The Internet of Healthy Things

By 2020, experts predict that more than 20 billion everyday objects will be able to capture, receive and share data via a vast, interconnected global network linked together by inexpensive sensors, GPS and ’the cloud.’ Just around the corner, real time biometric data will be automatically captured and used to learn more about the impact of lifestyle on chronic diseases and wellness, and ultimately change behavior to improve our health. A technological and social shift of this magnitude will be felt by virtually every sector of the economy, every business and every human being. It’s a story that needs to be told by someone who has more than an academic understanding of this megatrend -- it needs to be told by someone who helped to create it. In his new book, The Internet of Healthy Things, (IoHT) connected health pioneer and visionary Dr. Joe Kvedar describes the phenomena driving this trend and the business opportunities that arise from it. Connecting to the IoHT presents a huge opportunity for all sectors of business and society, including payers, providers, pharma and biotech companies, and technology vendors , as well as newcomers to the space with fresh, creative ideas. This book shares Dr. Kvedar’s observations as a 20-year veteran in the field, as well as: • Insights on consumer behavior , outlining the strategies and programs that can apply to the coming IoHT, while anticipating future trends • Highlights ways to design personal health devices and platforms that make the health consumer experience more compelling and addictive • Reviews new and potential applications of the many different (and novel) form factors that can be used for connecting health information to consumers • Offers strategic advice for startups and entrepreneurs to the connected health market • Includes interviews with top industry leaders, healthcare providers, innovators and investors • Foreword by Harry L. Leider, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer and Group Vice President, Walgreen Company

Long before the internet, health and wellness trackers, apps, sensors or smartphones even existed, Joe Kvedar was creating a new model of health care delivery, moving care from the hospital or doctor's office into the day-to-day lives of patients. Joseph C. Kvedar, MD, Vice President, Connected Health, Partners HealthCare, is leveraging personal health technologies to improve care delivery and help providers and patients better manage chronic conditions, maintain health and wellness and improve adherence, engagement and clinical outcomes. Under Dr. Kvedar's two decades of leadership, Partners Connected Health has launched a number of innovative health tracking programs, mobile health, virtual care initiatives and clinical research programs for the more than 1.5 million patients served at Partners HealthCare-affiliated hospitals, including Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, community and specialty hospitals, community health centers, home care and other health-related entities. Connected health programs address a wide range of health challenges, from heart failure, hypertension and diabetes, to prenatal care, medication adherence, cancer pain management, teen asthma and smoking cessation . Partners Connected Health has also conducted seminal studies that have demonstrated the positive impact of personal health and wellness monitoring to promote and maintain healthy behaviors. Dr. Kvedar, who is internationally recognized as a pioneer and visionary in the field of connected health, has authored over 1000 publications on the subject. He serves as a strategic advisor at Qualcomm Life, West Health Institute, Puretech Ventures and BD Technologies, and is a mentor at Blueprint Health, providing guidance and insight to developing companies. Dr. Kvedar is also a mentor at the Harvard Innovation Lab and serves as a judge for its President's Challenge for Entrepreneurship. Based on the technology platform developed at Partners Connected Health, a personalized health technology company was launched and later acquired by a leading insurance company to support its program encouraging healthy behavior and wellness education among employee populations. In 2013, Dr. Kvedar launched Wellocracy, a leading source of impartial, easy-to-understand information on new personal "self-health" technologies like activity trackers, wireless devices and mobile apps to empower people to get and stay healthy.