Singapore’s Health Promotion Board has recently embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with various technology companies to introduce innovative programmes aimed at promoting self-health management through personalized recommendations for preventing and managing chronic diseases.
DigiCoach, in collaboration with Abbott and Health2Sync, focuses on individuals at risk of developing diabetes or those with elevated body mass index levels. This initiative incorporates Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor and Health2Sync’s digital diabetes platform to provide real-time insights on blood glucose levels, diet, and physical activities. The programme also includes a digital coaching component to assist participants in making lifestyle modifications to effectively manage their blood sugar levels.
Another initiative, HealthTrack SG, developed in partnership with Google, Fullerton Health, and ConnectedLife, aims to help individuals manage conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidaemia. Utilizing Fitbit fitness trackers, the programme collects lifestyle data including step count, physical activity levels, and sleep quality, along with clinical data such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These data are consolidated on an online dashboard accessible to healthcare providers and integrated into a mobile application developed by Google and ConnectedLife. The app offers tips and guidance to help users implement lifestyle changes recommended by healthcare professionals.
These collaborative programmes underscore the Health Promotion Board’s commitment to empowering Singaporeans to take control of their health. By enrolling up to 6,000 participants in these pilot initiatives, the HPB aims to gather valuable insights into the health concerns and lifestyle risks of the Singaporean population. Data privacy and security are paramount, with all information collected adhering to Singapore’s stringent regulations.
Looking ahead, the HPB is exploring the potential to expand these programmes to reach a larger audience once their effectiveness and feasibility have been established. The ultimate goal is to provide scalable solutions that can benefit more individuals in managing and preventing chronic conditions.
This initiative aligns with a larger trend in Singapore, where technology companies like ConnectedLife and Google-owned Fitbit have previously collaborated on cloud-based preventative health services. These initiatives have shown promising results in promoting wellness and disease prevention among diverse populations.
In a statement, HPB CEO Tay Choon Hong emphasized the significance of these partnerships in delivering timely and actionable recommendations to Singaporeans for better chronic disease management. The potential for scaling up these solutions holds promise for improving the overall health and well-being of the Singaporean community.
