In this interview, Brett Marquard and I had an eye-opening discussion with Mikael Rinnetmäki, founder of Sensotrend a digital health startup based in Finland. Sensotrend has been developing rich functionality for managing diabetes data, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) information.
Mikael shared valuable insights from his experience integrating CGM data into Finland's national personal health record (PHR) system. He explained how Sensotrend's app enables patients to visualize and interact with their glucose readings, insulin dosing, and lifestyle factors in a user-friendly way. The app then stores this data in the PHR, where it can be accessed by healthcare providers and inserted into clinician-facing EHR views with SMART on FHIR.
We delved into the unique governance model in Finland, where app developers can seek approval from a national board to ensure data is modeled appropriately before it can be written to the PHR. Mikael emphasized the need for clear data access rights and the importance of empowering patients to control how their information is shared.
Throughout our conversation, Mikael highlighted key challenges and opportunities in the CGM data integration space, such as:
Enabling seamless data flow from various CGM devices (e.g., Dexcom, Abbott) into repositories where patient-determined controls can be applied
Developing intuitive visualizations and analytics tools to help patients and providers gain actionable insights
Streamlining device onboarding and consent processes to facilitate data sharing
Exploring ways to write CGM data directly into EHR systems using FHIR standards
Supporting batch uploads of historical CGM readings to improve efficiency and performance
Mikael stressed the importance of balancing data governance with innovation to drive better outcomes for people with diabetes.
As the Argonaut project embarks on its mission to enhance CGM data interoperability, Mikael's perspectives underscore the need for collaboration between patients, providers, device manufacturers, and health IT vendors.
Many thanks to Mikael for sharing his expertise and passion for advancing diabetes care through data-driven innovation.
15 окт 2024
