Introduction:
If osteoporosis is diagnosed and treated early, falls and fall related costs can be
prevented. A pharmaceutical company (PC) and the med tech start-up of Lindera want
to partner to identify and support patients at risk. In addition to applying classical
and costly bone density measurements and collecting the number of fractures, the parties
aim to test an innovative digital approach that puts the patient at the center of
individualized treatment and support. With the help of Lindera, the PC wants to support
the convenient analysis of patient-individual risk factors and the likelihood of falling,
thereby helping physicians to identify appropriate patients who may benefit from treatment.
The Mobility Test is a novel diagnostic tool developed by Lindera. The Lindera Mobility
Test is based on proprietary and science driven AI technology and has been certified
as a Medical Device Class 1. The tool is available as an app for both Android and
iOS mobile devices. Lindera has pioneered the digital and science-based prevention
of falls, connecting the care team of elderly who may be at risk of falling.
Methods:
Patient assessments are based on 3D gait analyses via a regular smartphone camera;
physical risk factors and living conditions are derived from a psycho-social test.
The Lindera Mobility Test can be applied in a physician's office or in the convenience
of a patient's home: Simply take a video with a regular smartphone camera, answer
the psycho-social questions – and then get a comprehensive analysis including the
individual likelihood for falling and a personalized prevention plan within seconds.
For the first time, we can then track physical changes over time in a systematic way
and in all living conditions to support the quality management in elderly care.
Results:
The PC and Lindera want to conduct a study that includes the Lindera Mobility Test
to bring patient centricity to osteoporosis care, i.e. identify the right patients
for therapy and serve the patient „beyond the pill”. The current consideration is
to have 40 – 50 osteologists to enroll 1,000 patients in the study, and to follow
patients for a period of 12 months. Study design and enrollment criteria will be one
of the first digital joint ventures between pharma, technology and osteologists to
empower the patient.
Discussion:
– risk factors and ethics of diagnostic support for digital applications – role of
pharma and osteologists in a digital world – benefits and risks of patient centric
approaches – how to work with a start-up? – how to better link osteologists and elder
care?
Correction:
The abstract was submitted as an incorrect version. This is correct version.
