Apple has shared a report on how their products are helping users, developers and health organisations make improvements in personal health, research and care, as well as providing detail on its future plans.<\/p>\n
The report begins by stating that all health and fitness features are developed with two overarching principles. \u201cThey are all subject to rigorous scientific validation processes, in collaboration with medical community experts,\u201d it says. Additionally, \u201cOur features put our users\u2019 privacy at the centre and provide users with protections including transparency and control. Data privacy is critical for sensitive health data.\u201d<\/p>\n
The report goes on to share how Apple\u2019s efforts towards health advancement primary fall into two categories: empowering users on their own personal health journeys, and supporting the health ecosystem through collaborations with the medical community.<\/p>\n
To empower people on their own journeys, Apple says that it works to keep health data in one place, aims to be an \u201cintelligent guardian\u201d for users\u2019 health, implements features to improve everyday fitness, and fuels innovative third-party health and fitness apps.<\/p>\n
Work involved in supporting the health ecosystem through collaboration with the medical community includes equipping researchers to make new scientific discoveries; strengthening the physician-patient relationship through meaningful data; the promotion of healthy lifestyles through Apple Watch; and supporting public health and government initiatives.<\/p>\n
Here we will take a look at each of these workstreams to explore Apple\u2019s work in the healthcare environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Health app was Apple\u2019s first health and fitness feature, creating a central and secure location for all of a user\u2019s personal health information on iPhone,\u201d the report states. It adds that the quantity and quality of available insights has significantly increased with the introduction of Apple Watch, and today users \u201ccan store over 150 different types of health data from Apple Watch, iPhone, and third-party apps and devices in the Health app, in addition to available health records data from connected institutions in the US, UK, and Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n
It notes that users are able to privately and securely access their own health records, including medication records, immunisations, lab results and more from participating health institutions. Additionally, users can \u201csecurely share their data with a loved one or a caregiver, so that trusted partner can follow important alerts and changes over time\u201d, with users holding complete control over which data they choose to share and with whom.<\/p>\n
Trend analysis is also highlighted in the report: \u201cusers can view reports on trends analysis for 20 types of data ranging from resting heart rate to sleep to cardio fitness\u201d which \u201ccan highlight significant changes in types of health data in a way that is easy to understand.\u201d Additionally, \u201cif a goal is trending down, users receive coaching on how to turn it around.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cApple Watch is equipped with features to notify users of possible underlying health conditions, giving them the agency to act on this information,\u201d the report states. \u201cBecause Apple Watch is always on the wrist, features like fall detection and Emergency SOS can also help users call for help in the moment they need it.\u201d<\/p>\n
It highlights some of the ways in which Apple Watch can support people in this way:<\/p>\n