Netherlands-based Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc) has introduced a connected digital health prototype that enables people living with diabetes and their health care providers to make more confident care decisions while managing the complexity of diabetes self-care. In its first phase, the solution both organizations are developing will focus on patients living with diabetes type 1.

The system, consisting of a mobile patient app and online community, is the first to collect and connect data from electronic medical records, multiple personal health devices - including wireless glucose meters and activity monitors - and patient self-reported data. Via a smartphone or tablet, the app gives patients continuous access to important parameters such as blood glucose levels, insulin use, and nutrition and provides coaching guidance* at home and on the go. The secure online community is where enrolled patients and healthcare professionals can interact via private messaging or shared posts within a healthcare organization's clinical guidelines. In this way, patients can get feedback from their care team using the combined data and can easily share experiences with fellow patients, clinicians and caregivers.

The collaborative prototype development among Philips, Radboudumc and Salesforce is available in pilot release by the end of year, with plans to introduce similar connected care solutions addressing other chronic conditions.

"I am excited that we are providing people with diabetes the tools to connect all of their relevant health data and devices. Our system allows sharing of data and experiences in one community, where they can collaborate with fellow patients and their care teams in a secure environment," said Mr Jeroen Tas, CEO Healthcare Informatics Solutions and Services, Philips. He added, "There is a growing need for solutions that enhance self-management and continuity of care for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes to reduce health deterioration, re-admissions and mortality rates. This system has been designed by patients for patients and is enabling fully integrated health management and care delivery in a new, connected, efficient and highly patient-centric way."

"We want to encourage and support people to take full command of their disease by providing them with the right decision tools. This fits in our mission towards patient-centered participatory health care at Radboudumc," said Mr Cees Tack, Professor in internal medicine at Radboudumc. He added, "Empowering patients to be true partners in their own health care by giving them access to their data and by facilitating collaboration is the key to driving change across populations," Lucien Engelen, Director REshape Center at Radboudumc added. "By collaborating with Philips, we're creating the digital framework necessary to make data actionable and transform how patients engage with their caregivers and social community."

The system is built on the Philips HealthSuite digital platform and its new CareCatalyst. This platform securely connects devices and collects, integrates and analyzes patient data from connected consumer and medical devices, electronic medical records, and personal health data. Via this open digital platform, self-measurement sources and overall functionality can easily be extended as new digital health consumer measurement technologies become available. CareCatalyst is a digital toolkit that makes it easy for health systems, institutions and care providers to utilize the power of the HealthSuite digital platform in dedicated localized solutions.

Further delivering on its commitment to support people throughout the full continuum of health, Philips also recently introduced the first in a series of personal health programs that empower consumers to stay healthier and help prevent illness.