What Do Digital Biomarkers Mean?

The spread of wearable digital technologies in healthcare generating big data entailed the appearance of a new type of medical information. They produce actionable insights into the biological state of individuals, just like “general” biomarkers, but are collected through digital tools. Here’s our summary of what digital biomarkers mean and how they will be used in the near future. The appearance of user-generated big data in healthcare In the last couple of years, Fitbit, Jawbone, Apple Health, Withings, Garmin, Sleep as Android, WIWE, MocaCare, Skeeper – in other words, fitness trackers, step counters, health apps, sleep sensors, pocket ECG, blood pressure or other health parameter measuring devices appeared out of nowhere. By now, they are generating an astounding amount of data about patients and individuals not getting patient care. That’s what digital biomarkers are about. According to Markets and Markets, the global market for medical wearable devices is projected to reach $30.1 billion by 2026, with the US being the largest market. Meanwhile, the global fitness wearable market (including smartwatches, fitness bands, smart glasses and smart clothing among others) is projected to grow to $114.36 billion in 2028. What is probably even more telling than the above figures is this: according to research from Insider Intelligence, more than 80% of US consumers are willing to wear fitness technology. No wonder over 530 million units were shippe...
Source: The Medical Futurist - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Digital Health Research Health Sensors & Trackers Innovation prediction prevention digital biomarkers population health preventive health Source Type: blogs