The world as we know it today relies heavily on connectivity. Digital technology is enabling more and more things to become part of an immense network.

It’s changing every business and forcing the C-suite to think of ways to live up to market expectations with respect to cloud connectivity, data access, availability, digital presence, and more. In the healthcare market, this is even more significant as payment models shift and payers focus on evidence-based medicine – making connected medical devices an important part of every manufacturer’s portfolio.

Gone are the days of standalone medical devices whose only data output methods were on-device displays or a paper printout. Devices are now expected to be able to connect to a network via a wired or more likely a wireless connection. Development of connected devices poses several new questions that you may not have thought about before. For example, how will adding wireless technology affect device design? Which wireless technology is appropriate? How will the user interface and use instructions need to change? What level of encryption and security is required? Device makers should not underestimate the impact that adding connectivity to a device can have – it would be a folly to view this as adding just another chip to the existing PCB!

via Developing a connected medical device? Critical tips to consider | MassDevice.