Fitbit has announced that it has partnered with Google across wearables and digital health. Under this partnership, Fitbit will be using Google’s Cloud Healthcare API to provide an interoperability solution to enable users to collaborate on care with their own healthcare providers.
It now connects the user data with electronic medical records (EMR) and by combining the Fitbit data with EMRs can provide patients and clinicians a more comprehensive view of the patient profile, leading to more personalized care. Both the companies will also help in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension by using Fitbit’s recently acquired Twine Health services.
Twine with the help of Google’s Cloud Healthcare API aims to make it easier for clinicians and patients to collaborate on care, health plans, and hospitals. Google cloud services will help Fitbit with next-generation cloud services and engineering support.
Majority of Google Cloud products supporting HIPAA compliance, including Cloud IoT Core. Google’s AI and machine learning capabilities and new predictive analytic algorithms will further help Fitbit to bring more meaningful data and insights to consumers to help them achieve positive health outcomes.
Commenting on the partnership, James Park, co-founder, and CEO of Fitbit said:
Over the past decade, we have built an incredible foundation as the leading wearables brand, helping millions of people around the world make lasting behavior changes that improve their health and wellness through fun and engaging experiences. Working with Google gives us an opportunity to transform how we scale our business, allowing us to reach more people around the world faster, while also enhancing the experience we offer to our users and the healthcare system. This collaboration will accelerate the pace of innovation to define the next generation of healthcare and wearables.
Gregory Moore MD, Ph.D., Vice President, Healthcare, Google Cloud said:
At Google, our vision is to transform the way health information is organized and made useful. By enabling Fitbit to connect and manage key health and fitness data using our Google Cloud Healthcare API, we are getting one step closer to this goal. Together, we have the opportunity to deliver up-to-date information to providers, enhancing their ability to follow and manage the health of their patients and guide their treatment.