Two prominent U.S. hospitals are getting ready to start trials with Diabetics and chronic disease patients using Apple’s new HealthKit. These trials will show how Apple’s development can work in medical practice applications.
HealthKit is still under development but is the center of a whole new healthcare system being created by Apple. Certain medical devices like glucometers with iPhone apps can send info to HealthKit, which can then be viewed by doctors as long as the patient consents.
Duke University is developing a pilot to track weight, blood pressure, and other measurements for patients with heart disease or cancer. Stanford University Hospital doctors are working alongside Apple to allow doctors to track blood sugar levels in kids with diabetes. The main goal is to increase the speed and accuracy of the data that gets reported; currently it is done by fax or phone. With this new technology, doctors could warn patients of impending problems via an app or email.
Eventually, Apple wants to work with health care providers across the country, including hospitals that are open to using technology in order to improve preventative care. Apple is also in talks with other hospitals like Stanford Children’s Hospital.
