Platforms & Ecosystems

Platform economy in general dominantly refers to digital marketplaces where supply and demand successfully meet and are enabled by digital means. One major asset of platforms is data and business models related to user data. Healthcare itself is an ecosystem consisting of many different entities from point-of-care to hospitals, pharmacies, specialized health providers, and beyond. Hence, patients and entities in the health care sector can be connected via digital platforms to provide new solutions to existing problems and cures.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

In a world of digitalization and ever-growing amounts of data also healthcare is transformed into digital platforms and ecosystems. Technologies and services commonly used in our private life – such as digital self-services and fitness apps are transitioned into the professional health care system. By that more patient-centered services can be provided by healthcare institutions as well as new business models might arise.

A digital ecosystem enables collaboration and interaction by connecting data points, devices, and applications. This helps to organize, and structure work related to healthcare and might also be a new channel for delivering healthcare services.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE HEALTH INDUSTRY

Based on the paradigm of B2C-plattform which connect entities providing demand and supply, health-related platforms do the same towards connecting patients with healthcare entities. Based on this health services ranging from information access to treatments can be provided through digital means.

Healthcare platforms also allow to provide healthcare services even in remote areas where it might be challenging to provide a permanent physical presence of a healthcare facility. Hence, a broad audience can be addressed by

Entities in the healthcare sector can benefit from digital healthcare platforms as they support and enhance the core business and core activities of a healthcare provider. Exchange and access of data and information can be done faster, more cost-efficient, and easier. Patients themselves can actively support the gathering of personalized data that might help the diagnosis of a disease and its treatment. By that, the role of patients changes from passive receivers of a cure towards active participant in managing their own health. This is also one foundation of becoming an empowered patient in the healthcare system.

MICROTRENDS

CARBON HEALTH

Carbon Health is a platform that helps deliver telehealth/virtual care services. Patients can book same-day, phone-based appointments for primary and urgent care. They can also use this platform to have prescription drugs delivered to their doorsteps. In early 2021, the startup launched an initiative to control the COVID-19 pandemic called the “Carbon Health Vaccinate,” under which they’ve helped administer over 1.49 million vaccinations.

SONDERMIND

SonderMind offers technology that pairs individuals with therapists that meet their individual mental health needs. Features of their platform include quick matching and schedule coordination for individuals and administrative tools to help therapists provide services and engage with patients. Co-founders Sean Boyd and Mark Frank started SonderMind based on their experiences with the clinician and patient sides of a flawed mental healthcare system.

HEALTHY.IO

A medtech innovator, Healthy.io provides FDA-approved technology to turn smartphone cameras into at-home medical test kits. With this app and kits, users can do UTI testing, prenatal monitoring, open wound assessments, and more, all in their homes. Over the years, the startup has partnered with organizations like NHS, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and the National Kidney Foundation. According to their website, Healthy.io has a patient satisfaction rating of 93%.

DAY ZERO DIAGNOSTICS

A bioscience startup, Day Zero Diagnostics provides clinically actionable data for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Specifically, they specialize in identifying pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics. For this purpose, the startup leverages machine learning and whole-genome sequencing. Day Zero Diagnostics was awarded $6.2M under the CARB-X accelerator program to work on a new diagnostic test.