#Japan #Tokyo #Fitbit #Tech Doctor #Google Health API

Tech Doctor Completes Transition to Google Health API

Overview

Tech Doctor, headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has announced the successful integration of Google Health API into its clinical research support system, "SelfBase", and digital health solution platform, "Health Portal". This crucial move ensures that users will continue to access data from Fitbit devices, even after the planned cessation of support for the Fitbit Web API in September 2026. This update mitigates the risk of data interruption in ongoing clinical research and healthcare services.

Background: Transition Ahead of Fitbit Web API Support End

In a previous announcement, Google indicated that it would discontinue support for the Fitbit Web API by September 2026, urging users to transition to the Google Health API. Changes in authentication methods and usage terms mean that prior authorization data will not carry over, necessitating user re-consent. Additionally, to utilize Google Health API in the production environment, systems must pass a privacy and security evaluation by Google. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the disruption of data access, potentially hindering ongoing healthcare operations.

Tech Doctor's Response to Google Health API Implementation

In response to these changes, Tech Doctor has completed necessary technical adjustments and operational preparations for transitioning to the Google Health API. The key elements of this adaptation include:

• - Migration to the new authentication method for Google Health API
• - Establishment of re-consent workflows for research participants and service users
• - Verification of data integrity and acquisition status before and after the transition

Moreover, Tech Doctor successfully obtained a "CASA (Cloud Application Security Assessment) Tier 2" certification to ensure compliance with security requirements necessary for systems interfacing with the Google Health API, thus providing a secure operational environment for data collection.

As a result, users of "SelfBase" and "Health Portal" can continue utilizing Fitbit data post the Fitbit Web API support cessation without the need for significant system modifications. Existing customers have been promptly informed about re-consent procedures and migration methods and are progressively moving forward with these adaptations. Research participants and service users will also be able to maintain use of their Fitbit devices following the re-consent process.

Should there be any inquiries regarding migration steps or progress, clients can reach out to Tech Doctor representatives for assistance.

Verification of Data Consistency Before and After Migration

Alongside the transition to Google Health API, Tech Doctor conducted rapid assessments to confirm data consistency between the systems pre-and post-migration. Findings indicate that metrics such as heart rate and sleep data remain largely unchanged compared to the Fitbit Web API. However, discrepancies were noted in step counting, with some mobile app data being aggregated. The team is addressing these issues to ensure accurate identification and aggregation of Fitbit-derived data.

Additionally, while there have been modifications in the measurement items and output formats for certain metrics, Google Health API introduces new data collection capabilities. These include absolute skin temperature values, distance and heart rate zone data per minute, calories burned by zone, average heart rate and pace per exercise session, daily heart rate variability (HRV) figures, and sitting block metrics. These advancements broaden the possibilities for research and analysis using wearable data.

Tech Doctor's Strengths in Data Stability

Tech Doctor has provided data collection infrastructure for over 100 clinical research and healthcare projects by collaborating with various wearable devices, including Fitbit. Continuous adaptation to API specifications and platform updates is vital in maintaining the continuity of data acquisition. The recent transition to Google Health API leverages Tech Doctor's extensive operational experience in facilitating not only technical adjustments but also comprehensive user re-consent workflows, data integrity checks, and migration support.

The company is committed to ensuring that customers can confidently harness wearable data for their clinical research and healthcare services, thereby supporting sustained operational success.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Tech Doctor intends to continuously enhance its data acquisition framework in response to API specifications and platform developments from various wearable device manufacturers, including Google Health API. The aim is to support existing clients in maintaining stable operations while also providing a reliable environment for newcomers looking to engage in clinical research or digital health services using wearable data.

As a trusted partner in the social implementation of wearable data for clinical research and digital health, Tech Doctor is dedicated to delivering a robust data infrastructure that contributes to the advancement of its clients' research and services.

About SelfBase

SelfBase is a clinical research support system designed to collect, visualize, and analyze longitudinal data obtained from multiple wearable devices and medical devices. It provides comprehensive assistance from research planning and device selection to participant management, data integration and analysis, and report generation.

About Health Portal

Health Portal supports the development of software as a medical device (SaMD) and digital health solutions using sensing data collected in daily life. Through proprietary digital biomarker technology, Tech Doctor assists in realizing new data-driven medical and health support services.

About Tech Doctor Inc.

Founded on June 21, 2019, Tech Doctor Inc. aims to lead the transition to a data-centric era for better health through the development and social implementation of digital biomarkers drawn from everyday sensing data. The company collaborates with medical, pharmaceutical, and food-related businesses, as well as research institutions, to actualize data-driven healthcare solutions.