Medtronic Syncs Garmin Tracker Data into Patient Monitoring Platform

Medtronic plc and Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., announced the integration of Garmin wearable device data directly into Medtronic Care Management Services’ (MCMS) remote patient monitoring platform. Medtronic was the first to adopt and help launch the new Garmin Health software development kit (SDK) by syncing Garmin vívofit series activity tracker data into the MCMS NetResponse mobile application, a collaboration that allows patients—and their physicians, nurses, and care coordinators—to better manage their health conditions from home.
 
“Remote patient monitoring is at its best when technology and care coordination can work together seamlessly,” said Sheri Dodd, vice president and general manager of Medtronic Care Management Services. “Garmin activity trackers have the features and long battery life that will help make at-home monitoring easier for patients. We are excited to bring this unique integration into our industry-leading services to help enhance the healthcare and post-discharge recovery support care providers can give to their patients, especially those living with chronic conditions.”
 
Activity levels are one of many important factors in remotely assessing a patient’s health status, whether in monitoring a chronic condition or a post-discharge recovery process. By using technology, connected data, and personalized care coordination, clinicians may be able to more efficiently evaluate patient health information, consider early intervention points, and avoid unnecessary healthcare utilization. 
 
With this new integration, a Garmin vívofit series activity tracker is now included as one of the Bluetooth-connected peripheral device options providers can choose for their patients through MCMS’ remote monitoring services.For patients using MCMS’ mobile monitoring platform, activity data from the Garmin vívofit series activity tracker will sync into the NetResponse application. This gives clinicians further patient context beyond the biometrics and other patient-reported symptom information already collected through MCMS’ disease management programs. The addition of activity data may provide clinicians with an enhanced view of their patients’ health status, and help patients direct their own self-care. 
 
Garmin has more than a decade of wearable device expertise and provides an extensive suite of products designed to match any individual’s activity requirements. Garmin device features include water resistance and a long battery life to help increase convenience and usage for patients participating in remote patient monitoring programs, as they rarely have to remove their device.
 
“Combining the benefits of Garmin activity trackers with our SDK reduces friction for patients, so Medtronic can use a single interface to collect data.” Dan Bartel, VP of Garmin Worldwide Sales, stated, “Garmin is excited to partner with Medtronic, a leader in medical technology, to add activity data from our world-class wearable devices.”