As part of Apple's 2016 Spring Event, the company announced the launch of a new tool called 'CareKit.' As the medical community gradually begins incorporating new technology into everyday operations, this tool could serve as a useful way to track and monitor patient health.
CareKit is a developer tool that makes it easier for programmers to build health-care apps for iOS. The open-source platform is similar to ResearchKit, but it is specifically designed for patient care. As a result, medical facilities can use the program to track treatment progress, monitor symptoms, keep tabs on a patient's medication schedule and even communicate with other physicians. As Apple's COO Jeff Williams explains, CareKit is "empowering people to take a more active role in their care."
While the tool is specifically designed for patients with Parkinson’s, Apple believes the tool could also be used to monitor post-surgery progress, pregnancy, physical therapy and other medical applications.
Healthcare Developer Tools
The New CareKit Tool Helps Researchers Track and Monitor Their Patients
Trend Themes
1. Patient Health Tracking - Developing tools that allow for easy tracking and monitoring of patient health through technology.
2. Developer Tools for Healthcare - Creating platforms and resources for programmers to build health-care apps that cater to specific medical needs.
3. Empowering Patient Care - Designing tools that empower patients to take a more active role in their own healthcare.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Technology - Utilizing technology to improve patient care and health monitoring in medical facilities.
2. Mobile App Development - Providing resources and platforms for developers to create health-focused apps for iOS and other mobile platforms.
3. Telemedicine - Exploring the use of telemedicine technologies to improve communication and monitoring between physicians and patients.