Connected Devices In Clinical Trials: Considerations For Use And Future Outlook

The use of technology in healthcare is on the rise. In fact, research from Frost & Sullivan predicts that the healthcare wearable device market could be worth $18.9 billion by 2020.1 This increase in wearable technology, availability of smartphones and mobile devices, and growth in connectivity, is transforming healthcare all over the world.  Researchers and medical professionals who are prepared to embrace these connected technologies in their clinical studies are likely to reap the benefits the technology can provide.

Patients and healthcare professionals are becoming increasingly familiar with the use of connected devices to measure and monitor health status. The innovation in this area, growing miniaturization of sensors and circuity, and reduced cost of sensor solutions, provide an exciting outlook for the future. Connected devices may help us to collect richer data to better monitor patients and better understand intervention effects.

With the increased attention on the use of wearables and sensor systems in clinical trials across the industry, we expect to see a drive towards greater adoption. Ultimately leading to the development and validation of novel endpoints.