Patient-Engaged Research Model Gains Traction
A model for patient-engaged research, backed by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), is setting a new standard for developing chronic illness tools. The approach involves patients and caregivers as full members of research and design teams. This co-creation method is intended to produce tools that better match the real-world needs and language of users.
- Since its start in 2010, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has invested over $4.5 billion in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). PCORI's research priorities include improving healthcare systems, addressing health disparities, and accelerating patient-centered outcomes research. In December 2024, PCORI approved $156 million in funding for new studies. - The consumer health app market is experiencing significant growth, with over 90,000 new health apps released in 2020, bringing the total to over 350,000. The wellness app market is projected to exceed $26 billion by 2030, with the exercise and weight loss segment accounting for the largest revenue share. This growth is driven by the increasing use of smartphones and wearable technology. - Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are being integrated into consumer health apps to provide personalized recommendations for diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. AI-driven platforms can analyze user data to predict health risks and encourage preventative care. The market for AI in healthcare is expected to grow, with AI-powered systems enhancing patient self-management tools like smartphone apps and self-monitoring devices. - Integration with wearable devices via APIs from companies like Apple (HealthKit), Fitbit, and Garmin is a key strategy for consumer health apps to gather comprehensive user data. Unified APIs are becoming more common, allowing developers to connect to multiple wearable ecosystems with a single integration, which can reduce development time from months to weeks. - Navigating health data privacy regulations is a critical concern for consumer health apps. While HIPAA applies to apps offered by healthcare providers and insurers, many consumer apps fall under the jurisdiction of state laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The CCPA gives consumers rights regarding their personal information, including health data, and requires businesses to be transparent about data collection and sharing practices. - Successful consumer health apps like Headspace and Calm have utilized a variety of user acquisition strategies, including content marketing, paid advertising, social media engagement, and influencer marketing. Building trust through expert-driven content and focusing on user retention are key to reducing customer acquisition costs. - Early-stage fundraising in digital health remains strong, with venture capital investment exceeding $50 billion globally in 2024. Investors are particularly interested in startups that leverage AI and demonstrate strong potential for patient engagement. Resources for founders include venture capital firms like Rock Health, which specializes in digital health, and accelerators such as Y Combinator. - The longevity and biohacking community is a growing segment of the wellness market, with a focus on extending "healthspan." Trends in this space include metabolic optimization through continuous glucose monitoring, the use of nootropics for cognitive enhancement, and an interest in regenerative medicine. While some biohacking practices have scientific support, others are more experimental and may carry risks.
