Shared By The Many: Advances in technology are allowing for the provision of affordable, decentralized healthcare for the masses and are lowering the barriers to entry in less developed markets. The analysis in PSFK’s Future of Health Report has yielded a number of insights, the most evident of which is mobile technology as a catalyst for change. The mobile phone and connected tablet computer are allowing for the distribution of a broad range of medical and support services. This is especially important in countries with little or no healthcare infrastructure and areas in which there are few trained healthcare professionals. These technologies also allow trained professionals to perform quality control remotely. Amongst the many significant developments is a shift towards one-on-one, in- field diagnostics and monitoring. Services that were once only available at a doctor’s office or hospital are now available on-demand through low-tech, affordable solutions. Personal systems allow for ‘good enough’ diagnostics that would have been difficult, expensive and timely to attain previously. Using a basic phone with adapted software, a health worker can test for myriad symptoms - even cancer. This information can be relayed to a central medical care center where doctors and trained professionals can react to the data, provide prompt diagnosis and suggest treatment options. The ability to capture this data and get quick responses remotely means better healthcare, fewer trips to the hospital (which, for many means days away from home and family), and less time away from work. A change is also occurring that is seeing increased access to and sharing of health information. This is made possible by the proliferation of systems designed to overcome infrastructure insufficiencies. these systems are enabling the broadcast of information and receipt of subsequent feedback in virtually any setting. From ‘town crier’ systems to ‘internet by text’, the collective knowledge found on the web is being made available to populations around the world who previously lacked access. The connectivity that is enabling the sharing of health information is also powering the growth of social networks focused on health and medical care. These networks are allowing professionals, health workers and individuals to connect and share knowledge quickly. PSFK’s Future of Health Report details 15 trends that will impact health and wellness around the world. Simple advances such as off-the-grid energy and the introduction of gaming into healthcare service offerings sit alongside more future-forward developments such as bio-medical printing. It is our hope that this report will inspire your thinking and lead to services, applications and technologies which will allow for more available, quality healthcare. For a download of this report - visit: http://www.psfk.com/future-of-health

1. PSFK presents
FUTURE OF
HEALTH
prepared for
a report
Co n s u lti n g

2. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
Shared By The Many
advances in technology are allowing for the provision of affordable, decentralized a change is also occurring that is seeing increased access to and sharing of
healthcare for the masses and are lowering the barriers to entry in less developed health information. this is made possible by the proliferation of systems designed
markets. to overcome infrastructure insufficiencies. these systems are enabling the
broadcast of information and receipt of subsequent feedback in virtually any
the analysis in PSFK’s Future of Health Report has yielded a number of insights, setting. From ‘town crier’ systems to ‘internet by text’, the collective knowledge
the most evident of which is mobile technology as a catalyst for change. the found on the web is being made available to populations around the world who
mobile phone and connected tablet computer are allowing for the distribution of previously lacked access. the connectivity that is enabling the sharing of health
a broad range of medical and support services. this is especially important in information is also powering the growth of social networks focused on health
countries with little or no healthcare infrastructure and areas in which there are and medical care. these networks are allowing professionals, health workers and
few trained healthcare professionals. these technologies also allow trained individuals to connect and share knowledge quickly.
professionals to perform quality control remotely.
PSFK’s Future of Health Report details 15 trends that will impact health and
amongst the many significant developments is a shift towards one-on-one, in- wellness around the world. Simple advances such as off-the-grid energy and the
field diagnostics and monitoring. Services that were once only available at a introduction of gaming into healthcare service offerings sit alongside more
doctor’s office or hospital are now available on-demand through low-tech, future-forward developments such as bio-medical printing. It is our hope that this
affordable solutions. personal systems allow for ‘good enough’ diagnostics that report will inspire your thinking and lead to services, applications and
would have been difficult, expensive and timely to attain previously. Using a basic technologies which will allow for more available, quality healthcare.
phone with adapted software, a health worker can test for myriad symptoms -
even cancer. this information can be relayed to a central medical care center
where doctors and trained professionals can react to the data, provide prompt piers Fawkes
diagnosis and suggest treatment options. the ability to capture this data and get Founder & president
quick responses remotely means better healthcare, fewer trips to the hospital pSFK
(which, for many means days away from home and family), and less time away
from work.
WWW.PSFK.COM 2

3. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
In the first half of the Future of pSFK invited the world’s leading GOALS
Health Report, pSFK provides an advertising and design agencies to • provide a snapshot of the key trends ABOUT PSFK
analysis of the trends impacting the react to the Future of Health driving change in personal health and
healthcare pSFK is the go-to source for new ideas
health of many. We explore this Report. By imagining solutions for • Inspire businesses to react with innovative and inspiration for creative business. the
future from the perspective of healthcare in emerging countries. solutions to help vast numbers of people lead New York City based trends and innovation
healthier lives company publishes a daily news site,
organizations, patients, healthcare We asked UNICeF to identify their provides research and business consultancy,
providers and communities. We also key challenges in the field and set PSFK PROCESS manages a network of experts and hosts
highlight how technology and idea-generating events. pSFK aims to inspire
these as a brief for the creative
pSFK conducted a research cycle during readers, clients and guests to make things
access to information play a vital companies. In the second half of which they searched for signs of change better—whether that’s better products, better
role in the ways that people the report we feature the and spoke to opinion leaders about shifts services, better lives or a better world.
in the health and wellness landscape. our
understand, manage and receive responses. the solutions put forth researchers gathered several hundred pieces www.psfk.com
care whether that’s at home, in by these innovators, are not meant of data that provided both literal and lateral
hospitals and clinics or in doctors’ inspiration within the areas of personal health CONTACT FOR mORE
to anticipate every challenge faced
and healthcare.
offices. the trends identified within in the field, but rather are meant to iNFORmATiON
this document and the examples inspire new thinking in likeminds in at the end of the research period, pSFK’s piers Fawkes - project Lead
team conducted pattern recognition to piers.fawkes@psfk.com
used to bring them to life are companies, organizations, university identify trends, the strongest of which are
inspired by innovation taking place researchers and governments. featured in this report, along with supporting Jeff Weiner - Business Development
around the globe. examples and analysis. jeff.weiner@psfk.com
For copies of this report visit:
www.psfk.com/future-of-health
WWW.PSFK.COM 3

4. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Co n s u lti n g
iNTROdUCTiON 2
CORE THEmES 5
CHALLENGES & imPLiCATiONS 6
KEy TRENdS
1. sms consultation 7
2. distance learning 15
3. temporary communities 23
4. handheld hospital 31
5. tracking matters 37
6. remote diagnostics 47
7. diy check up 55
8. picturing our health 63
9. wellness tracking 71
10. gaming for health 79
11. offline web 87
12. mobile distributed wealth 95
13. off the grid energy 103
14. hacking healthcare 111
15. bio-medical printing 119
CONCEPTS FOR HEALTH 127
ABOUT 207
WWW.PSFK.COM 4

5. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH CORE THEmES
Co n s u lti n g
each of the trends identified in this report falls within one of four core themes identified by the innovation team at UNICeF, and is defined by
relationships between actors, aggregators, and interactions. the images below visualize how each trend is characterized by these relationships:
COMMUNICATION FEEDBACK LOOP TOOLS
Temporary Communities Personal Tracking Handheld Hospital
Remote Diagnostics Gaming for Health DIY Check Up
Offline Web Mobile Distributed Wealth Picturing Our Health
GLOBAL NETWORKS Hacking Healthcare Bio-Medical Printing
Distance Learning
SMS Consultation Energy Off the Grid
Tracking Matters
HEALTH LAYMAN/PATIENT COMMUNITY SOCIAL “THE CLOUD” (REMOTE TO INFO AND/OR
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK DIGITAL DATABASE) LOOP
ACTORS AGGREGATORS INTERACTIONS
WWW.PSFK.COM 5

6. PSFK presents CHALLENGES & prepared for
FUTURE OF HEALTH imPLiCATiONS
Co n s u lti n g
How will the trends identified in this report impact health for the many? the Innovation team at UNICeF identified ten critical challenges their local
teams face in the field, and in the table below we describe how change reported in this document is helping to overcome them.
CHallenge: laCK oF aCCeSS to Relevant and aCtIonable CHallenge: dIFFICulty In exeCutIng dIStanCe tRaInIng
InFoRmatIon
Access By Anyone Remote guidance
information and health services are now more easily utilized by people without access treatment of patients by non-experts can now be augmented with professional doctor
to an internet connection or costly hardware. guidance in emergency situations.
CHallenge: lImIted abIlIty to ContaCt PHySICIanS and HealtH CHallenge: lImIted avaIlabIlIty oF doSage InFoRmatIon FoR
woRKeRS wHen neCeSSaRy CeRtaIn age gRouPS
Anywhere Diagnosis Virtual Medical Records
temporary, ad-hoc hospitals can be set up for doctors to monitor larger groups of patients can carry their personal medical record easily, allowing access to medical
people who get too sick to travel to hospitals. history at any hospital or health clinic.
CHallenge: laCK oF ConneCtIon/CommunICatIon between CHallenge: dIFFICulty wItH IdentIFICatIon oF CommunIty HealtH
CommunIty HealtH woRKeRS woRKeRS
Community information officers Phone As iD
messengers have influential roles within their immediate communities, serving as a financial services are addressing security and identity concerns on mobile devices,
contact point and service provider. making it possible for health services to use the mobile number as a means of id.
CHallenge: ImPoRtant need to ContInue buIldIng tRuSt and CHallenge: lImIted metHodS FoR SCHedulIng vISItS and CHeCK-uP
ReSPeCt wItHIn CommunItIeS RemIndeRS FoR PatIentS
Empower local leaders Frequent Check-ups, Early Detection
helping citizens create their own message boards around relevant topics can provide a mobile devices can be used to monitor healthy patients and larger populations,
forum for discussing local issues. therefore reducing the amount of visits for patients.
CHallenge: IdentIFyIng needS In dIFFeRent PaRtS oF tHe woRld CHallenge: dIFFICultIeS In RegISteRIng new bIRtHS
and adaPtIng tHe uSe oF PRogRamS/teCHnologIeS aCCoRdIngly
shared insights targeted updates
crowdsourcing data can allow multiple groups of people (universities, medical triggered events, such as purchasing habits of new parents, can send out alerts to
institutions, etc.) to analyze it and react to findings or changes. appropriate personnel.
WWW.PSFK.COM 6

7. SmS
CONSULTATiON
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

8. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH SmS CONSULTATiON
Co n s u lti n g
SummaRy
Increased access to mobile phones with even
basic capabilities has led to the development
of SMS services that connect users, allowing
for the exchange of vital information and
expert opinions in near real-time. this simple
format provides a trusted resource for asking
time-sensitive questions, while providing an
anonymous forum for gaining insights on
potentially sensitive subjects.
ImPlICatIonS
• trusted and Reliable sERViCE MonitoRs thE hEAlth stAtus oF hEAlthCARE PRoFEssionAls CollABoRAtE soCiAl nEtWoRking FRoM Any PhonE
SMS systems can build trust and CoMMunitiEs thRough tExt
encourage repeat usage by providing
timely responses to questions and
submissions.
• bite-Size Info
Concise information is easy to remember
and spread, while also serving as efficient
use of user time and battery on mobile
devices.
• low tech
SMS negates the need for more advanced
smartphones and cellular infrastructure in
developing countries.
• maintains Privacy
Services can provide users with the option
to maintain anonymity and privacy when EntiRE WoRlD As DisPlAy
tExting tEEns gEt REliABlE hEAlth instAnt tWo-WAy gRouP MEssAging
in-APP PuRChAsing FoR AugMEntED iDEntiFying FAkE MEDiCinEs ViA MoBilE
EDuCAtion REAlity ContEnt PhonE
asking sensitive information.
The widespread use of mobile phones now connects “The questions asked are really very simple,
the world like never before. How can new services but the answers are very vital things for
leverage this unprecedented access to deliver people to know. SMS allows of-the-moment
relevant information in a timely manner to those who type questions and answers.”
need it? Katie Malbon, M.D.
SMS Healthcare Expert
Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center
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9. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
SERviCE mONiTORS THE HEALTH STATUS OF
COmmUNiTiES SmS
ChildCount+ is a mobile health platform developed by the Millennium Villages
project aimed at empowering communities to improve child survival and
maternal health. Built on top of the open source platform rapidSMS, the
CONSULTATiON
service uses SMS text messages to facilitate and coordinate the activities of
community based healthcare providers, allowing them to register patients
and report their health status to a central web dashboard that provides a real-
time view of the health of a community.
http://www.childcount.org
WWW.PSFK.COM 9

10. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
HEALTHCARE PROFESSiONALS COLLABORATE
THROUGH TExT SmS
San Francisco-based truth on Call has gathered a panel of physicians to
answer questions through text messages. Geared towards a professional
audience of media, government, pharmaceutical executives, and doctors, the
CONSULTATiON
service encourages critical communication between healthcare providers
during situations that warrant collaboration.
http://www.truthoncall.com
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11. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
SOCiAL NETwORKiNG FROm ANy PHONE
Finnish company Sibesonke, a spin-off from Nokia Siemens Networks, has SmS
built a social networking service that is available on even the simplest phones.
It gives people access to chat, classifieds and other information. the service
works using SMS and the USSD text-based browsing protocol, both of which
CONSULTATiON
are part of the GSM technical standard, meaning there is no need to upgrade
a phone or establish an Internet data connection.
http://www.sibesonke.com
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12. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
TExTiNG TEENS GET RELiABLE HEALTH
EdUCATiON SmS
Mount Sinai adolescent Health Center has partnered with a mobile marketing
company to develop the ‘text in the City’ program to encourage a closer
relationship with its clinic population. this initiative provides a free and
CONSULTATiON
reliable health education platform for teenagers through their primary
means of communication, texting. the service offers a questions and answer
function, birth control reminders and weekly “healthbytes.”
http://textinthecity.posterous.com
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13. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
iNSTANT TwO-wAy GROUP mESSAGiNG
FrontlineSMS is a free, open source software that enables instantaneous SmS
two-way communication on a large scale by turning a computer and a mobile
phone or modem into a group messaging hub in any location that has a
mobile signal. With the platform, users can send messages to wide groups
CONSULTATiON
of people and collect responses to questions or surveys via SMS, as well as
manage contacts and export data to spreadsheets.
http://www.frontlinesms.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 13

14. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
idENTiFyiNG FAKE mEdiCiNES viA mOBiLE
PHONE SmS
the mpedigree system is attempting to establish an electronic library of
medicine being distributed in developing countries. By creating a large
resource of drug classifications that label drugs as illegitimate or genuine and
CONSULTATiON
making it available on a basic mobile platform, users from anywhere can be
assured that they are purchasing or using safe medicine.
http://mpedigree.net
WWW.PSFK.COM 14

15. diSTANCE
LEARNiNG
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

16. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH diSTANCE LEARNiNG
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
the development of faster mobile networks
and improved device technology is allowing
for an unprecedented level of quality content
to be streamed to and viewed on consumer
handheld devices. this is enabling access
to the web’s entire library of video tutorials
and how-to programs, and can lead to the
creation of virtual classrooms that can
happen anywhere. this will evolve to include
live person-to-person video chats on mobile
phones, allowing for a level of real-time
interactivity that will bring new opportunities
mOBiLE vidEO ASSiSTS HOmE viSiTS ConnECting DistAnt hosPitAls to mOBiLE APP HELPS dOCTORS ExPLAiN
to how and where people learn.
iMPRoVE tREAtMEnt CONdiTiONS
ImPlICatIonS
• anywhere, anytime Classroom
Citizens can learn proper care techniques
in home, rather than travel outside, for up-
to-date medical information
• Reusable learnings
Multiple people can receive training and
learning from one information source.
• Remote guidance
treatment can be augmented with
guidance from a highly trained medical
professional in emergency situations.
• Improved training
training can be made faster, cheaper and WEB ViDEo tutoRiAls lEARn AnytiME on youtuBE VisuAl sElF-hElP gRouPs
more efficient by using virtual classrooms
to teach courses remotely.
“Mobile devices make the jobs of remote
Numerous attempts are being made to change the health workers easier. And when these end
traditional top-down model of education. How can users have their needs addressed, they don’t
new developments in internet and communications require much training and then they suggest
technology, increase the reach of these new teaching more types of services that could help them.”
methods and make them readily accessible to all
populations? Merrick Schaefer
Remote Communications Expert
Project Mwana
WWW.PSFK.COM 16

17. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
mOBiLE vidEO ASSiSTS HOmE viSiTS
two projects are leveraging the power of mobile video to supplement work diSTANCE
in the homes of developing countries. First Days is a project by the Berkeley
Institute of Design that gives healthcare workers in India short videos related
to maternal health to show to their clients and help guide consultation. In
LEARNiNG
tanzania, healthcare volunteers are being aided with mobile video tutorials
during home visits by a collaboration of D-tree International and BraC
tanzania.
http://bid.berkeley.edu
http://www.d-tree.org
http://www.brac.net
WWW.PSFK.COM 17

18. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
CONNECTiNG diSTANT HOSPiTALS TO imPROvE
TREATmENT diSTANCE
In late 2009, hospitals in Sierra Leone launched a satellite link-up to connect
doctors in the country to doctors in India where there is better equipment for
data analysis. this facilitates real-time consultations between doctors in the
LEARNiNG
field and specialists in hospitals.
WWW.PSFK.COM 18

19. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
mOBiLE APP HELPS dOCTORS ExPLAiN
CONdiTiONS diSTANCE
the Blausen Human atlas is an app for the iphone and ipad that contains a
library of 150 interactive 3D animations, 1200 images and over 1,500 medical
terms to help explain human anatomy, common medical conditions and
LEARNiNG
treatments. the app was designed to improve communication between
doctors and patients by providing a visual method for understanding
complicated diagnoses and procedures. Human atlas can also be a useful
tool which can be shown to patients to help explain conditions out in the
field.
http://blausen.com/iphone
WWW.PSFK.COM 19

20. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
wEB vidEO TUTORiALS
altus Learning Systems recently launched vSearch Mobile, a cloud-based diSTANCE
service that allows users to search and access audio and video content
from internet connected devices including the ipad, iphone, BlackBerry
and android handsets. the service enables an organization to create a
LEARNiNG
repository of searchable cloud-based content, delivering knowledge to large,
geographically-dispersed audiences.
http://www.altuscorp.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 20

21. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
LEARN ANyTHiNG ANyTimE ON yOUTUBE
the Khan academy is a non-profit dedicated to the idea of democratizing diSTANCE
education by making quality tools available to everyone in the world. to that
end, the organization has created over 1400 videos accessible on Youtube
that cover a breadth of topics from basic arithmetic and science to more
LEARNiNG
complex subjects such as business finance and medicine. over 70,000
students visit the site every month and 35,000 videos are watched every day.
other organizations have also begun distributing copies of Khan’s videos on
offline servers to rural areas in asia, Latin america and africa.
http://www.khanacademy.org
WWW.PSFK.COM 21

22. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
viRTUAL SELF-HELP GROUPS
patientsLikeMe is a collective website that allows people with life- diSTANCE
changing conditions to connect with one another. It provides a platform
that helps people who have certain diseases to share their experiences
and teach coping strategies to those who have been recently diagnosed.
LEARNiNG
By taking away geographic boundaries, users can learn first hand about
how to deal with sicknesses that those in their immediate vicinity might
not have experience with.
http://www.patientslikeme.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 22

23. TEmPORARy
COmmUNiTiES
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

24. PSFK presents TEmPORARy prepared for
FUTURE OF HEALTH COmmUNiTiES
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
Better networking tools are enabling people
to assemble quickly around one or more
shared connections such as location, interest
or affiliation. these gatherings can occur
anywhere and are often centered around
accomplishing a common goal. these
systems create hyper-relevant networks that
communicate ideas and distribute information
across groups.
iMPliCAtions
• Faster Formation sERViCE kEEPs PEoPlE ConnECtED in A MoBilE PhonE nEighBoRhooD MEssAgE instAnt hyPERloCAl shARing
Groups of people can be quickly brought CRisis BoARD
together for training, vaccination and
emergency relief.
• decentralized broadcast
Citizens can gain information without
having to go through potentially
unreliable information channels.
• task-Based Messaging
local teams can quickly distribute tasks
among geographically diverse people.
• Relevant Messaging
allowing users to create their own
message boards around relevant topics
can provide a forum for community issues.
WEB PlAtFoRM PRoViDEs A WAy FoR ViRtuAl AssistAnt tuRns ChECk-ins into ChAt tool AlloWs gRouP ConVERsAtion
PEoPlE to oRgAnizE sPontAnEously MEEtuPs oVER tExt MEssAging
“Imagine hundreds of rescue workers, NGOs
We’ve seen what groups of dedicated individuals and doctors as in Haiti, all passing around
can accomplish when they’ve formed traditional data. That gives unparalleled up-to-date
communities around common goals. Can the addition information of where people are, plus details
of mobile technology increase their efficiency and such as movement patterns. It could help
relevancy? faster relief, epidemic prevention and more.”
Ulrik Hogrebe
Communications Design Expert
ASHA Project
WWW.PSFK.COM 24

25. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
SERviCE KEEPS PEOPLE CONNECTEd iN A
CRiSiS TEmPORARy
InSteDD has developed GeoChat, a service for coordinating the efforts of
different relief organizations on the ground to help ensure an organized,
rapid response following a crisis. the platform is a flexible open source group
COmmUNiTiES
communications technology that lets team members interact to maintain
shared geospatial awareness of who is doing what where -- over any device,
on any platform, over any network, using SMS, email or web browser.
http://instedd.org/geochat
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26. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
mOBiLE PHONE NEiGHBORHOOd mESSAGE
BOARd MoBilE PhonE nEighBoRhooD MEssAgE BoARD TEmPORARy
BlockChalk is an application for the iphone that allows people to leave behind
virtual messages and see what other people are saying in the immediate
vicinity. It acts as a localized digital bulletin-board where users in its proximity
COmmUNiTiES
can ask or answer questions and share useful information about the
neighborhood.
http://blockchalk.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 26

27. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
iNSTANT HyPERLOCAL SHARiNG
Nokia Instant Community is a technology in development that can create TEmPORARy
communities on mobile devices within close range of each other. Without
the need for an internet connection, it relies on an ad-hoc wifi to establish
and exchange information with others. through the service, users can instant
COmmUNiTiES
message with people nearby, as well as share pictures, songs, contact info
and other types of content.
http://www.research.nokia.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 27

28. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
wEB PLATFORm PROvidES A wAy FOR PEOPLE
TO ORGANizE SPONTANEOUSLy TEmPORARy
Meetup is a web-based platform that provides social groups the ability to
announce, organize and meet in the real world. their “everywhere” service
helps followers of companies and organizations to know about each other so
COmmUNiTiES
that they can communicate and even meet up.
http://www.meetup.com/everywhere
WWW.PSFK.COM 28

29. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
viRTUAL ASSiSTANT TURNS CHECK-iNS iNTO
mEETUPS TEmPORARy
MeetGatsby uses location-based data from Foursquare to match nearby
strangers who may be interested in meeting. Users participate by linking their
Foursquare account to the Gatsby service, identifying interests that they may
COmmUNiTiES
share with others. Upon check-in, Gatsby sends a text to notify users when a
match is nearby, allowing for a text conversation to be held instantly.
http://meetgatsby.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 29

30. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
CHAT TOOL ALLOwS GROUP CONvERSATiON
OvER TExT mESSAGiNG TEmPORARy
US-based onebluebrick has created Fast Society, a tool that lets users create
a message board-like forum just with text messaging. When a user sends out
a text through the service, it creates a group chat that lets multiple people
COmmUNiTiES
read and respond to the thread through text messaging. Users start an event
with a text, then when it’s over can review the event on its own web page.
the service also allows groups to easily coordinate conference calls. this
allows easy, short communications among groups without the need for an
internet connection.
http://www.fastsociety.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 30

31. HANdHELd
HOSPiTAL
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

32. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH HANdHELd HOSPiTAL
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
Mobile applications, peripherals and add-
ons are becoming sophisticated enough to
perform tasks comparable to their hospital
equivalents, at price points that are more
accessible for members of emerging
economies. although they often offer only
basic functionality, these devices approximate
vital diagnosis protocols closely enough
to provide people in remote areas with
immediate diagnosis.
iMPliCAtions loW-Cost MoBilE PhonE EyE tEst lEns-lEss DigitAl MiCRosCoPE Plugs into PoRtABlE MiCRosCoPE DEliVERs
• Provide good enough analysis MoBilE PhonEs stREAMing ViDEo to MoBilE DEViCEs
patients in remote areas can receive basic
diagnosis without having to travel to
health clinics.
• mobile Phone as tool
Services can be built that augment the
capabilities of basic phones enabling
them to provide mobile care.
• anywhere diagnosis
temporary, ad-hoc hospitals can be set
up for doctors to monitor larger groups
of people who don’t have easy access to
medical facilities.
• Frequent Check-ups, early detection
Mobile devices can be used to monitor
healthy patients and larger populations oFF-thE-shElF DigitAl CAMERA sEEs Plug-in tEChnology FoR MoBilE PhonEs hAnDhElD DEViCE FoR CAPtuRing
identifying and preventing pandemics by CAnCER in REAl tiME DiAgnosEs PnEuMoniA BioMEtRiCs in thE FiElD
treating people before disease spreads.
The notion of ‘good enough’ technology has proven “What people don’t realize is how much we
to be successful when applied to the basic needs can already do using existing technologies and
of consumers in the marketplace. What if this same mobile devices. The challenge is making these
idea was established in the healthcare industry? technologies understandable, usable and
relevant in people’s lives.”
Richard Fine
Health Product Innovator
Help Remedies
WWW.PSFK.COM 32

33. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
LOw-COST mOBiLE PHONE EyE TEST
the Near-eye tool for refractive assessment (Netra) project from the MIt HANdHELd
Media Lab provides eyesight tests by utilizing the screen of a smartphone
to display images while the Netra sensors measure the optical distortion
across different regions of the eye. this method eliminates the need for more
HOSPiTAL
expensive components found in traditional optical sensors.
http://web.media.mit.edu/~pamplona/NETRA
WWW.PSFK.COM 33

34. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
Lens-Less DigitaL Microscope pLugs into
MobiLe phones HANdHELd
UCLa’s ozcan research Group has developed a small digital microscope that
can plug into a cell phone through a USB cable and perform basic medical
diagnostics. this inexpensive, lightweight microscope doesn’t use a lens, but
HOSPiTAL
instead incorporates a light-emitting diode to illuminate the sample along
with a light-sensing chip to capture images from slides. an algorithm is able
to analyze data from the images, determining patient blood counts and
identifying if any diseased cells or bacteria are present. this helps ensure
quicker access to medication and treatment.
http://innovate.ee.ucla.edu
WWW.PSFK.COM 34

35. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
PORTABLE miCROSCOPE dELivERS STREAmiNG
vidEO TO mOBiLE dEviCES HANdHELd
Japanese firm Scalar Corp has developed a powerful microscope called the
airMicro model a1 that can transmit video to the ipad or iphone over wireless
LaN. the microscope is equipped with a 50x lens for precise imaging,
HOSPiTAL
enabling users to examine skin textures and blemishes on one or more mobile
devices using a proprietary mobile application.
http://www.scalar.co.jp/english
WWW.PSFK.COM 35

36. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
OFF-THE-SHELF diGiTAL CAmERA SEES CANCER
iN REAL TimE HANdHELd
Using a $400 olympus digital camera, biomedical researchers at rice
University and the University of texas are able to distinguish between healthy
and cancerous cells with the addition of a small bundle of fiber-optic cable.
HOSPiTAL
the tip of the cable is placed against the inside of a patient’s cheek, which
has been treated with a common fluorescent dye that causes cell nuclei to
glow for better imaging. the pictures captured can then be examined on the
camera’s LCD screen to detect if abnormal cells are present. In the future,
software upgrades could be developed to perform this analysis automatically.
http://www.rice.edu
WWW.PSFK.COM 36

37. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
PLUG-iN TECHNOLOGy FOR mOBiLE PHONES
diAGNOSES PNEUmONiA HANdHELd
researchers at the University of Melbourne in australia are adapting cell
phones to help health workers quickly diagnose pneumonia. the team
has developed a low-cost oximeter, a device that measures the oxygen
HOSPiTAL
content in red blood cells by tracking the absorption of red and infrared light
waves as they pass through a patient’s fingertip. this can be plugged into a
smartphone with special diagnostic software to analyze readings obtained
from the sensor and determine a patient’s health. the next step is expanding
the prototype to work with simpler cell phones.
http://www.ni.unimelb.edu.au
WWW.PSFK.COM 37

38. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
HANdHELd dEviCE FOR CAPTURiNG
BiOmETRiCS iN THE FiELd HANdHELd
the HIIDe is a portable biometric tool developed by the US army that can
capture people’s iris, finger, and facial profiles in field environments. With
65,000 currently in use in Iraq and afghanistan, the device integrates with
HOSPiTAL
worldwide databases housing biometric data, facilitating the quick care and
treatment of patients living in remote areas.
http://biometricesc.mi.army.mil/Software
WWW.PSFK.COM 38

39. TRACKiNG
mATTERS
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

40. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH TRACKiNG mATTERS
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
the availability of low cost sensors and other
digital technologies to collect and broadcast
data is enabling virtually any object—from
people to packages—to be tracked and
monitored. existing mobile and web-based
platforms can offer almost real-time access to
information that can provide both positional
and conditional insights, resulting in greater
accountability and understanding.
iMPliCAtions
• Position and Condition sEnsoRs PRoViDE CoMPlEtE MonitoRing RFiD to tRACk PAtiEnts AnD RECoRDs in using sMEll to DEtECt sPoilAgE
Medicine and vital supplies can be tracked oF MEDiCAl DEliVERiEs hosPitAls
more accurately and easily to ensure they
arrive untampered and in good condition.
• targeted updates
triggered events can send out alerts to
appropriate personnel.
• automated Inventory
Inventory survey times can be shortened
by requesting objects to check-into
systems.
• Continuous monitoring
patients with chronic diseases can be
monitored more easily and receive
ongoing care.
• Increased accountability
personnel can be monitored to ensure sMARt lABEls hElP PAtiEnts tAkE Pills using RFiD FoR ACCountABility in GPS ENABLEd TRACKiNG OF CiTy RESOURCES
attendance and delivery of services. EDuCAtionAl institutions
“Integration of new technology (GPS, web “Whether you’re a healthcare provider, drug
mapping) and the tried and true paper maps company or device maker, most of your
and mobile phones ensure successful health interactions with patients are short and
mapping.” mysterious. There’s a brief interaction and very
limited opportunity for follow up. Everyone is
Joshua Goldstein looking for ways to deepen that relationship.”
Community Mapping Expert
Map Kiberia Project Richard Fine
Health Product Innovator
Help Remedies
WWW.PSFK.COM 40

41. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
SENSORS PROvidE COmPLETE mONiTORiNG OF
mEdiCAL dELivERiES TRACKiNG
Senseaware is a Fedex-powered service that uses comprehensive sensor
technology for web-based monitoring of packages. packages equipped with
Senseaware deliver real-time information about location, temperature and
mATTERS
lighting, and other environmental cues, helping ensure that critical medical
supplies and other sensitive materials are received in the proper condition.
http://www.senseaware.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 41

42. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
RFid TO TRACK PATiENTS ANd RECORdS iN
HOSPiTALS TRACKiNG
China-based Daily rFID’s single-use tracking kit is designed to be used for
hospital patient management tasks such as patient monitoring, medication
records, and tracing of newborn babies in hospital settings. the rFID-
mATTERS
enabled, wristband-based kit gives physicians and medical staff an easy way
to immediately identify a patient and their medical record with a wifi-enabled
pDa hand-held reader, while simultaneously updating the system with
current information.
http://www.rfid-in-china.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 42

43. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
USiNG SmELL TO dETECT SPOiLAGE
Ge is developing sensors that combine rFID tracking with an acute gas TRACKiNG
sensing capability, which can detect the presence of distinct chemical
compounds in the air. When attached to food products, these sensors
periodically check for spoilage, alerting consumers either through an
mATTERS
intelligent label or by wireless notification.
http://ge.geglobalresearch.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 43

44. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
SmART LABELS HELP PATiENTS TAKE PiLLS
patients that opt into the eMedonline system are given a cellphone equipped TRACKiNG
with an rFID reader and pill bottles with rFID labels. a mobile application
that runs on the phone schedules their medication and alerts patients at
appropriate times, explaining what they should take and what it is for, while
mATTERS
providing a walkthrough succession of steps for more elderly users.
http://www.emedonline.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 44

45. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
USiNG RFid FOR ACCOUNTABiLiTy iN
EdUCATiONAL iNSTiTUTiONS TRACKiNG
Northern arizona University is working to implement a system for using rFID
proximity card readers to automatically take attendance in its classes, with
an aim to increase attendance and student performance. the system calls
mATTERS
for embedding rFID into the personal cards of each student in an effort to
monitor their whereabouts on campus.
http://home.nau.edu
WWW.PSFK.COM 45

46. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
GPS ENABLEd TRACKiNG OF CiTy RESOURCES
trash track is a project by the SeNSeable City Lab at MIt that aims to help TRACKiNG
residents see the path of trash after it leaves their homes. By placing rFID
tags on trash and following its path with both cellular triangulation and GpS,
it allows users to view the path of their trash on a map. the project also hopes
mATTERS
to give residents a better understanding of the “removal Chain” process and
their impact on the environment.
http://senseable.mit.edu/trashtrack
WWW.PSFK.COM 46

47. REmOTE
diAGNOSTiCS
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

48. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH REmOTE diAGNOSTiCS
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
Web-connected devices are now able
to capture an individual’s health-related
data and communicate that information
to healthcare professionals situated
anywhere. this information allows
for distributed care enabling remote
diagnoses, alerting doctors to changing
conditions as they occur and providing a
total picture of a person’s health so that
necessary care can be administered.
WEB-BAsED stEthosCoPE FoR REMotE ANALySiS OUTSOURCEd TO SLEEP ExPERTS Pill AlERts DoCtoRs WhEn sWAlloWED
DiAgnosis
iMPliCAtions
• less beds, better Health
treatment centers and hospitals can track
patient health without patient visits.
• Family-Centered
a patient’s family life and work is less
disrupted with remote diagnosis.
• Picturing Health
More relevant, accurate, real-time data of
the health of populations can be gathered.
• Foreign expertise
Specialists can be utilized in
geographically remote areas through
technology-enabled consultations.
intElligEnt BoDy MonitoR PREEMPtiVEly WEB ConnECtED CuFFs MonitoR REmOTE PATiENT mONiTORiNG viA THE
PREDiCts hEARt FAiluRE hyPERtEnsion FRoM AFAR iPHONE
“Fitness trackers, whether as wearable devices
Traditionally patients have been required to travel or embedded into smartphones, will offer
to a hospital or clinic to have their basic health data doctors the ability to see in real-time how
taken and to receive consultations. What happens active their patients are, helping them glean
when these measurements can be taken individually, from the data generated how best to modify a
when the person being monitored does not have to patient’s lifestyle.”
travel, and when they can instantly see progress or
problem areas? Peter Rojas
Technology Expert
GDGT.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 48

49. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
wEB-BASEd STETHOSCOPE FOR REmOTE
diAGNOSiS REmOTE
the Zargistelemed platform by Zargis Medical streams heart and lung
sounds to anywhere in the world using a web-connected stethoscope. the
sounds are transmitted in real-time either over the internet or a private
diAGNOSTiCS
network allowing for remote diagnosis and expert analysis. the platform is
integrated with the Cardioscan heart sounds analysis software and the Zargis
Stethassist heart and lung sounds visualization software.
http://www.zargis.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 49

50. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
ANALySiS OUTSOURCEd TO SLEEP ExPERTS
Sleep apnea is a condition that is costly to diagnose and often requires that a REmOTE
patient spend several nights in clinic for proper analysis. Watermark Medical
has developed an at-home device that helps doctors diagnose sleep apnea
remotely. the sensor-equipped headband is worn by a patient for a night or
diAGNOSTiCS
two during their normal sleep cycles, measuring various metrics including
blood-oxygen saturation, air flow, pulse rate and snoring levels. the data
is downloaded to a personal computer, then sent to a network of sleep
professionals, one of whom delivers a report to the physician within 48 hours,
with a diagnosis and suggested treatment.
http://www.watermarkmedical.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 50

51. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
PiLL ALERTS dOCTORS wHEN SwALLOwEd
researchers at the University of Florida have developed a prototype of REmOTE
an ingestible pill capsule containing a microchip and an antenna, which
automatically alerts doctors or family members when it is ingested. after it is
swallowed, the microchip in the pill transmits a signal to an external electronic
diAGNOSTiCS
device which then alerts a cell phone or computer, informing the patient’s
doctor or family. the pill doesn’t require a battery as it is powered by short
bursts of low-voltage charge sent by the external device.
http://news.ufl.edu/2010/03/31/antenna-pill-2
WWW.PSFK.COM 51

52. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
iNTELLiGENT BOdy mONiTOR PREEmPTivELy
PREdiCTS HEART FAiLURE REmOTE
piiX is a wireless, water-resistant sensor developed by Corventis that sticks
to a patient’s chest, monitoring heart rate, respiratory rate, bodily fluids,
and overall activity. It transmits this data to a central server for analysis and
diAGNOSTiCS
review by both doctor and patient. the designers are working to generate
algorithms that can analyze the data and predict when a patient is on the
verge of heart failure by comparing trends in his or her vital signs against
other cases.
http://www.corventis.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 52

53. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
wEB CONNECTEd CUFFS mONiTOR
HyPERTENSiON FROm AFAR REmOTE
Kaiser permanente Colorado recently concluded a trial to test if an easy
home-based monitoring system would lead to better control of a patient’s
hypertension. In the study, individuals were given a blood pressure cuff
diAGNOSTiCS
with a USB connection that transmitted readings to the american Heart
association’s Heart 360 website and a Microsoft HealthVault account via
a home computer. Clinical pharmacists and doctors looked at the reports
and used standard treatment algorithms to figure out whose drugs needed
tweaking. patients were contacted by phone or email with any changes. Data
suggests positive outcomes from the experiment.
https://www.kaiserpermanente.org
WWW.PSFK.COM 53

54. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
REmOTE PATiENT mONiTORiNG viA THE iPHONE
the airStrip series of applications for the iphone are a collection of mobile REmOTE
services that allow physicians to monitor patient status information away
from medical centers in real-time. the technology platform taps into the
hospital systems and provides waveform data sets such as heart beat, vital
diAGNOSTiCS
signs and imaging data via a secure connection from hospital to doctor.
http://www.airstriptech.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 54

55. diy
CHECK UP
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

56. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH diy CHECK UP
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
Consumer electronics such as mobile
phones can be used by people to detect
early warning signals related to illness
and other medical conditions using
simple biomedical inputs. By periodically
checking their personal wellness, users
are able to better manage their own
health before visiting or consulting a
doctor.
iMPliCAtions DiAgnosE DisEAsE thRough sounD MoBilE APP Puts A thERAPist in youR low-teCH SelF-dIagnoSIS tool
PoCkEt
• at-Home Convenience
access to self-administered tests
encourages better health awareness.
• empowering Citizens
people can rely less on outside help for
managing illnesses and ask more informed
questions during routine checkups.
• Increased Choice
Interactive experiences can walk patients
through diagnosis and treatments.
• more efficient Healthcare
Decreased time spent diagnosing non-
critical illnesses at home enables health
facilities to focus on more pressing cases.
DEtECting PotEntiAl skin CAnCER intERACtiVE APP FoR DiAgnosing BACk APP PRoViDEs FRontlinE MEDiCAl
inDiCAtoRs At hoME PAin ConsultAtion
“The ability for people to test themselves
We’ve already seen how wider access to web-based
effectively will change the healthcare industry.
information has empowered people to make more
Focus will be taken away from in-clinic testing
informed decisions in many aspects of their lives.
and placed upon self-analysis.”
How will further advances in these tools through a
combination of ease of use and reliable results help Piers Fawkes, President, PSFK
individuals take a more active role in managing their
personal health?
WWW.PSFK.COM 56

57. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
diAGNOSE diSEASE THROUGH SOUNd
a new iphone application being developed by Star analytical Services is diy
designed to diagnose respiratory disease using the sound of a cough. Users
simply cough into the microphone; the acoustic properties of the sound
are then compared against a database of coughs which indicate various
CHECK UP
maladies.
http://www.staranalyticalservices.com/
WWW.PSFK.COM 57

58. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
mOBiLE APP PUTS A THERAPiST iN yOUR
POCKET diy
the Mobile therapy application being developed by Intel works by displaying
a “mood map” on a user’s cell phone screen at random times during the day.
Users tap the screen to indicate their current mood. Based on the information
CHECK UP
entered by the user, the application offers therapeutic exercises ranging from
breathing visualizations and progressive muscle relaxation to useful ways to
disengage from a stressful situation.
http://www.intel.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 58

59. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
LOw-TECH SELF-diAGNOSiS TOOL
Designers at Honeywell technology Solutions in Bangalore have created a diy
self-diagnosis tool for people living in rural India, empowering patients and
helping doctors by aiding patients in accurately identifying their symptoms.
the simple design consists of a set of rings, each listing symptoms, a disease
CHECK UP
chart and other information. the patient rotates the rings and chooses
their symptoms by bringing them into a single line, below the marker. each
symptom has a number printed on it. the user maps the disease code on the
chart, and the chart provides tentative results: disease name, severity, next
steps, diagnostic tests required to confirm the disease, the particular specialty
of doctor they should see, and contact information for doctors and hospitals.
http://www.honeywell.com/sites/htsl
WWW.PSFK.COM 59

60. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
dETECTiNG POTENTiAL SKiN CANCER
iNdiCATORS AT HOmE diy
the Factor 61 concept by designer antonia Haaf is a home-use medical
device made for the early detection of nodular melanoma. the user holds
their thumb over a sensor and the device analyzes visual characteristics from
CHECK UP
skin abnormalities with image recognition technology, identifying potential
indicators of skin cancer.
WWW.PSFK.COM 60

61. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
iNTERACTivE APP FOR diAGNOSiNG BACK PAiN
pain Free Back is an iphone application designed to provide individuals with diy
a rudimentary diagnosis and treatment guide for lower back pain. the app
takes sufferers through a personalized, guided discovery of potential causes
of their pain and demonstrates simple and effective exercises to help relieve
CHECK UP
discomfort and improve spinal health.
http://www.smarthealthsoftware.com/pain-free-back
WWW.PSFK.COM 61

62. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
APP PROvidES FRONTLiNE mEdiCAL
CONSULTATiON diy
US based WebMD has launched a free mobile application that lets users get
basic medical information before going to a doctor. the app allows users
to find local health providers, check symptoms and access basic drug and
CHECK UP
treatment information.
http://www.webmd.com/mobile
WWW.PSFK.COM 62

63. PiCTURiNG
OUR HEALTH
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

64. PSFK presents PiCTURiNG prepared for
FUTURE OF HEALTH OUR HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
as more data is captured about individuals
and communities, better tools are needed
to make this often complex information
more meaningful and easier to understand.
the development of highly visual and often
interactive formats are providing experts and
amateurs alike with methods for investigating
health on any scale, allowing for deeper
analysis and greater insight.
iMPliCAtions
• understand large Sets of data Faster MAking VisuAl sEnsE oF hEAlth DAtA Diy PlAtFoRM FoR VisuAlizing PERsonAl MAPPing outBREAks
experts can get a better understanding of stAtistiCs
overall health of an individual or region in
less time than was previously possible.
• overcome language barriers
Citizens with little or no formal education
can come to a better understanding of
their own health, enabling them to be
proactive in their healthcare decisions.
• Shared Insights
Crowdsourcing data analysis can allow
multiple groups of people (universities,
medical institutions, etc.) to react to
findings or trends.
• better Indicators
Understanding history and past actions
allows for the optimization of future tRACk AnD shARE gluCosE lEVEls APPliCAtion hElPs usERs sEE hoW WEll DAtA VisuAlizAtion tools FoR thE PuBliC
behavior and healthcare practices. thEy’RE slEEPing
From tools like growth charts (for monitoring a “People just need a snapshot of their behavior
child’s nutritional status over time) to information and they will learn to interpret this data and
about whether a mother has had the correct adjust their lives based on it. This information
vaccinations, healthcare professionals collect doesn’t require a professional to interpret it.”
massive amounts of patient data. How can the ability Jay Parkinson, M.D.
to see individual data in easily understandable Healthcare Innovator
visualizations or compared on a national scale allow The Future Well
healthcare to be more accurate and efficient?
WWW.PSFK.COM 64

65. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
viSUALiziNG GEOGRAPHiC HEALTH
Ge’s Healthymagination project is an effort to help users understand PiCTURiNG
complex data sets. one aspect of the project is an interactive map that lets
users navigate health issues in the US on national, state, and county levels.
the map can be filtered to view categories related to physical and mental
OUR HEALTH
health, socioeconomic status and even the physical environment. this give
researchers the ability to see a high-level view of a country, then zoom down
in to examine individual problem areas and the variables that affect them.
http://www.healthymagination.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 65

66. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
diy PLATFORm FOR viSUALiziNG PERSONAL
STATiSTiCS PiCTURiNG
Daytum is a mobile and web-based platform that provides intuitive tools for
collecting and communicating data through a series of simple visualizations.
the site features a dashboard where users can easily add, display, distribute
OUR HEALTH
and archive relevant information. It creates a larger picture of personal statics
that can be tracked over time to provide deeper insights into behaviors and
other metrics.
http://daytum.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 66

67. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
mAPPiNG OUTBREAKS
Geographical visualizations of outbreaks and health incidents allow users PiCTURiNG
to gain a broader understanding of occurrences across regions. Services
like Google Flutrends aggregate data from search terms, while services like
HealthMap filter news reports across media outlets. More localized solutions
OUR HEALTH
such as Ushahidi populate data points through user submitted SMS reports.
Insights generated from the data can be used towards prevention efforts and
allocating resources.
http://www.google.org/flutrends
http://healthmap.org/outbreaksnearme
http://www.ushahidi.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 67

68. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
TRACK ANd SHARE GLUCOSE LEvELS
the Bant app for the iphone enables users to visually track their blood PiCTURiNG
glucose levels throughout the day. after recording glucose levels at points
throughout the day, users are then able to view their levels as a trend graph
of daily, weekly and monthly views, sharing them with others as needed.
OUR HEALTH
http://bantapp.com
WWW.PSFK.COM 68

69. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
APPLiCATiON HELPS USERS SEE HOw wELL
THEy’RE SLEEPiNG PiCTURiNG
Sleep Cycle is a mobile application for the iphone that helps monitor and
visualize a user’s sleep patterns during the course of the night. through
monitoring factors such as movement, snoring levels and other ambient data,
OUR HEALTH
the applications provides visualizations in the forms of graphs that provide
visual feedback. this gives user’s an understanding of their sleep patterns
that helps them make changes to their sleeping habits.
http://www.mdlabs.se/sleepcycle
WWW.PSFK.COM 69

70. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
dATA viSUALizATiON TOOLS FOR THE PUBLiC
Created under IBM’s Collaborative User experience lab, Many eyes is a set PiCTURiNG
of web browser tools that allow users to generate interactive visualizations
of data sets. Users can submit their own data and decide on the best way
to visualize their output. Visualization types include geographic maps, word
OUR HEALTH
clouds and block histograms. the purpose of the project is to enable the
general public to focus efforts on gathering insights from data rather than
generating and programming the visualizations.
http://manyeyes.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes
WWW.PSFK.COM 70

71. wELLNESS
TRACKiNG
photo: catalina kulczar-marin ©2010

72. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH wELLNESS TRACKiNG
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
technologies are being developed to help
people self-monitor their health from any
location, tracking and delivering basic
biometric data and performance statistics.
apps are taking advantage of the sensors
in mobile phones to provide real-time,
personalized feedback to individuals that they
can then share with their healthcare providers
and families. When linked to action, this
information can help people lead healthier
lifestyles.
WEAR-EVERyWhERE DEViCE MonitoRs MoBilE APP tRACks DAily nutRition VisuAlizE youR Run
iMPliCAtions FitnEss DAtA
• ambient tracking
passive tracking technologies allow
people to collect important stats without
interrupting normal activities.
• virtual medical Records
patients can carry their personal medical
record easily, allowing access to medical
history at any hospital or health clinic.
• Instant diagnosis
Frequent updates enable users to pinpoint
problems in real-time. Constant updates
allow for early detection and prevention.
• easy-to-learn
Introducing technology will be easier
because it requires less effort and requires ClouD-BAsED nutRition sCAlE hElPs PEoPlE iMPRoVE WEight oVER LiFE-LOGGiNG GLASSES CAPTURE
a smaller learning curve for users. tiME EvERyTHiNG THE wEARER SEES
“A positive thing that can come out of tracking “Imagine what we could be doing, if we could
is that patients learn to use data, and adjust just give people something as seemingly
their lives based on it, on their own. Whenever simple as an electronic medical journal that
you think about it, you don’t really spend all could follow the patient using the same low-
that much time with your doctor.” tech principals that ASHA is built on.”
Jay Parkinson, M.D. Ulrik Hogrebe
Healthcare Innovator Communications Design Expert
ASHA Project
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73. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
suMMARy
iMPliCAtions
•
•
•
BikE PoWERED PhonE ChARgER APP tRAnsFoRMs iPhonE into CREDit stoRE-FREE shoPPing ViA tExt
CARD MAChinE
EntiRE WoRlD As DisPlAy in-APP PuRChAsing FoR AugMEntED MoBilE CouPons oFFER oPPoRtunity FoR
REAlity ContEnt REtAilERs to REWARD shoPPERs
The Future Well
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74. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
wEAR-EvERywHERE dEviCE mONiTORS
FiTNESS dATA wELLNESS
the FitBit is a small device that users wear to monitor their levels of activity
throughout the day. the device tracks data with motion sensors and
wirelessly transmits the results online whenever it is within 15 meters of a base
TRACKiNG
station.
http://www.fitbit.com
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75. prepared for
PSFK presents
FUTURE OF HEALTH
Co n s u lti n g
mOBiLE APP TRACKS dAiLy NUTRiTiON
DailyBurn’s FoodScannner application leverages a database of over 200,000 wELLNESS
foods to provide users with on-the-go nutrition information. Users simply
scan product bar codes using their phone’s camera to pull up relevant entries
and submit through the app to catalog their eating habits.
TRACKiNG
http://dailyburn.com/foodscanner
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