INSIGHTS
April 13, 2020

Surveillance in sickness and in health

Welcome to the era of syndromic surveillance. After largely forgoing contact tracing early on, CDC Director Robert Redfield pinpointed the public health tool as a key focus going forward—and highlighted technology’s role in augmenting the human taskforce needed to do the job. Right on cue, Apple and Google announced the development of a COVID-19 tracing API to alert individuals if they’ve been exposed to someone with the disease.

Such an approach is promising, with a few potential challenges: Bluetooth is spotty, widespread adoption is needed to be effective, distrust runs deep within marginalized communities, and, of course, privacy is a concern. As digital health companies have reportedly been tapped to support a national coronavirus surveillance system, it seems we’re left to decide—will we relinquish our privacy in the name of security?

Headlines

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Our corporate partners are putting their energy where it’s needed most Rock Health | (Tweet)

Why Does COVID-19 Make Some People So Sick? Ask Their DNA
In a new study, 23andMe will mine its genetic database for clues WIRED | (Tweet)

How Chronic Disease Patients Are Innovating Together Online
If you’re considering your next business idea, look to patient communities HBR | (Tweet)

Startups, FDA Continue To Spar Over At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Some confusion stems from whether they fall under FDA or CMS purview STAT | (Tweet)

Google Will Guide You To Virtual Care Through Search And Maps
It’ll show local provider offerings and consumer apps as options CNBC | (Tweet)

Should Digital Therapeutics Be Covered For The Publicly Insured?
The tools could help fill gaps in chronic care management STAT | (Tweet)

More Clinical Trials Than Ever Are Using Connected Digital Devices
In 18 years, the number of trials using them grew more than 10X MobiHealthNews | (Tweet)

Digital Health Got Record Dollars Ahead Of COVID-19 Storm
A look at challenges and opportunities for the sector MedCity News | (Tweet)

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