Dive Brief:
- New York State’s largest healthcare provider, Northwell Health, is teaming up with wearable technology maker Peerbridge Health to pilot remote medical monitoring of cardiac patients.
- The compact Peerbridge Cor multichannel electrocardiogram monitor outperformed the Holter monitor in a clinical trial, delivering analyzable data with less motion artifact and fewer false positives, according to Northwell.
- Reports from last month show New York-based Peerbridge has raised $1 million and could be looking at a fundraising round as large as $50 million.
Dive Insight:
A Stanford University study published in PLOS Biology suggests wearables have a strong future, but with more physician interaction and guidance. Of particular benefit could be managing patients whose socioeconomic status or location make it difficult to access care.
In February, wireless device developer Jawbone announced it was shifting its focus from consumer wearables to the clinical market after interest in its consumer fitness band failed to meet expectations. The company was reportedly in talks with investors, including new ones with specific experience in the medical sector, to help finance the clinical thrust.
Other tech companies are also eyeing the clinical market. Fitbit is working on a smartwatch with health functionalities, and Apple Watch bested other wearable wrist technologies for accurately measuring heart rate.
With 22 hospitals and more than 550 outpatient facilities, Northwell’s collaboration with Peerbridge could provide a good test for the effectiveness of wearables to remotely monitor a large group of patients. The evidence is not all in, but the current focus on population health management ensures a market if the monitor improves patient care and outcomes.