WHAT’S WRONG WITH CONNECTED MEDICAL DEVICES?
Lee Dodd
Millions of individuals rely on self-administered drug delivery devices for essential care and at Carclo we spend a lot of time thinking about how such devices and how Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) may enhance the drug delivery pathway.
The opportunities for connected medical devices are considerable:
· Direct User Support: Behaviour guidance, real-time monitoring and technique correction.
· Promote Adherence: Encourage and incentivise device / drug use.
· Multi-level Adherence Tracking: Providing visibility for family support networks, clinicians and public & commercial payers.
· Enhanced Data Insights: Diagnostic support for clinicians and real-time analytics for clinical trials.
The theoretical result?
· Improved health outcomes.
· Reduced cognitive and physical burden for the individual.
· Optimised cost allocation for institutional payers.
So why does our research keep leading us back to an uncomfortable truth?
After the initial novelty wears off… the ‘smart’ features quietly stop working.
· Batteries go uncharged.
· Apps go unopened.
· End users slowly drift back to the simplicity of their trusted “dumb” devices.
This raises a difficult question: If connected devices have the potential to be so powerful: why are so many ignored?
Our conclusion?
For the person managing their condition daily, the friction of engagement often outweighs the perceived value. When a device simply tells a user what they already know, the smart features become a chore rather than a benefit – diluting and degrading trust in the data and the very outcomes payers and clinicians are looking for.
So, should we give up on connected devices altogether? At Carclo LifeTech Solutions we don’t think so.
But we do think a different approach is needed. Over this series of posts, we’ll outline:
· Why connected devices often fail to sustain engagement.
· What individuals need from connected hard and soft health platforms.
· How the next generation of connected healthcare and SaMD should look.
· What Carclo LifeTech Solutions is doing to deliver it.
But first we’re curious:
· As a user: Have you ever abandoned a ‘smart’ health device once the novelty wore off? What was the deal breaker?
· As a provider: Have you seen engagement fade after the initial launch? How are you tackling digital fatigue?
Team Carclo
