I thought the release last week by Bayer Health of their new blood glucose measuring device (Diget) was an interesting one.  Not so much because the device neatly integrates with the Nintendo DS gaming system and provides game rewards (new powers, access to new levels, etc) but because the eHealth Europe ( http://www.ehealtheurope.net/news/5051/nintendo_ds_to_offer_diabetes_care ) has reported that the device will also will also upload data to the DIGET website and integrate with their diabetes management system designed for children between the ages 5 and 14.

The big issue with personal health records is not so much the technology (both Global Health and Healthe have been providing consumer focused personal health records for years), the real issue is making it worthwhile for consumers to enter the data.

It is always a balance of weighing up the time spent in the boring task of inputting data against the benefit derived from better managing your health.  The problem is the downside of data input always has to come first, it is an immediate issue, while the benefit of a healthier lifestyle can take months before a positive feedback is realised.  This is of course separate from the difficulties healthcare practitioners have in inputting information...but that is an issue for a separate discussion.

So anything that makes health data input easier has got to be an important step in the broader use of personal health records and the better management of our lifestyle.  As a consequence the DIGET product announcement is important.  But this is only one of many such announcement you may be seeing in the near future.  Lifescan have announced a blood glucose device for the the Apple iphone (http://www.diabetesmine.com/2009/03/lifescans-new-diabetes-iphone-app.html )  and there will be announcements for other smart phones coming out soon.

The application of gaming technology is one of the most promising areas for making the input of of health data a higher value experience.  This, combined with the spread of the high power mobile computing platforms (read smart phones) integrated with all sorts of sensors, means that the objective of convenient health information data entry that is linked with our healthcare providers care plan that allows us to make more effective lifestyle decisions, is getting closer.