental health challenges, including those who have attempted to take their own lives, are now actively supporting others on the app. By connecting with people who understand their struggles, these individuals have found friends and support, helping them feel less isolated and more resilient.

This community-driven approach exemplifies how digital tools like StoriBoard can provide support that extends beyond clinical settings, addressing both the emotional and psychological aspects of health. It shows that these tools are not just about managing symptoms but also about fostering a sense of belonging and support among users.

Designing Patient-Centric Digital Health Solutions

The success of any digital health tool hinges on its ability to meet patient needs effectively. It's not enough to create an app with great features; the design must consider how patients want to use these tools in their daily lives. This requires a deep understanding of patient preferences, behaviours, and challenges.

For instance, an app that provides real-time feedback and personalised recommendations can enhance user engagement and adherence. Similarly, tools that integrate seamlessly with other health devices and apps, like how I use my Apple Watch and Oura ring together, can offer a more holistic view of a patient's health, leading to better outcomes. As developers and suppliers, we must prioritise patient feedback and usability to create solutions that truly resonate.

The Future of Health Apps and Wearables

Looking ahead, the future of health apps and wearables is incredibly promising. Innovations in AI and machine learning could lead to even more personalised health recommendations, while advances in biometrics may allow for more precise monitoring of vital signs and health metrics.

We can also expect greater integration of these tools within digital health ecosystems, providing users with comprehensive health management solutions. This will likely include expanded capabilities for remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and virtual care.

Collaboration with the NHS and Setting Standards

For these digital tools to be integrated successfully into mainstream healthcare, collaboration with entities like the NHS is essential. By working closely with suppliers, the NHS can ensure that apps and wearables meet clinical standards and are designed with patient needs in mind. This collaboration could also help establish regulatory standards, ensuring the safety, efficacy, and privacy of these tools.

The Role of Home Testing in Patient Health Management

Home testing kits are another aspect of digital health tools that are gaining traction. These kits allow patients to monitor their health from the comfort of their homes, providing valuable data that can inform healthcare decisions. For example, at-home blood pressure monitors or COVID-19 testing kits can reduce the need for in-person visits, freeing up healthcare resources for more critical needs.

Moreover, home testing empowers patients to take a more active role in their health, enhancing their understanding and engagement. This shift can lead to better health outcomes and a more proactive approach to health management.

Find out more at HETT Show, 24-25th September

The expansion of private health apps and wearables presents a unique opportunity to reshape how we approach healthcare. By empowering patients to manage their health outside of traditional settings, these tools can reduce pressure on healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes. However, it's crucial to ensure that these tools are designed with patient needs in mind, clinically validated, and integrated seamlessly into existing healthcare frameworks.

As we prepare for the HETT Show, let's continue the conversation on how we can harness the power of digital health tools to create a more connected, resilient, and patient-centric healthcare system. If you're attending the event, I invite you to join our panel and explore the future of health apps and wearables with us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of patients everywhere.