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 as “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, Misfit, Jawbone, Apple Health, 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 constitute significant players on the health, wellness and fitness market; 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 $12.1 billion by 2021, with the US being the largest market. RockHealth’s report outlines the dynamic development of the health app market in the United States and estimates that its turnover could increase from $10 to $31 billion. Moreover, health and fitness technology was projected to be as high as 274 million devices in 2016 globally. The exponential rise in data-generating devices naturally goes together with the growth o...
Source: The Medical Futurist - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Digital Health Research Health Sensors & Trackers Researchers biomarker biomarkers digital biomarkers Innovation population health prediction prevention preventive health Source Type: blogs