Will The Fitbit Care Program Break New Ground?

Wearables vendor Fitbit has launched a connected health program designed to help payers, employers and health systems prevent disease, improve wellness and manage diseases. The program is based on the technology Fitbit acquired when it acquired Twine Health. As you’ll see, the program overview makes it sound as the Fitbit program is the greatest thing since sliced bread for health coaching and care management, I’m not so convinced, but judge for yourself. Fitbit Care includes a mix of standard wearable features and coaching. Perhaps the most predictable option is built on standard Fitbit functions, which allow users to gather activity, sleep and heart rate data. However, unlike with individual use, users have the option to let the program harvest their health data and share it with care teams, which permits them to make personalized care recommendations. Another option Fitbit Care offers is health coaching, in which the program offers participants personalized care plans and walks them through health challenges. Coaches communicate with them via in-communications, phone calls, and in-person meetings, targeting concerns like weight management, tobacco cessation, and management of chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and depression. It also supports care for complex conditions such as COPD or congestive heart failure. In addition, the program uses social tools such as private social groups and guided workouts. The idea here is to help participants make behavioral...
Source: EMR and HIPAA - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Connected Health Digital Health EHR Electronic Health Record Electronic Medical Record EMR Fitness Trackers Health Care Healthcare HealthCare IT Medication Adherence mHealth Mobile Apps Mobile Health Care Patient Home Monitorin Source Type: blogs