Apple’s HealthKit API and the apps that utilize it aim to take data collected from the iOS 8 Health app and others, and allow the user the option of sending it securely on to the user’s healthcare provider (complying with HIPAA as required by law). Of the 23 top hospitals surveyed by Reuters, 14 of them — or 60 percent — responded that pilot projects involving HealthKit were either in place or being worked out.
Last year brought a number of interesting developments with HealthKit and the Health app, including native Bluetooth support of some medical devices, and the fixing of an issue with blood glucose tracking. As the technology is adopted by the medical community, missing features — such as the lack of tracking for a menstrual cycle, as an example — will be added.
Stanford and Duke University Hospitals began working on programs testing the use of HealthKit apps and data-sharing to providers early on. Doctors and other health specialists are not only interested in the possible early warnings that pulling in daily wellness information can provide, but in the possibility of avoiding “repeat admissions,” for which they could be fined under new healthcare regulations.
Both Google and Samsung have introduced similar services, but those haven’t seen the same level of interest as Apple’s HealthKit.
Along with experienced fashion industry executives, Apple has also been bringing on healthcare experts to bolster the usefulness of HealthKit, as well as make sure it is compliant with health data security regulations.
