Interoperability is Key

For connected care to become a reality, key stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem must work collaboratively to ensure interoperability between the various systems, applications, and devices that comprise today’s technology landscape. Standards-based connectivity frameworks are essential to allow secure, bidirectional exchange of data in a way that is scalable, vendor-neutral and respects patient privacy. Both medical devices and clinical IT systems must incorporate uniform application programming interfaces (APIs) and communication protocols to “speak the same language.” Organizations like the Medical Device Plug-and-Play Interoperability (MD PnP) Program are leading efforts to define connectivity specifications that foster seamless integration.

Enhancing Patient Engagement and Adoption

Beyond clinical workflow improvements, Medical Device Connectivity strengthens the patient-clinician relationship by supporting practices that empower individuals to actively participate in their own care. Being able to easily share biometric readings with providers on a frequent basis helps patients gain a better understanding of fluctuations, develop better self-management skills over time, and feel more accountability and control. Remote monitoring programs have shown success in helping hypertension, diabetes and other chronic disease populations better adhere to medication and lifestyle change regimens outside the clinic. However, for maximum impact, connectivity technology must be intuitive and fit seamlessly into patients’ daily lives. The user experience is a critical determinant of engagement levels and subsequent health outcomes achieved.

Scaling Deployments in Post-Acute Settings

While acute care environments were early adopters of connectivity owing to existing IT infrastructures, post-acute arenas such as the home healthcare sector have begun large-scale deployments in recent times. Portable devices allow continuous monitoring of high-risk patients recovering from events like surgeries or heart failure exacerbations in their own homes versus costly facility stays. Bidirectional integration of these peripheral monitors with home health Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) ensures recorded parameters flow directly into the care plan for easy clinician oversight. Connectivity expands the reach of remote patient management into transitional care venues, lowering the burden on care resources while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction.

Addressing Security and Standards Compliance

Any technology platform that handles sensitive health data must have robust safeguards to protect privacy and prevent unauthorized access or tampering of information. Connected device vendors are enhancing their systems’ cybersecurity posture through practices like identity management controls, application authentication, and ongoing system and security patching. At the same time, systems must uphold compliance to regulatory provisions defined under standards such as HIPAA, ISO, FDA and IEC. Auditable logging of device and user activities along with data encryption methods help address governance needs. With proper oversight, connectivity’s benefits far outweigh the risks when adopted responsibly within a secure framework that assures patient trust.

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