The Home as a Health Center initiative is revolutionizing the future of healthcare by transforming homes into integrated environments for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. One of the pillars of this project is the Ideas Lab, where developers create innovative solutions to adapt medical devices to people’s daily lives, ensuring that they integrate seamlessly with their lifestyles and existing technologies.
Why Was Diabetes Chosen as a Test Case?
The FDA selected diabetes as the initial focus because of:
✔ High prevalence – More than 37 million Americans live with the disease.
✔ Dependence on medical devices – Glucometers, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and insulin pumps are essential.
✔ Potential for preventing comorbidities – Such as cardiovascular and kidney disease.
✔ Patient and professional engagement – Active communities can accelerate innovation.
How Does the Initiative Work?
- Research and Rationale
A comprehensive literature review was conducted in four areas:
Clinical aspects (diabetes management).
Health technologies (existing and emerging devices).
Home design (how to adapt homes for medical care).
Affordable housing (solutions for people with disabilities).
- Expert collaboration
Input came from:
Patients and caregivers (including people with limited access to healthcare).
Developers of medical devices and wearables.
Healthcare professionals (endocrinologists, nurses, diabetes educators).
Architects and designers (focused on affordable housing).
- Personas and Real-World Scenarios
To guide the developers, detailed personas were created, representing:
Different lifestyles (seniors, youth, families).
Varying medical needs (type 1, type 2 diabetes, comorbidities).
Everyday challenges (use of glucose monitors, insulin pumps, home hemodialysis).
Beyond Diabetes: The Future of Home Care
While the initial focus is diabetes, the “Home as a Health Center” initiative aims to expand solutions to:
Chronic diseases (hypertension, heart failure).
Post-surgical rehabilitation.
Remote monitoring of seniors.
Conclusion:
Personalized and Accessible Health
The integration of technology, design and medicine is creating a new paradigm, where the home becomes an active health hub. With the collaboration of patients, developers and professionals, this initiative promises:
✅ Improved adherence to treatments.
✅ Reduced hospitalizations.
✅ Increased quality of life.
What do you think? Is your home ready to be a health center? 🏡💡
(Sources: FDA, diabetes organizations, health innovation reports.)