Health IT, Patient Engagement, Startups

Digital health matchmaking: Apps and services for the most connected patients

Three months ago, a Manhattan Research survey identified several patient groups most likely to use […]

Three months ago, a Manhattan Research survey identified several patient groups most likely to use mobile devices to obtain health information. I did a little research on mhealth services that cater to specific patient needs. Although not a perfect fit in every case, I did find a surprising number of mobile health startups that have developed innovative approaches to addressing the 10 patient communities identified in the survey.

Acne: Several companies have developed platforms to evaluate rashes, spots and moles with varying levels of accuracy. Nonetheless, it is a hot area for innovation. Some startups have cultivated a pool of dermatologists who read emailed images to offer suggestions for a possible cause. DermatologistOnCall lets dermatologists and patients send direct messages back and forth as a follow-up to diagnosis, treatment and consulting. It is also collaborating with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Western Pennsylvania.

ADHD: As part of a Shire-sponsored competition to develop ADHD mobile health tools, Ominiscience Mobile and Rebar Interactive collaborated on the Traxion app . An avatar coach helps users plan their day and sends reminders. The app also shows tasks in more image-oriented  format. It also lets users track their activity and offers links to get more information about ADHD.

Anxiety disorder: One app under development at the University of Pittsburgh, called SmartCat, is being enlisted to help young people conquer their anxiety, according to a Mobihealth News report. It is designed to supplement a short therapy regime. It  uses a set of cues to remind young people of skills taught in those therapy sessions. Through a Web-based portal, therapists monitor how those skills are used. A secure message system lets therapists communicate with users in real time and incorporates a rewards system. There’s also a video library with clips teaching relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises.

Bipolar disorder: Last year’s winner of the Heritage Open mHealth Challenge was Mood Rhythm. Although still in beta, the mobile health tool for people with bipolar disorder is prepping for a launch early this year. Its iOS and Android apps help patients monitor and analyze their sleep, social interaction and meals. It uses smartphone sensors to track daily routines and gives feedback. It also uses the information as part of clinical decision-making.

Chronic kidney disease: One peer-to-peer support community that includes chronic kidney disease among its patient communities is PatientsLikeMe. It offers insights into what it’s like to have the disease through accounts from other users. Members are also encouraged to post questions in a members forum. Last year it opened a health outcomes measurement hub for researchers, clinicians and patients in part so that people with, say, chronic kidney disease, could have a voice in defining what amounts to a successful outcome for a drug.

Crohn’s disease: Another peer group is dedicated to people with Crohn’s disease. Crohnology, an online peer network, offers a place where people with the condition can connect and exchange insights on ways to manage their condition and lend support to what can be an embarrassing and isolating condition. It also helps users track their disease.

Cystic fibrosis: Sixth Sense Healthcare Innovations developed a spirometry test for patients with cystic fibrosis that uses an FDA-approved device coupled with a smartphone. Patients with CF are more vulnerable to lung infections. The platform is designed to help patients monitor their condition from home. The data from the test is designed to be transmitted to an electronic medical record through an HL7 interface. Any significant changes from previous tests would be flagged in an email alert. That way, indications of infection can be spotted earlier and addressed before their condition worsens.

Growth hormone deficiency: One of the challenges that many people with growth hormone deficiency face is ensuring that they receive regular doses of growth hormone replacement. Several startups have developed medication reminders. Among them is MediSafe Project, which is collaborating with other medication reminder startups to provide variations on a smart pill bottle to ensure that patients don’t miss doses.

Hepatitis C: Medivo has developed a platform to improve patient access to lab tests for conditions including Hepatitis C virus. It also organizes lab results so primary care physicians can determine which patients need office visits. It also prioritizes those visits based on urgency. Condition management services analyzes patient data to assess the lab tests needed and which patients require urgent follow-up care. It also educates patients about test results and provides patient education tools to help people manage their condition.

Migraine: Predictably Well developed its Good Days Health app to help people who suffer from migraine headaches and other chronic, autoimmune disorders by offering a way to anticipate what their migraine risk will be each day. It uses factors such as environmental conditions, based on the geographical data from the user’s device, to assesses data that will contribute to a good or bad day for pain, generating a five-day wellness forecast.

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