Sanofi Aventis’ iBGStar, a blood glucose monitoring hardware accessory and application for iPhone and iPod Touch devices, provides an example of how healthcare companies can offer an integrated mobile user experience.

The device attaches to the connection dock of their iOS handheld and allows users to monitor and analyse their own blood glucose levels and share that information with their doctor. The first time the scanner is attached, the user is prompted to download the companion app from the iOS App Store.

The company already offers a similar product as a standalone device, but says it is responding to customer demand for a solution which works with their existing mobile handset.

There are already many mobile accessories in the ‘well being’ category, such as pedometers and GPS modules which connect to phones over Bluetooth and help users track exercise to improve health. However, there have been relatively few offerings in the ‘healthcare’ category, capable of providing detailed medical information.

Pathway #5 at the next MEX, entitled ‘Create best practice for the user experience of mobile health services‘ will explore this area in more detail. MEX is in London on 30 Nov – 01 Dec.