The Google X research division developed a medical wristband that will allow doctors to track patients' health remotely for research purposes.
The wristband can measure pulse, rhythm, skin temperature, light exposure and noise levels. Current smartwatches also have health features, but the data isn't detailed enough to be used for research. Google's medical wristband is designed specifically for research use and will not be sold to the public.
“Our intended use is for this to become a medical device that’s prescribed to patients or used for clinical trials,” said Andy Conrad, head of the life sciences team at Google, during an interview with Bloomberg.
Researchers hope the new device will improve data gathering, which could lead to more accurate findings.
"Historically, doctors do everything—patients just need to turn up at the trial site,” said Kara Dennis, managing director of mobile health at Medidata, to Bloomberg. "Now, we’re asking patients to take on meaningful responsibility in gathering information.”
Google also believes the wristband's use can be beneficial to patients because it could help them prevent and treat certain diseases.
"Our hope is that this technology could unlock a new class of continuous, medical-grade information that makes it easier to understand these patterns and manage serious health conditions," said Conrad to CNN Money.
Google will involve academic researchers and drugmakers during the testing of the wristband. The company plans to launch the clinical trials in the United States and Europe over the summer.
