Health and fitness trackers are abundant, ranging from mainstream brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, Fitbit, Withings to more specialized ones like Polar, Suunto, Garmin. These devices assume that users are healthy and want to get in better shape.
But what if you’re not healthy? Visible is leading the healthcare tech revolution by focusing on underserved populations, offering hope to millions struggling with chronic illnesses, including long COVID. Visible has introduced an innovative “illness tracker” that helps users manage their physical discomforts, catering to severe cases of chronic illness. According to Harry Leeming, Visible’s co-founder and CEO, this is a market that has been “wildly underserved.”
Visible’s journey began with the goal of streamlining patient communication during the chaos of the COVID outbreak. However, the company pivoted to address the urgent long COVID problem, leading to the creation of the “illness tracker.”
By leveraging advanced data analytics, Visible’s software, available as iOS and Android apps, aims to address the needs of chronic illness sufferers by providing personalized insights into their daily energy levels and physical well-being.
Personal Experience
As someone dealing with long COVID, I tested Visible’s solution during CES. The app uses a Polar continuous heart monitor band to track heart rate and variability, providing a morning check-in rating that helps users gauge their energy levels and plan their day accordingly.
Having received warnings from the app, I found it to be a powerful tool for managing my energy levels, an experience shared by others with long COVID.
Future Outlook
“COVID has shed light on an overlooked market of chronic conditions,” said Leeming. Visible’s tracker aims to consider fitness, wellness, and illness, with thousands already benefiting from its data-centric approach. The app is not limited to COVID monitoring and has shown potential in aiding those with post-concussion syndrome, post-surgery fatigue, and cancer recovery.
Visible’s “illness tracker” is evolving into a personal health assistant, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their well-being. While still in its early stages, the app sets realistic expectations and seems to offer a promising way forward for chronic illness sufferers.
