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Editor’s note: Jennifer Samproni is chief technology officer, Health Solutions at Flex. She has over three decades of experience in medical device development, leading both engineering and scientific organizations.
As medical device companies strive to remain competitive and agile in today’s fast-paced world, they must center manufacturing in business optimization plans while embracing a design-to-value approach from the start.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the healthcare industry’s transformation, driving faster innovation, open collaboration, optimized speed-to-market and near-instant scalability. Now, traditional healthcare delivery models are shifting, as and consumers demand more control over their health, turning to at-home devices and wearables.
To succeed, our industry must learn from faster-moving industries — such as consumer electronics — that navigate these dynamics well. Consumer electronics companies develop products quickly, collaborate across the industry and continually adapt to meet customer demand and market trends — best practices that are becoming increasingly important to compete in the dynamic healthcare industry.
Adapting to a dynamic market
When the pandemic pushed healthcare (and every other industry) into crisis, providers responded by finding new ways to provide care — from adopting telemedicine and remote monitoring to implementing virtual training systems, robotics and even drone delivery.
The industry’s dynamic evolution made it clear that consumers want products that deliver instantaneous information, a great user experience and care when and where they want it.
Consider the advancements in human-machine interface (HMI) that make operating a smartphone or driving a car with driver assistance features a seamless, enjoyable experience. To satisfy consumers, the same must be true for healthcare devices. Consumers expect easy-to-use, connected devices with interactive applications and smart, data-rich features. The proliferation of wearable devices has raised expectations for lightweight technology— whether providing therapeutic, diagnostic or monitoring services — that seamlessly integrate into their lives.
Moreover, an aging population, chronic illnesses treatment and cost pressures across the continuum of care, present the healthcare industry with both enormous challenges and opportunities. We can overcome challenges head-on and provide greater access to healthcare by acting nimbly, embracing smart and connected technologies and learning from other industries.
